A trip to Zermatt is on many people’s Switzerland bucket lists. It’s one of the best places to visit in Switzerland, known for its endless adventure activities and, of course, one of the most iconic mountains in the world.
We’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice now. Once in the winter and in the summer, and are always on the lookout for amazing places to stay. When we heard about the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, we knew we had to check it out.
Craving a luxurious place to stay in between your mountain adventures? Here’s what you need to know about staying at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof in Switzerland
Getting to the Grand hotel Zermatterhof
The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is located in the center of the action of Zermatt. Right off Bahnhofstrasse, you literally cannot miss it as you explore the picturesque town. That’s because it’s the grandest hotel in Zermatt and the most recognizable. It’s right next to the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis and just steps away from the river.
There’s no need to have a Swiss rental car in Zermatt, as it’s a car-free town only accessed by the train. To get there from the Zermatt train station, you can either walk the 10 minutes or utilize their free Zermatterhof electric bus to get you and your luggage to the hotel. If you really want to be in for a treat, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof even has a horse and carriage shuttle.
About the Property
The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof dates back to 1879, and every bit of its grand elegance from the 19th century still shines through. Every ounce of the hotel will take you back to another place and time, from the rooms to the foyer. The Zermatterhof has just 69 rooms, creating an intimate atmosphere in the heart of Zermatt.
The hotel is part of Preferred Hotels and Resorts and has been named Hotel of the Year by the Swiss hotel ranking board, and it’s easy to see why when staying. Every bit of this hotel is luxurious and comfortable, from the rooms to the restaurants to the exterior lounge spots and the wellness zone.
The Rooms
There are many different room types at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof to suit every group and budget. Upon check-in, we were upgraded to the Corner Suite with a Matterhorn View and fell in love as soon as we stepped in.
The suite has all-around encompassing views of Zermatt and the Matterhorn. We never missed a chance to enjoy the balcony. Whether with our morning coffee or an evening tea, we made sure to make the most out of the views!
You can expect an ultra-comfortable bed, lounging area, and minibar in the room. If it’s your first time in Zermatt, I highly recommend booking a room with a Matterhorn view!
The Balconies
Enjoying the balcony here is one of the best things to do in Zermatt. Most rooms here are balcony rooms, with so many facing the Matterhorn. The space was so amazing that I knew I had to make a separate point about it with photos! If you are on your honeymoon in Switzerland, this is definitely one of those honeymoon destinations worth staying at.
The Dining
There are multiple dining options at the Zermatterhof, but what else would you expect from a Chef of the Year and Sommelier of the Year in the house?
Although we enjoyed multiple meals here, our favorite night out was at Brasserie Lusi. It’s here you can enjoy a French/Swiss meal in elegance, and if it’s a clear night, with Matterhorn views!
In the heart of the winter in Zermatt, this restaurant can get bustling, and it’s best to make reservations. Reservations are open to hotel guests and nonhotel guests. So even if you stay at another Zermatt accommodation, you can still enjoy a meal under Switzerland’s iconic peak here. For the best night out, make sure to pair your meal with some delicious French and Swiss wine.
You can also enjoy dining on the grand terrace if it’s warm. This is where we enjoyed a few welcome cocktails after arriving.
The Spa
Any hotel guest has to take time to enjoy the Vita Borni Alpine Spa. Like most hotels in the Alps, this wellness spa has a pool, hot tub, and multiple saunas and steam rooms to enjoy after a day out hiking in Switzerland. All hotel guests have free access to the Vita Borni Alpine Wellness but extra services like massages and facials.
The Activities
Of course, you are in Zermatt, one of the greatest adventure destinations in the world, so you can rest assured there are plenty of things to do. We visited Zermatt in the winter a few years ago and fell in love with snowboarding under the Matterhorn for multiple days. There’s no best time to visit Switzerland as it’s wonderful year-round, but its two peak seasons are summer and winter.
This last visit was slightly different as the summer put off a different vibe. From hiking to mountain biking to just strolling around town, there is something here for everyone. One of my top Swiss travel tips is to pack your outdoor and hiking gear. You’ll want to be outside as much as possible!
Things to do in Zermatt
Winter:
- Snowshoe trails
- 70 km of hiking trails
- Toboggan
- Cross country ski
- Ice skate
- Paraglide
- Visit the Igloo Village
Summer:
- Hike
- Mountain bike
- Climb 4000-meter mountains
- Enjoy 21 km of slopes still!
- Golf
- Enjoy the alpine lakes
- Paragliding
Our Opinion of the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
We’ve enjoyed almost two months of traveling around Switzerland, and the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is, without a doubt, one of our favorite hotels in the entire country. It’s grand, it’s convenient, it’s charming, and it has views. You don’t go without want here.
Pretty much, it has everything you could want out of a vacation in Zermatt. The staff was accommodating and always attentive, the grounds were miraculous, and even the breakfast buffet was out of this world. I wouldn’t hesitate to book a stay here and hope we can enjoy The Grand Hotel Zermmatterhof again in the winter!
Room Rates Include
- Transfer to and from the Zermatterhof and Zermatt station in a horse-drawn carriage or electric bus on the day of your arrival and departure
- Amazing breakfast buffet
- Non alcoholic drinks from the minibar Nespresso coffee machine and capsules
- Unlimited access to the pool, steam bath, saunas, jacuzzi, ice grotto, and gym
- Matterhorn Views!
Switzerland Travel Planning Resources
- Packing Guide — Check out our Europe Packing Guide to help pack your bags and ensure you don’t leave anything at home.
- Rent a Car — We suggest most visitors consider renting a car for the best trip possible. Try Discover Car Hire to compare quotes from different rental agencies. Check Price Here!
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Tours in Switzerland— Check out our list of the best tours you can enjoy in Switzerland!
- Travel Adapter – Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.