Gstaad Palace
Roxanne Annoh is blown away by the super deluxe austerity-proof hotel – where service is not compromised.
I had imagined what the exclusive Gstaad Palace would look like ever since I came off the luxurious train and boarded a coach to the hotel. The hotel has so much history to it that I had imagined everything except its location. Wow! Gstaad Palace sits in the charming and picturesque mountain village in unspoilt countryside surrounded by the spectacular Swiss Alps.
No shareholder would begrudge the company for choosing a destination that can weather the storm for its Annual General Meeting its gives such a positive statement.
The hotel was first opened in 1913 with features that surpassed most hotels in that period. It set itself high standards with 150 rooms, 50 private bathrooms, electrical lighting-system and 6 telephone booths. Gstaad Palace is a deluxe hotel that survives austerity. With 104 rooms today including a Penthouse, it has survived the First World War in 1914-1918, the Wall Street crash in 1929, new owners, Second World War, 1939-1945, marriage break up in the Scherz family who took over the management of the hotel in 1938 which is now run by three generations of the Scherz family. No shareholder would begrudge the company for choosing a destination that can weather the storm for its Annual General Meeting – its gives such a positive statement.
As the saying goes, it can only get better. I knew straight away as I was greeted by the Maitre D’ (instead of General Manager) as they call themselves in these fine surroundings that I was in for a treat. This is when I made a conscious decision to relax and enjoy the legendary Gstaad Palace with its unrivalled reputation for refined hospitality and its unique atmosphere. Executive Travellers seeking to impress the board not look beyond the Gstaad Palace and its history.
Rooms and Suites
I did not expect to be disappointed by the rooms so was excited to discover that all the room and suites were finished to perfection and equipped with the latest standards including wireless high-speed internet access. The beautiful decor is characterized by a harmonious composition of mountain elegance and luxurious understatement blending perfectly into the sophisticated environment. Guests can choose from 104 well-appointed bedrooms, including 74 Single and Double Rooms, 19 Junior Suites, 4 Suites, 2 Two-Bedroom Tower Suites and I recommend that you reserve the spectacular Penthouse Suite with three bedrooms for the Chairman!
Dining at the Gstaad Palace
At Gstaad Palace, five restaurants offer everything from delicious Swiss and Italian specialties to exquisite International Gourmet Cuisine. My personal favourite is “Le Restaurant” and the Grande Terrace which offers international cuisine in an elegant setting. Dining here means smart dressing in order to appreciate a perfect selection of creativity and the Haute Cuisine accomplished by chefs while overlooking a distinctively charming garden.
Meetings and Events
Now impressed by the hotel, restaurants, rooms and the basics, I needed to ensure myself that I could recommend the Palace for Board meeting or simply as a corporate retreat destination. It did not disappoint me on these grounds either. I considered weddings, All of private conferences, dining, or special occasions. The Palaces main ballroom Salle Baccarat and four other meeting rooms ticked all the boxes. They were up-to-date with technology and provide clients with wireless connectivity in all areas and with a sophisticated surround sound and lighting system.
Service includes:
– Wireless connectivity
– Conference facility design and equipment
– Natural daylight in all meeting rooms
– Food & Beverage service, if requested
– An Event manager at your disposal
– Online Meeting Planner
Anyone seeking a glamorous celebration of any kind can expect a successful outcome with a lasting impression.
Other features of the Gstaad Palace:
• A Spa features with exclusive facilities spread on 1800sqm and include eight treatment rooms, a private spa suite, saunas and steam baths, relaxation areas with incredible views, indoor pool and outdoor pool with jacuzzi, a state-of-the-art gym, a Pilates studio and a unique hammam experience with seven rooms. With this major investment we created an exclusive and extraordinary wellness center, which exceeds even the expectations of the most discerning spa connoisseurs.
• Intimate bar settings offer live music entertainment and at the famous GreenGo nightclub great disco songs are played.
• Many and summer sports activities such as Paragliding, climbing, adventure walks, jeep safari, cannyoning, river rafting and many more can easily be put together.
• Access to winter activities via 62 different lifts, a total of 250 kilometers of slopes, various sled rides, snow parks and gorgeous hiking routes are there for your pleasure. Rustic huts, sunny terraces and trendy snow bars invite you to linger on.
Hotel rack rates start from 256 euros to 6062 euros. Children: 0-3 years: free / 4-12 years: CHF 110. – Extra Bed: Adults as of 13 years: CHF 210.–
Gstaad Palace
3780 Gstaad
Switzerland
Tel: +41 33 748 50 00
Email: info@palace.ch
www.palace.ch
Explore the Gstaad Palace in full colour in this month’s September Digital edition