Huus Hotel Gstaad - Saanen, Switzerland

A hotel that has been creating quite a buzz over the last few years is the Huus Hotel Gstaad. With Covid restrictions easing we had the perfect excuse to revisit the area having stayed at the Alpina Gstaad (see our review here) in recent years.

The Huus Hotel Gstaad is actually located in Saanen, a few minutes along the valley from its fashionable neighbour. In no way should this be seen as a minus, as the peaceful local village is delightful – Saanen is a maze of historic buildings and interesting local shops alongside a modest selection of quaint cafes and rustic restaurants.

The Huus Hotel Gstaad is also blessed with the most scenic location in the valley – on a hillside just above town, perched in the perfect spot to enjoy spectacular mountain views. Throughout our stay we never tired of the ever-changing panorama, from misty dawns to golden sunsets, enjoyed variously from our room terrace, the Huus Bar, the La Vue Restaurant, pool and even the sauna.

Gstaad itself is just a few minutes away and easily visited from the hotel. Almost uniquely amongst the big name resorts it has managed to avoid over development and the cobbled promenade through the heart of the village remains unspoilt and lined with pretty and rustic chalets. Traditional horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past glamorous fur-clad tourists, celebrity locals and luxury designer stores. High above the town the impossibly romantic Gstaad Palace Hotel, alongside its newer luxury neighbour the Alpina Gstaad (see our review here), watch from their voyeuristic perches.

It is in to this ultra-expensive and exclusive locale that the Huus Hotel Gstaad has sought to carve its own niche. We have to say they has managed it with quite remarkable aplomb and not inconsiderable style.

Having started with a design competition, won by Swedish company, they have managed to transform the previous tired old establishment into a sleek design-led hotel. Plenty of Nordic style has been fused with an Alpine chalet feel to create something rather unique. Loads of locally sourced materials have been used alongside plenty of rich fabrics, low key lighting and cool design.

The atmosphere is set as soon as you step in to the lobby. The check-in takes place seamlessly at a reception carved from a single lump or local river rock, illuminated by trendy chandeliers, and backed with a wood shingle wall.

Opening out ahead is the lobby lounge and Huus Bar. On one side the shelving for the 500 book library climbs up one wall, whilst on the other, past a giant orange velvet couch, Missoni poufs and some eclectic and stylish seating, is the floor to ceiling bottle wall of the Huus cocktail bar. Between the two are giant windows with views of the Bernese Overland. 

This quite breathtaking outlook is shared by most of the four grades of accommodation – ensure you pick south-facing suites or rooms. 

Room design is identical throughout with rich, deep colours, plush fittings and tasteful lighting. Tartan throws, leather and copper add highlights whilst neat corner siting areas with golden pendants add to the homely feel.

The ‘world’s best beds’ from Swedish brand Hästens are handmade from ethically sourced materials, and appropriately comfortable.

Bathrooms with bath/showers, or showers are sleek with dark grey tiles, copper trims and a ceramic sink that sits on a wooden block with black pebble surround. There are lots of thick towels and generic hotel toiletries with just liquid soap. A sliding panel opens for a window through in to the bedroom. Room extras are modest. Mini-fridges have a few complimentary water/soft drinks, there are kettles, complimentary Samsung tablets, Mammut rucksacks, and a private balcony. Kids and dogs get neat little welcome packs.

A substantial and good quality breakfast buffet covers almost every taste. It is taken in the Huus restaurant (the panoramic views are a given), where lunches and dinners are also served. On the lobby level the bar serves a small snack menu whilst La Vue ‘marries Swiss and Italian influences with modern flourishes’. 

A lobby Sushi bar is a terrific bonus as is the ‘Huusli’ traditional rustic fondue hut located in the garden. Everything we tried was carefully cooked and well presented from good quality ingredients, and only lacked some more appetising and extensive vegetarian options.

The hotel really comes in to its own with some very generous added extras, ideally suited to the hotel’s stated target audience of ‘like-minded adventurers and adrenaline junkies’. During our stay Winter activities included Ski school with equipment, Gstaad ski guides, guided winter walking tours and snowshoe hikes, sleds and ski shuttle service.

In summer you can enjoy inclusive river rafting and family canyoning, climbing lessons, via ferrata), guided mountain bike tours with complimentary top quality bikes and walking tours

The Huus Hotel Gstaad could equally boast of being the perfect family hotel. Childcare is complimentary in its own kindergarten, there is a children’s dining area, children’s spa and plenty of inclusive activities including ski school.

Add a big indoor pool and impressive spa with two saunas, a steam room and treatment rooms and its hard to think of anything else they could throw in to the mix. Did we mention the complimentary hotel Range Rovers? 

We found the Huus Hotel Gstaad to be a truly impressive hotel. Stylish, relaxed and homely with a layout that makes it cosy and easy to navigate. Prices are reasonable, and if you take advantage of all the adventure, child and spa extras the rates become truly remarkable. Highly recommended and we will definitely be back!

For more information and to book visit Huus Hotel Gstaad 

CELLOPHANELAND*  were guests of the Huus Hotel Gstaad 

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