One of the very best hotels in the Gstaad-Saanenland region of Switzerland is the Hotel Alpenrose. As a Relais and Chateaux hotel it guarantees both a high standard of hospitality as well as excellent haute cuisine. The key to the sucess of this hotel lies in the familly traditions that are its foundation and the owners Carol and Michael Von Siebenthal love for details and perfectionism.

The hotel is home to the gourmet restaurant Azalee, which offers a mix of youthful ideas and dishes mixed with the rich culinary traditions of the region. Michael von Siebenthals is master Chef whos work has been recognized by 14 GaultMillau points. His cuisine is characterised by lightness and sublety that make each dish a delicious satisfying piece of Swiss hospitality.

The hotel also provides a second restaurant called the Sammys Grill Restaurant where a variety of dishes including several kinds of fish and meat are grilled on charcoal. Traditional Swiss foods such as fondues and raclette can also be found here for those who are eager to enjoy the Alpine lifestyle.

The hotel offers a total of 19 carefully appointed and cosy rooms, the suites have open fireplaces that when lighted during winter create a romantic and magical atmosphere. All of the provide fantastic views of the Alps in all of their glory.

The Architecture of the hotel was designed after the traditional chalet style and kept up with love and attention. It was originally built in 1907 and was later bought over by Ida and Oswald von Siebenthal in 1947. The boarding changed hands in 1961 when it was taken over by their son Fredy and his wife Monika, together they build up such a reputation as to be one of the very first establishments into the famous Relais and Chateaux chain of hotels in 1978 where it has remained ever since.

In 1989 an annexe was added in order to increase the capacity of the hotel, with the addition of an underground garage, however the Alpenrose is still to this day in the same building.

Moreover the Alpenrose offers an additional service with the Chalet Holunder. An individual 200 square meter chalet located 200 meters away from hotel. It offers private gardens, sunny terraces and a taste of authentic Alpine lifestyle. The chalet has all the amenities required of a high class residence with a large open fire-place, 5 bedrooms,3 bathrooms, jacuzzi, massage-shower, brand new kitchen, wireless, hifi, flatscreen-TV and DVD and garage.

The entire region is a unique destination, filled with a rich culture, excellent food and plenty of activities. The Swiss are very carefull about preserving their environment in all its beauty and their efforts have paid off many times. This not only in the environmental sense but in the entire Swiss mountain experience.

Sean Hagerty | Image Courtesy Of Hostellerie Alpenrose