Chandolin Boutique Hotel

Chandolin Boutique Hotel: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Nestled in one of Europe's highest inhabited villages at a 2,000-yard altitude, the Chandolin Boutique Hotel in Chandolin, Switzerland, offers a harmonious blend of modern luxury and traditional Alpine charm. This Michelin Key Selected property consistently receives high praise from guests, making it a standout destination in the Val d'Anniviers.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with the hotel scoring a "wonderful" 9.1 out of 10 based on over 200 reviews. Guests frequently describe their stays as superb, exceptional, and charming, highlighting the hotel's ability to provide a memorable and relaxing experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Chandolin Boutique Hotel:

• Spectacular Location & Views: The hotel boasts breathtaking panoramic mountain views, especially from its rooms, spa, and dining terrace. Its ski-out situation is particularly appreciated by winter sports enthusiasts.
• Superb Facilities & Spa: The spa area, including a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and outdoor Nordic baths, is a significant draw, offering relaxation with stunning Alpine vistas.
• Charming Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design, which integrates natural woods and stones from the region with contemporary interiors, creates an inviting and sophisticated Alpine-chic atmosphere.
• Exceptional Service: The staff's friendliness, professionalism, and accommodating nature are frequently mentioned as a key highlight.
• High-Quality Dining: The on-site restaurant receives considerable praise for its delicious food, use of fresh, local ingredients, and creative cuisine.

3. Room Quality

The rooms are described as modern, comfortable, spotless, and elegantly designed, often featuring wooden finishes and attention to detail. While some rooms might be described as "bijou" or "rather small" by some guests, they are of a high specification and quality, equipped with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, tablet PCs, minibars, Nespresso coffee machines, and excellent Wi-Fi. Many rooms also offer balconies with splendid mountain views. Apartments, located a short distance from the main hotel, offer more space and fully equipped kitchens.

4. Dining Experience

"Le Restaurant" at Chandolin Boutique Hotel, awarded 14 points by Gault & Millau, is a highlight. The chef focuses on traditional Swiss dishes using local, authentic, and seasonal ingredients, including Val d'Hérens beef and freshly caught fish. A vegetarian menu and options for allergies/intolerances are also available. The restaurant features an indoor fireplace and a panoramic terrace, offering a wonderful dining atmosphere with views of the Valais peaks. Guests consistently praise the delicious food and high standard of cuisine. Breakfast is a highly-rated buffet, though one guest suggested it could be cooked to order and kept warmer. The hotel also offers a Wine Bar with over 400 vintages, a Sunset Chalet Bar for après-ski fondue and raclette, and the stylish Moonclub lounge.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Chandolin Boutique Hotel consistently receives excellent feedback for being polite, friendly, professional, accommodating, and very helpful. Guests appreciate their attentiveness and the warm welcome they receive. Staff members are known to speak excellent English and are readily available to assist with various requests, including sports equipment hire and excursion bookings.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location in Chandolin is a major asset, set at a high altitude with direct ski-out access. It's described as a "wonderful location" with spectacular views of the pretty Chandolin village and the Val d'Anniviers. The area is popular for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities, with the hotel providing easy access to trails and ski equipment rentals.

Chandolin is approximately a 35-minute drive from Sierre. For air travel, it's about 2.5 hours from Geneva and Bern airports, and 3.5 hours from Zurich airport. While the hotel does not provide a free shuttle service from airports, private car services can be arranged for a fee. Self-parking is available for CHF 10 per day.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific pricing varies by date and room type, the Chandolin Boutique Hotel is generally considered to offer good value, with a rating of 8.5 for "value for money". Room prices observed in the last two weeks ranged from approximately $234 to $576, with Fridays and Wednesdays often being the best days for deals, and Saturdays typically the most expensive. The average price per room is around $310, comparable to the average in Chandolin (Saviese). Many guests feel the experience, including the high standards of facilities, service, and dining, justifies the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• Breakfast Warmth: One guest mentioned that breakfast could be cooked to order and kept warmer.
• Bathroom Ventilation: A guest noted a lack of ventilation in the bathroom of their room.
• Room Size: While high quality, some rooms, particularly south-facing balcony rooms, have been described as "rather small" or "bijou," suitable for 1 to 3 nights.
• Restaurant for Small Kids: One review suggested the main restaurant might not be ideal for small children.
• Coffee at Restaurant: Some clients do not highly appreciate the coffee at the restaurant.

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