5 Best Hotels in Gstaad, Berner Oberland

Towering above tiny Gstaad, this fantasyland castle is as costly as it looks. Although it cozily refers to itself as a family "pension" (albeit the largest in Switzerland), it has a splendid spa, tennis and squash courts, chauffeured Rolls-Royces, and other amenities. There's a gorgeous indoor-outdoor pool, with a glass floor that's placed on top for dancing on winter nights. Conscientious travelers worried about missing out on the local experience, rest assured: the guest rooms have rustic touches such as heavy curtains and padded headboards, though you could almost play hockey in the sprawling tiled baths. The kitchen serves four lavish restaurants, with renowned guest chefs conducting internationally themed cuisine weeks.

A 15-minute walk from the center of Gstaad, the hilltop Le Grand Chalet commands a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and village below. The spacious, comfortable rooms feature tawny wood furnishings and rustic curtains throughout. An open central fireplace separates the cozy lounge from the popular La Bagatelle, a restaurant favored for its nouvelle Swiss and French cuisine and extensive wine list. You can relax in the sauna or steam bath, or, in summer, enjoy a swim in the heated outdoor pool. Walking trails depart from the hotel's doorstep, and the hotel shuttles guests to ski lifts and to the train station.

Pairing wool-and-wooden materials with high-end entertainment systems, this handsome hotel blends old chalet style with contemporary flair in its well-designed rooms and suites. The spa features an indoor saltwater pool, saunas, Turkish baths, and an extensive treatment menu, and three distinct restaurants cater to guests’ gastronomic desires. There's also a cocktail bar that serves sushi, plus a cigar lounge and a wine bar open by request. Special entertainment includes a 3-D golf simulator as well as an ice rink in the hotel garden.

This comfortable inn, dating back to 1845, combines down-home knotty-pine decor with soigné style. In the heart of Gstaad's pedestrian zone, it provides its young and chic guests with peace and tranquility. The popular café draws crowds, and the owners are enthusiastic skiers and can offer many tips on local adventures. The restaurant, full of linens and candlelight, serves good Swiss fare at reasonable prices.