where to stay
Although St. Moritz is considered “tres chic” by many jet setters, a wide range of accommodations and bargain packages can make a winter vacation here quite affordable. Not only are there luxury and first-class hotels (and condominiums), there are also comfortable budget hotels and even a modern youth hostel.
If at all possible, avoid staying in St Moritz Bad, down on the valley floor. This is an ugly suburban sprawl and, though cheaper, it simply does not provide the same experience as staying in St Moritz Dorf, as the main settlement is known.
Luxury Hotels
St Moritz has no fewer than six five-star hotels, each with its own distinctive style. Badrutt’s Palace is the most famous and has the greatest social cachet.
Kulm Hotel is perhaps the most staid and is the base for many of the St Moritz Tobogganing Club’s (as the Cresta Run organisers are known) activities. The Kulm Hotel offers elegant service and atmosphere. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, ice rink, bar with live music, and a children’s playground with a playroom.
Overlooking Lake St. Moritz and the Swiss Alps, the Carlton Hotel is a classic hotel and the smallest in the village, offering a more intimate atmosphere.
The Suvretta House is effectively a self-contained resort. It has its own ski school and its own lifts that link into the Corviglia sector.
Giardino Mountain offers a spa as well as a nice restaurant – the Ristorante Ecco on Snow.
And finally the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski has a wonderful view and offers luxurious spa services as well.
MID RANGE HOTELS
One of the better deals in St Moritz is a four-star hotel, the Steffani. It is less formal than the five-stars and it has a wonderfully central location. The Marky family works hard to cultivate a permanent party atmosphere among its guests. Hotel Steffani is a much smaller (130 rooms) and quieter hotel. Its use of natural woods, carved with regional decoration, gives it the feel of a rustic chalet. There’s an indoor pool and a fitness room.
Open all year, rates vary with time of year and type of room.
Schweizerhof is another a good four-stars hotel to consider. It has wellness facilities and a beautiful view.
CHEAP HOTELS
Switzerland’s student travel service operates two hotels in St. Moritz, Eco Bed and Hotel Stille. You don’t have to be a student to stay at them, and they both have breakfast included.
With stunning panoramic views over the resort St Moritz Youth Hostel is another inexpensive option to consider, featuring free WiFi, bright and modernly furnished rooms, a games room with billiards and table tennis.