During our recent stay in Switzerland, we couldn’t miss the chance to visit the posh little village of Gstaad. In winter, it’s a destination for worldly jet-setters, while in summer the atmosphere changes considerably: it’s calmer, less showy, and houses a clientele that’s interested in its alpine charm. I settled for a night at Le Grand Bellevue, a singular hotel that combines luxury and relaxation. More on one of Switzerland’s best hotels below!
Located on the verge of the promenade, Le Grand Bellevue is the only centrally-located hotel in Gstaad. Reopened in 2013 after a thorough renovation, it offers a unique ambiance to its well-to-do clientele. I should mention that Gstaad is like a ski version of St-Tropez, a resort where everyone wants to be seen, and its 5-star services are constantly drawing in guests. Unlike certain establishments in this village, the Bellevue has an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
The Arrival
Once we’d left our keys with the valet, we explored the lobby and the adjacent lounge. I was blown away by the British look of the hotel’s sizable library, with its deep pink velvet seats and tweed armchairs! It looked incredibly cozy, and I could already see myself lounging alongside the fireplace with a good book and a hot chocolate (unless I opted instead for their superb afternoon tea!).
The “Suite Sommet,” My Pad for 24 Hours
With 57 rooms (including 9 suites), Le Grand Bellevue offers an intimate setting. The rooms are divided into several categories, with the smallest (called “chic rooms”) already measuring 32m². As for me, I stayed in the aptly named Suite Sommet (“Summit suite”), situated on the top floor with a beautiful view of the village below. Spread over 62 m², the suite includes a king-size bed, a lounge area with a sofa, and a large table where we were able to enjoy a private breakfast in the morning. The rooms are very well-lit, featuring a chic and classy décor, while the superb bathroom is the icing on the cake, with a freestanding bathtub overlooking the forest.
The Spa: 3000 m² Dedicated to Relaxation
In the afternoon, we headed for Le Grand Bellevue’s spa. And with its 3000 m², there was plenty to do! We started with the Thermal Oasis, featuring no fewer than 17 zones, such as the steam bath, the invigorating fountain, and the herbal sauna, to name a few. We continued with a few laps in the indoor pool before splashing around in the jacuzzi. To top it off, I hid away in one of the 10 treatment rooms for a 50-minute herbal aromatherapy message, which was incredibly relaxing. If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, you can try the Spa Alpine suite, a space that can be rented out for absolute privacy—as romantic as could be!
8 pm: Time for Dinner
There’s no shortage of options at dinnertime; the hotel offers several gourmet establishments as well as more relaxed alternatives. Their signature restaurant, Leonard’s, has one Michelin star and received a 14/20 from Gault Millau, promising an excellent meal. It offers bistro cuisine classics but also features more sophisticated dishes. Another possibility for lovers of top-notch gastronomy is Chesery, offering regional haute cuisine in the heart of Gstaad. Finally, for those seeking a more offbeat option, head to the sushi bar, with sashimi and sushi that will please the most discerning customers.
As for us, we couldn’t resist the chance to sample typical Swiss cuisine. We had the pleasure of dining at Le Petit Chalet, which offered a unique experience. Housed in a rustic cabin with only 18 place settings, this restaurant serves fondues and raclette with locally-made cold meats. We loved our raclette and the super-cozy atmosphere, which must be all the more enjoyable in winter when the village is covered in snow.
At the bar, we enjoyed excellent food on-the-go throughout the day while seated comfortably on a 17.5-meter Chesterfield sofa. In the afternoon, the bar kept our sweet tooth satisfied with hot chocolate and pastries.
The Verdict
Le Grand Bellevue is the ideal 5-star hotel for those seeking a cozy and easygoing ambiance in the posh ski village of Gstaad. I loved its warm country home atmosphere. Of course, the ultra-luxurious facilities in the rooms and suites as well as the 3000 m² spa are highly attractive features, especially for relaxation enthusiasts. There’s also plenty of choice when it comes to gastronomy, with several gourmet restaurants as well as more casual options. Le Petit Chalet was one of my personal favorites, with simple but delicious dishes in a typical Swiss ambiance. A fantastic establishment that guests can appreciate in both summer and winter.
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Practical Information
Thank you to the Grand Bellevue for the invitation to explore their establishment. Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!
Do you know the Grand Bellevue? Feel free to send me your comments or questions by posting them on social media.
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About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.