My Top Hotel Recommendations in Zermatt Switzerland
/I’ve spent the last few years visiting ski destinations all across the Alps, and while I was fixated on discovering and exploring new destinations for some time (I’ve skied more than 50 stations across 6 countries in Europe), this year I was motivated to do something that was actually surprising for me: return to a destination that I loved. The first time I skied Zermatt was unforgettable, and I personally learned why the iconic village and ski resort tend to welcome so many repeat visitors. I’ve since come to know the town of Zermatt well, and in this article have listed and described my favorite hotel properties to help you choose the best type of accommodation for your travel style. Continue reading to discover what I love most about each of my top hotel recommendations for your visit to Zermatt.
The view from the restaurant at Chalet Hotel Schönegg in Zermatt Switzerland
Elegance Above the Action: Chalet Hotel Schönegg
The Relais & Châteaux Chalet Hotel Schönegg checks all the boxes for the type of experience I love to have when I visit Zermatt. The elegant and welcoming property has an ideal location: perched just above the Zermatt’s village center and just beside the Sunnegga Funicular, offering both convenient access to the slopes and a serene atmosphere away from the bustling heart of town. One of my favorite features that is unique to the property is your arrival via their Schönegg tunnel, which transports you into their peaceful retreat. Views from Chalet Hotel Schönegg are unmatched, and the size of the property allows it to maintain a sense of comfort and tranquility where guests can enjoy the finely appointed details in their rooms as well as exclusive access to the newly redesigned Infinity Spa.
View rates and availability for Chalet Hotel Schönegg here
Lively Atmosphere at the Foot of the Slopes: CERVO Mountain Resort
CERVO Mountain Resort feels like its own world within Zermatt. The brand offers a range of 4- and 5-star accommodation options centered around its resort at the foot of the Sunnegga-Rothorn side of Zermatt’s enormous ski area, and also has serviced apartments located more centrally in Zermatt’s village. But while CERVO Mountain Resort itself isn’t located in the center of town, it certainly seems to feel like a center of action. It’s terraces and restaurants often play host to events, DJ-sets, and après-ski festivities, and amenities found on the property include a climbing wall, a bazaar shop, and Mongolian yurts for relaxation, treatments, and rituals in their Ātman Spa. CERVO is ideally situated to offer direct access to the Sunnegga funicular, and is a ski-in property for advanced skiers that can confidently ski all the way down in sometimes-crowded, mixed-snow conditions.
Hip Luxury in the Center of Town: Schweizerhof Hotel
Located just opposite the main train station, your arrival to the Schweizerhof Hotel in Zermatt couldn’t be more convenient. The best way to describe this hotel is that it’s simply “the place to be”. Before even stepping foot in your room, you’re immersed in the Schweizerhof world as soon as you approach the property’s front doors. The latest and greatest in modern restaurant concepts in Zermatt are located at the Schweizerhof, and the lobby, lounges, and bars are the perfect place for socializing or grabbing a drink. The design of these spaces is hip, yet elevated and full of character– and the same can be said about the rooms and suites. The range of layouts can accommodate anything from singles to families of four, with each luxuriously appointed with all the essentials for a comfortable stay, and accessorized with chic and clever details to make it a memorable one as well. My favorite space I visited at the Schweizerhof Hotel was an Attic Suite, a spacious option that offers lovely Matterhorn views and a balcony high above the bustling central streets below.
Classic Swiss Charm in the Center of Town: Le Petit Cervin Chalet Rooms and Suites, Mont Cervin Palace
When I envision a ski holiday in the Swiss Alps, the classic charm of a rustic chalet is always first to come to mind. Structures and furniture crafted from European pine are not only aesthetically welcoming, but they maintain natural properties that aide in getting a better night’s sleep and boost overall well-being. The Chalet Rooms and Suites by Mont Cervin Palace, located in Le Petit Cervin annex, feature exactly that. The rooms and suites are adorned with inviting textiles and are designed to transport you into the heart of Zermatt, which in fact is where they are located– in the center of the village. Guests staying in Le Petit Cervin annex can easily access all of the amenities of Mont Cervin Palace through connected hallways, or can benefit from the added convenience of its own separate entrance. Choose a room or suite with a view of the Matterhorn, and you will also be facing the private inner courtyard of Mont Cervin Palace, a tranquil space that makes you forget that you are in the very center of the village.
View rates and availability for the Chalet Rooms and Suites at Le Petit Cervin here
One of a Kind: The Matterhorn Suite at Mont Cervin Palace
My jaw fell to the floor when I first stepped foot in this impressive suite– I’ve never seen anything like it in Zermatt. The two-story penthouse features a living room, dining room, terrace, and spacious upstairs bedroom, but the most memorable feature in the suite is of course the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unparalleled views of the Matterhorn set against the village of Zermatt. The Matterhorn Suite can also be adjoined to an Alpine Superior Double Room to accommodate additional guests.
This one-of-a-kind penthouse is the most exceptional accommodation option I’ve seen in Zermatt, and the fact that it’s located within Mont Cervin Palace, one of the finest 5-star hotel properties in the region, makes it even more special. Everything about your stay at this property can be curated to be the ultimate Swiss-ski-town experience, from coordinating your arrival in a horse-drawn carriage, to starting and ending your ski day in their luxurious ski locker lounge, to discovering the latest in anti-aging science in their Nescens spa, and more.
View rates and availability for the Matterhorn Suite at Mont Cervin Palace here
Modern and Design-Focused: The Omnia
The clean lines of The Omnia set against the jagged peak of the Matterhorn is a reminder that we live in a world of duality: while there are those that love the rustic charm of chalet-style accommodations, there are others who prefer a more striking design scheme. The 5-star Omnia combines a modern aesthetic with the finest in Swiss hospitality, and throughout the contemporary property large floor-to-ceiling windows allow light to pour in while guests marvel at the surrounding landscapes. The indoor-outdoor pool is a highlight of the Omnia’s state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, which is available exclusively for hotel guests. Perched on a hill just above the center of town, the hotel is conveniently located while still being somewhat secluded– lending to its elevated atmosphere.
*It’s also important to note that The Omnia does not allow pets– but all other properties included on this list do.
Historic: Monte Rosa
To stay at the Monte Rosa is to be immersed in Zermatt’s history– the property was the very first hotel in the village and it continues to radiate the pioneering spirit of the first mountaineers that were allured by the magic of the Matterhorn. With its longstanding history of welcoming guests who visit Zermatt in search of adventure, the Monte Rosa has always been a comforting retreat to return to after each day spent exploring the snowy slopes on the surrounding mountains. Its central location lends to its reputation and legacy as the heart of hospitality in Zermatt. In addition to the warmth of the welcoming staff at Monte Rosa, another advantage is access to the spa facilities and amenities of its sister property, Mont Cervin Palace, which is located just a few steps down the street.
Carina Otero in Zermatt Switzerland
Ski In & Ski Out: Riffelalp Resort 2222m
The village of Zermatt is located at the base of the valley– access to the slopes is possible by either funicular, gondola, or train, and skiing down to the village is dependent on snow conditions and the skier’s ability. For a true ski-in/ski-out experience in Zermatt, you will have to stay directly on the slopes in Riffelalp which is accessible by a train from the center of Zermatt. The 5-star Riffelalp Resort at 2222m offers a range of accommodation and dining options as well as a relaxing spa, and is the perfect place stay if you want to get first tracks on the ski area’s perfectly groomed pistes. During the ski day the hotel is the center of the action, and in the evenings and at night when all the other skiers return to the village, you seem to have the Matterhorn all to yourself in the most peaceful of settings.
Are you looking for recommendations of where to stay in Zermatt, and have questions about my personal experience visiting the ski destination or any of the properties included on this list? If you’re interested in help with planning your travels, let me know in the comments below or contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor. If you don’t yet have one, send me a direct email by clicking here and I will connect you!
About the author
Meet Carina Otero, avid skier and the creator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating female travelers and a blog providing helpful tips, useful information, and inspiration for your future travels. Carina’s passion for skiing and love of writing and photography have inspired a new blog to share her experiences and personal favorites relating to the sport:
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