Hotel Waldhaus Sils

Hotel Waldhaus Sils in Sils Maria, Switzerland, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives "exceptional" ratings from guests, averaging 9.5 out of 10 based on hundreds of reviews. It is celebrated for its unique blend of historic charm, luxurious comfort, and genuine hospitality, making it a true retreat in the Engadine valley.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overarching sentiment for Hotel Waldhaus Sils is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "exceptional". The hotel maintains a high rating of 9.5 out of 10, with individual scores for location (9.8), cleanliness (9.7), comfort (9.7), and staff (9.8) being particularly impressive. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's calm, elegant atmosphere, its beautiful natural surroundings, and the outstanding service. Many appreciate its "refreshingly old school establishment" vibe, emphasizing attention to detail, service, and comfort.

2. Key Highlights

Guests adore Hotel Waldhaus Sils for its distinctive characteristics:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is a beautiful historic property, opened in 1908, featuring elegant spaces and a creative, authentic tribute to 20th-century design. Its interior architecture, lovingly created by generations of owners, includes original furnishings and curated design elements like polished brass door handles and an exquisitely lit staircase. Thoughtful modern additions, such as the reading room and a spa seamlessly integrated into the landscape, enhance the experience.
• Service & Hospitality: The family-run atmosphere, maintained by the same family for five generations, contributes significantly to the personalized and warm welcome guests receive.
• Location & Views: Its stunning perch above Sils Maria offers splendid, often "breathtaking," views of the gleaming lakes and impressive mountains, with many rooms framing the forest like a work of art.
• Amenities: The hotel boasts an excellent spa with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the larch forest, featuring saunas, steam baths, and various treatments. Other facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor tennis courts, a miniature golf course, a gym, a library, and an arcade/game room. Afternoon chamber music in the lounge is a particular delight for many.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 140 individually furnished rooms, including twin/double rooms, single rooms, and suites. Guests find the rooms "very comfortable" and "well-appointed." Accommodations are available in classic, modern, or nostalgic styles, with some nostalgic rooms featuring original restored furnishings from 1908 and even period bathrooms. Rooms come equipped with premium bedding, pillowtop beds, down comforters, minibars, safes, and high-speed internet. Bathrooms typically include designer toiletries and bidets. Many rooms feature balconies, and options are available with captivating views of Lake Sils or the village and Lake Silvaplana.

4. Dining Experience

The dining at Hotel Waldhaus Sils is highly regarded, with guests praising the "wonderful breakfast" and its quality buffet. The hotel features three on-site restaurants, including the Arvenstube, which serves gourmet cuisine and offers a romantic terrace in the park. GIGERs is another charming and cozy restaurant, while the main dining room provides an exquisite multi-course dinner experience. The kitchen emphasizes regional and high-quality cuisine, valuing local partners and producers. A nightly bouillon, always with a different stock, is noted as a comforting culinary highlight. The hotel also has a bar and a "Great Lounge" for drinks and socializing.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel Waldhaus Sils consistently receive exceptional praise. Guests describe the staff as "warm and attentive," "wonderful and extremely helpful," and "very friendly." The family ownership and management, now in its fifth generation, contribute to a deeply personal touch, with family members often engaging directly with guests. This dedication fosters an atmosphere of outstanding hospitality and civility, making guests feel very welcome, even those traveling alone.

6. Location & Accessibility

Nestled in the quiet village of Sils Maria, the hotel sits majestically on a hilltop, offering splendid views and a peaceful, forest-surrounded environment, distinguishing it from the bustle of St. Moritz, which is about 10 km (6.2 miles) away. The location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking routes starting directly from the hotel. In winter, it's a paradise for downhill and cross-country skiing.

Accessibility is well-managed:

• A free transfer service is provided between the hotel and St. Moritz train station upon arrival or departure.
• Transfers between the hotel and the village can be arranged upon request.
• In winter, a free shuttle service is available to the Silser ski area.
• Regional buses are free to use for guests.
• During summer and autumn, guests receive free use of regional mountain railways and a motorboat on Silsersee Lake.
• It's worth noting the hotel is on a hilltop, which involves a steep climb, though shuttle services alleviate this for most.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel Waldhaus Sils receives a commendable 9.0 out of 10 for "Value for money." As a five-star property, prices reflect its luxury status, historic significance, and comprehensive offerings. As of January 27, 2026, a 1-night stay for two adults on February 2, 2026, started from approximately $706.49, excluding taxes and fees. The hotel offers various packages, such as a "Sleep & Ski" deal where a regional ski pass costs CHF 47 per person per night, capped at CHF 205 per person per stay, and is free for children up to 12. Additional costs include CHF 25 per pet per night, and parking at CHF 9 for self-parking or CHF 19 for valet per night.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points are occasionally noted:

• Spa and Fitness Room: An older review suggested that while the spa facilities are good, they might not be the "first choice" for guests prioritizing the most cutting-edge spa and fitness amenities, though recent renovations in 2016 and 2020 have expanded the wellness facility.
• Demographic: One guest observed that the hotel attracts an "old school, old money and conservative" crowd, with an average age "probably north of 60," though this was presented as an observation rather than a criticism.
• Location Gradient: The hotel's hilltop location means a "steep climb" for those walking to and from the village.
• Air Conditioning: The absence of air conditioning is sometimes mentioned, but guests typically report that the mountain climate ensures cool nights, and fans are available upon request.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. lux-mag.com
5. waldhaus-sils.ch
6. swiss-historic-hotels.ch
7. swisstraveler.net
8. historichotelsofeurope.com
9. tablethotels.com
10. preferredhotels.com
11. expedia.com