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The quaint, carless town of Zermatt may be small in size, but in character and reputation, it’s huge. It boasts one of the best European ski resorts and a plethora of exquisite dining options, all in one of the most impressive and beautiful natural landscapes in the world. Zermatt hotels are world-renowned for their pitch-perfect takes on Alpine design and cozy interiors, making them sought-after destinations for a vacation.
Many luxury hotels in Zermatt, despite their size and amenities, are family-owned. This means each of these mountain properties has its own distinct vibe; each one is an expression of the individual family’s vision. You’ll find more of a focus on your comfort as a guest, as their name literally depends on you having an incredible stay on their property.
The high season in Zermatt is certainly in the winter; when the slopes open, the world descends upon this little corner of the Alps for some of the most thrilling skiing in the world. But don’t discount a visit in the summer when you can spend your days hiking, swimming, or just relaxing on a sun-soaked terrace after a day at the spa.
If you’re planning your own trip to the famed Alpine town, or are just curious about the best hotels in Zermatt, read on for a selection of the town’s most intriguing stays.
Hotel Matterhorn FOCUS
Existing at the confluence of lifestyle and design, Hotel Matterhorn FOCUS consists of three distinct houses. In each one, you’ll find a mix of meticulously curated rooms and suites, some with luxurious details like skylights and fireplaces. Most rooms have balconies, so you’ll be able to enjoy your morning coffee in the brisk air with a perfect view of the Matterhorn herself.
The entire property is designed to offer the ultimate way to relax and enjoy the snowy mountain landscape. After a morning meal in the breakfast hall, you’re welcome to book a treatment at the spa center, or merely have a steam in the sauna. In the evenings, you can stop in the lounge for a nightcap, where a roaring fire may entice you to stay awhile.
The property is located right by the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station, where you can catch the gondola to the highest viewing platform in Europe.
CERVO
A vast concept resort compound, CERVO aims to cater to a variety of different styles of guests’ needs, and the accommodations range from luxury suites to sparse family rooms with lofted bunkies for kids. The property boasts a whopping seven lodges, containing several restaurants, bars, and a total of 54 rooms, suites, and apartments.
Among Zermatt hotels, CERVO stands out because of its internationally inspired spa facility: the Mountain Ashram Spa. By combining elements from Japanese onsen, Finnish saunas, and Bhutanese hot-stone baths into traditional local concepts, they have created a wellness spa dedicated to ultimate rejuvenation and relaxation.
Hotel Bellerive
Hidden behind an original 1800s Valais facade is the ultra-modern Hotel Bellerive. This historic building has been updated in every possible way, with lush, contemporary interiors, super-fast wifi, and flat-screen televisions.
Rooms here range from quaint doubles to a massive three-bedroom luxury apartment, so there are many options available depending on the size of your group. And bonus: if you simply can’t bear to leave your best friend at home, dogs are welcome in all of their guest rooms.
Hotel Pollux
Located right in the heart of Zermatt, Hotel Pollux offers stylish, contemporary luxury rooms and apartments. When designing the hotel, they paid special attention to sourcing local furniture and materials, and the whole space – the rooms, common areas, and restaurants – exudes a natural, distinctly Alpine aesthetic.
Despite its gorgeous, thoughtful interiors, a stay at Hotel Pollux begs for you to get outside as much as possible. The staff here are well versed in the best activities for every season and are happy to arrange a tour or outing for you. In the winter, they can suggest the best places to go ice skating or snowshoeing, or even help you hire a helicopter, pilot, and guide for a thrilling backcountry skiing adventure. In the summer, they can choreograph hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding excursions right from the front desk.
Riffelalp Resort 2222m
A five-star resort with a log cabin vibe, the Riffelalp Resort 2222m is a ski-in, ski-out property with five onsite dining options. Because it’s set well above 2000 meters, the skies here are more likely to be clear, giving you perfect views of the Matterhorn from most of the guestrooms, and cloudless, star-filled nights.
The real highlight is the in-house ski and trail guide, Yann. Four days a week, he arranges various group activity trips, like heli-skiing or backcountry snowshoeing. If you haven’t brought your own equipment, they have a rental facility just for guests of the hotel.
And if your perfect idea of an aprés ski is a little rest and relaxation, then you’re going to want to check out the highest-elevation spa in Europe: the 2222 spa. They even have a grotto and a steam bath in a cave.
22 SUMMITS Boutique Hotel
Designed to reflect and amplify the natural beauty of the region, 22 Summits Boutique Hotel is the epitome of Alpine elegance. In addition to the 22 rooms and suites in the main building, two more buildings on the property house several apartments ranging from studios to three-bedrooms.
Regardless of the type of accommodation you choose, every guest on the property can take advantage of the two-story wellness spa. There you can book a massage or just relax in the Alpine hay bath or the Finnish sauna. Aprés ski – or spa – you can head down to the 22 Lounge to browse the in-house library and indulge in your favorite tipple by the fire.
Backstage Hotel Vernissage
Staying at the Backstage Hotel Vernissage is like sleeping in a work of art. The hotel and its spaces are the creation of owner and architect Heinz Julen, with each room and common space a manifestation of his singular artistic vision.
The Cube Loft rooms have a glass-encased mezzanine with a plush, king-sized bed. But probably the most impressive room is the Sky & Stars Suite, which features a skylight that wraps around the angled ceiling to create a wall-to-wall row of windows. If you can drag yourself from your room, you can check out the in-house movie theater, which specializes in screenings of the most popular current films.
Riffelhaus 1853
Though it may be rustic looking, the Riffelhaus 1853 is more than ready to offer you every possible amenity. The location right by the slopes gives you ski-to-door access, making it simple to glide off the slopes and be enjoying an aprés ski in no time. In addition to the bar and lounge, the unique round restaurant serves elevated Swiss classics and includes your breakfast and dinner in the room rate.
Its location at the crest of an Alpine peak offers 360º views, so all of the guest rooms, common areas, and dining room come replete with spectacular natural scenery. A favorite among guests is a soak in the outdoor whirlpool, where you can relax tired limbs in the shadow of the Matterhorn.
Though it may be tough, when you’re ready to leave the resort, the staff can arrange any number of excursions for you. Of course, there is skiing in the winter, but you can also schedule other fun activities like ice climbing, curling, or even a summer jaunt to see the sunrise over Riffelsee Lake.
The Omnia
Utilizing natural materials like wood, leather, and concrete, The Omnia aims to bring the stark, natural beauty of the Alps indoors. From the basic Queen rooms to the impeccable Omnia Roof Suite, no two accommodations are exactly alike, and to honor this point, they choose to letter the rooms rather than number them.
In the wellness center, which is only accessible to guests of the hotel, you’ll find a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath, and rooms for private massages. But the pièce de résistance of the spa is a huge indoor/outdoor heated pool, so you can swim right outside whenever you please.
Coeur des Alpes
An eclectically designed lodge that engenders community and conversation, the Coeur des Alpes feels more like a retreat than a resort. Its sun-drenched rooms and suites are the perfect antidote for winter doldrums and provide a cozy respite after a day spent on the slopes. One of the lofts even has a private sauna.
The beating heart of this hotel is its spacious lobby and lounge, which boasts a central fireplace. This is where you can enjoy an aprés ski, kick back on one of the comfy couches, and make new friends from around the world.
