Badrutt's Palace Hotel
Three Michelin Keys
Hotel Details
Location
Badrutt's Palace Hotel · St. Moritz, Switzerland
Expert Review: Badrutt's Palace Hotel
Badrutt's Palace Hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland, a distinguished Michelin Three-Key property, consistently garners an exceptional reputation for its timeless elegance, impeccable service, and luxurious offerings.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Badrutt's Palace Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, often described as an "extraordinary stay" and a "fairytale palace". Guests frequently use terms like "grandeur" and "top-notch" to characterize their experience, with many feeling "among family" and "right at home". The hotel holds high guest scores, with one platform showing a 9.4/10 for quality and value based on numerous reviews.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud the hotel's exceptional service, majestic ambiance, and prime location. The hotel's unique blend of historical charm and modern facilities creates a sense of "wintry European glamour". Standout amenities include an impressive spa featuring an indoor-outdoor swimming pool with captivating treetop views, high-altitude tennis and padel courts, and an in-house ski and snowboard shop. The hotel's "show-stopping lobby" also leaves a lasting impression on visitors. A complimentary Rolls-Royce transfer service for arrivals and departures at the St. Moritz train station further elevates the guest experience.
3. Room Quality
Badrutt's Palace offers 159 rooms and 37 suites, each uniquely designed and providing views of either Lake St. Moritz or the town. Rooms are described as plush, grand, and elegant, often feeling more akin to private residences than standard hotel accommodations. Many accommodations boast balconies and luxurious marble bathrooms equipped with rainfall showers and classic bathtubs. The recently unveiled Serlas Wing presents a modern interpretation of the hotel's aesthetic, incorporating grey and red tones, generous storage solutions, and walk-through wardrobes. Attention to detail is evident through amenities like extra-soft slippers, conveniently placed hand towels, and even hot-water bottles provided during turn-down service.
4. Dining Experience
The hotel is a culinary destination in itself, featuring an extensive array of 11 restaurants and three bars/clubs, each offering a distinct and perfectly executed dining experience. Options range from refined French cuisine at Le Restaurant and Le Relais to traditional Swiss and Italian dishes served at Chesa Veglia, a historic 17th-century farmhouse turned restaurant. Matsuhisa provides Japanese-Peruvian fusion, while La Diala offers light Mediterranean fare and sushi. Breakfast in Le Grand Hall is a grand affair, complete with a harpist, featuring a lavish buffet that spans from intricate fruit displays and hot European dishes to miso soup, bao, and dim sum. The Renaissance Bar is also a popular spot for its curated cocktails and vibrant atmosphere.
5. Service & Staff
The service at Badrutt's Palace is consistently hailed as extraordinary, attentive, professional, and highly efficient. Many staff members boast long tenures, often exceeding 20 years, and are known to recognize and greet returning guests by name, fostering a warm and personalized "family" atmosphere. Guests report feeling well-informed about their plans by staff, from check-in to chauffeur service. Butler service is an available luxury for those staying in suites and select rooms.
6. Location & Accessibility
Badrutt's Palace occupies a prime, central location in St. Moritz, majestically positioned above Lake St. Moritz and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Engadine Alps. It is considered the social epicenter of St. Moritz and a prominent landmark. The hotel is conveniently close to attractions such as the St. Moritz Design Gallery and Terrasse Panoramique. Accessibility is enhanced by a complimentary shuttle service to the Corvatsch Cable Car, located approximately 1640 feet away, and to/from the train station. Its central placement allows for easy pedestrian access to local shops and various dining options.
7. Value & Pricing
As a pinnacle of luxury, Badrutt's Palace Hotel commands a premium price, with room rates generally starting above $500 per night and ranging from approximately $2,234 to $3,785 during peak times. Despite the significant investment, guests frequently affirm that the experience is "very much worth it" and a "privilege to stay". Many believe the hotel offers an unparalleled sense of luxurious belonging that few other establishments can replicate.
8. Common Complaints
While guest feedback is overwhelmingly positive, minor criticisms occasionally emerge. One guest reported discomfort due to an unsatisfactory mattress. Another expressed that the VIP lounge did not offer sufficient value for its price, citing a lack of substantial food options and additional charges for beverages like champagne. Some may find the hotel's deeply rooted classical and historic aesthetic to be "outdated" compared to contemporary hotel designs, though the property deliberately preserves its consistent brand and historic elegance.
Sources
Google Reviews
1,319 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Isabella Hayes
An absolutely refined and memorable experience at Cool Model in St. Moritz. From the very first moment, everything reflected quality and attention to detail — a stylish setting, a sophisticated atmosphere, and truly impeccable service. We visited as external guests for dinner and were genuinely impressed by the level of care and professionalism shown by the staff. The service was attentive, polis...
Response from the owner
Dear Ms. Hayes<br><br>Thank you for taking the time to share this heart-warming review with us. <br><br>We are truly delighted to read that you felt welcomed and well cared for from the very first mom...
ATLAS
We stopped by Badrutt's Palace Hotel on a Sunday afternoon after White Turf, simply hoping to have a drink and maybe a small snack. In the lobby we were told seating was reserved for hotel guests, even though several tables were still empty, which was a bit disappointing. I understand it can be busy after an event like that and that hotels prioritize in-house guests, but with so many tables empty...
Response from the owner
Dear ATLAS,<br><br>Thank you for sharing your impressions following White Turf.<br><br>On major event days and during periods of high hotel occupancy, access to certain areas of the hotel is reserved ...
Tatiana Coulter
This is an outstanding hotel and deserves 6 stars. From the moment we arrived at the train station (Glacier Express) to the moment we left the service and experience was next level. The room we had was beautifully appointed and we had a balcony overlooking lake St Moritz. The lobby lounge bar was stunning and opulent and wonderful for a light dinner, aperitif and drinks. Breakfast was abundant inc...
Response from the owner
Dear Ms. Coulter<br><br>Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a generous review following your stay with us, and for the beautiful pictures that so wonderfully capture the spirit of Ba...
Rob Helle
Badrutts is the place to see and be seen in St Moritz; old-school opulence, but boy, do you pay for it! Our suite is the smallest we have ever been in. That said, everything is world class; from the pick-up from the station by Rolls Royce to the various restaurants. If your room has lake view (ask for it!) The views are stunning. In the middle of the town centre. 4m deep pool. If you have deep poc...
Response from the owner
Dear Mr. Helle,<br><br>It was a pleasure to read your review and to learn about your experience at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. We are very pleased that you appreciated the unique atmosphere of our house a...
Lin Vas
Loved everything about our weekend in occasion of our anniversary. Excellent service, beautiful rooms, few minor points to improve but other than that it was a memorable stay. Best location Best breakfast Best spa
Response from the owner
Thank you very much for choosing Badrutt’s Palace to celebrate such a special occasion. We are delighted to hear that your anniversary weekend was memorable and that you enjoyed the service, rooms, br...
rick johnson
The history and location are well documented. The service is less well-documented. Having stayed at 5 other hotels in St Moritz over the years, this is the worst in terms of price v service. This includes the Kempinski, Kulm, and other hotels that would not normally see themselves in the same category. Having raised concerns about the service and asked for resolutions and contact, I felt ignored, ...
Response from the owner
Dear Mr Johnson,<br><br>Thank you for sharing your perspective.<br><br>We take guest feedback seriously and have reviewed this matter carefully against our service standards and the documented sequenc...
About Three Michelin Keys
The Michelin Guide awards Three Keys to hotels that offer an exceptional stay. These are outstanding properties that represent the pinnacle of hospitality, with extraordinary character, service, and attention to detail.
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