The Best Room At ... The Gstaad Palace
When it comes to iconic hotels, the Gstaad Palace in the Swiss Alps stands in a category of it's own. Since the family-owned hotel opened in 1913, it has been considered the crème de la crème of lodgings in the region.
Just a short train ride from Zurich up to the Alps, the Palace has hosted everyone from royals, to music icons—and even celebrities from the golden age of Hollywood. But beyond the A-list clientele, the Gstaad Palace has set the gold standard in terms of what luxury travel really means, from the accommodations, the world class spa, fine restaurants, and of course, the endlessly personable employees who seek to make sure guests have the best possible stay; an important part of why their clients seem to return year after year, often with many generations.
The owner and general manager of The Gstaad Palace, Andrea Scherz, sat down with Town & Country to talk all things Gstaad Palace, from the most luxurious lodgings at the iconic hotel, to the riveting history of what is now the hotel's restaurant, and the absolutely must-do activities during one's stay.
Describe the hotel in one sentence.
The Gstaad Palace has been a long time favorite getaway for international travelers, royals and celebrities; it's located in a picturesque chalet village that the wealthy live and escape to. Fun fact, it is one of the last family-owned Palaces since it opened in 1913!
Which room is the best—and why?
The best room at Gstaad Palace is the Penthouse Suite, with 2,583 sq. ft. of living space, three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms (two featuring steam baths), private sauna in the tower, fireplace (perfect to cozy up to after a day in the snow), and a 1,615 sq. ft. rooftop terrace with a whirlpool. And if these luxurious amenities alone aren’t enough, every room is sure to wow you with breathtaking, panoramic views of the Swiss mountains. It's almost as if you're in your own personal snow globe.
What is the average night rate?
In the winter it ranges from $9,881.27 a night to a price upon request. In the summer, prices range from $8,642.39 to $9,831.71 a night.
Are you able to mention any celebrities that the hotel has hosted since it opened?
The musicians Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Robbie Williams, and Bob Sinclair have all stayed with us. Other famous clients have been Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Roger Moore. Another fun tidbit: scenes from the 1975 film The Return of the Pink Panther starring Peter Sellers were also filmed at the Gstaad Palace.
Who is your typical guest and how would you describe them?
Our international guests are usually very well-travelled, affluent, and pretty much interested in unique luxury of all kinds. Although they have seen a lot, if not all, they like to come back to us every year to experience the unique atmosphere of our Palace and its home, Gstaad. Our hotel has always been the perfect choice for travelers seeking for the extraordinary, the irreplaceable.
If they travel alone, as a couple, or with the entire family, for meetings or leisure, to relax in our unique spa, to be active on the mountains, or just to stroll in the village, our guests always feel themselves surrounded by like-minded people, and that’s what they enjoy in Gstaad.
What is one local recommendation you always give first-time visitors?
Enjoy the sunsets on top of one of the peaks nearby, you will fall in love in Gstaad’s nature immediately, or take a helicopter flight to discover the region's limitless beauty.
Can you share an interesting tidbit about the hotel's history?
The Schweizerische Bankgesellschaft has a solid vault and an emergency shelter built under the Palace terrace as a precaution in World War II, 1939-40. If any businesses close to the borders had to be abandoned, the bank management (Swiss Bank Corporation) would have set them up at the Palace. Gold was stored there, among other things. The cozy Fromagerie restaurant is now in this room today.
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