Matterhorn FOCUS
Two Michelin Keys
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Hotel Details
Location
Zermatt
Switzerland, Europe
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Key Highlights
- ✓Service**: The staff consistently receives accolades for being "excellent," "friendly," "helpful," "welcoming," and "attentive".
Expert Review: Matterhorn FOCUS
Matterhorn FOCUS, a two-Michelin Key property in Zermatt, Switzerland, consistently receives high praise for its unique design, exceptional service, and prime location. This 4-star superior design hotel offers a modern and luxurious alpine experience, blending cutting-edge architecture with the natural beauty of its surroundings.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
Matterhorn FOCUS consistently earns excellent guest ratings, often described as "wonderful" or "exceptional" with an average score around 9.3 out of 10 on various platforms. Its Michelin Two-Key designation signifies an "exceptional stay," reflecting its high standards and unique appeal. Guests frequently commend it as a solid choice for design enthusiasts and ski travelers looking for a modern retreat at the foot of the Alps.
2. Key Highlights
Guests particularly adore several aspects of Matterhorn FOCUS:
- Design & Ambiance: The hotel stands out with its modern, industrial-chic design, conceived by Zermatt architect Heinz Julen. It features expansive floor-to-ceiling glass, clean lines, and a harmonious blend of concrete, glass, and wood, creating a stylish yet cozy alpine atmosphere.
- Location: Boasting a unique and unbeatable location, the hotel is situated directly beside the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise valley station (gondola/ski lift), offering ski-to-door access and an ideal starting point for hiking and skiing. It's also conveniently about a 10-minute walk to Zermatt's village center.
- Spa & Wellness: A major highlight is the luxurious spa and pool area, which includes a heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool with an infinity edge, an outdoor Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, Turkish steam room, and warm loungers for relaxation.
- Service: The staff consistently receives accolades for being "excellent," "friendly," "helpful," "welcoming," and "attentive".
- Complimentary Offerings: Guests appreciate the complimentary shuttle service to the train station, the superb breakfast, and the thoughtful afternoon tea service with cakes and snacks.
3. Room Quality
The hotel offers 30 individually furnished double and family rooms and generous suites, spread across three connected buildings. Rooms are characterized by their modern, industrial-chic decor, featuring clean lines, sparse furniture, and concrete accents softened by warm lighting. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample natural light and, in many cases, stunning mountain views. Amenities include plush bedding, Nespresso machines, and spacious bathrooms with high-end toiletries. While highly stylish, some guests note that the rooms are not "super large". Almost all rooms have a balcony or terrace, often offering views of Zermatt or the Matterhorn.
4. Dining Experience
Matterhorn FOCUS is primarily a bed and breakfast hotel, excelling in its breakfast offerings.
- Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is consistently hailed as "superb," "outstanding," "delicious," and "rich and varied". Guests can enjoy an abundant spread of fresh breads, croissants, eggs, cheeses, smoked salmon, fruits, and even Prosecco. Vegetarian options are also available and found satisfactory by guests.
- Afternoon Tea: A complimentary afternoon tea service, including cakes and snacks, provides a "homely vibe" and is a much-appreciated touch.
- Dinner: The hotel does not have a full-service dinner restaurant but offers room service and has a "great honesty bar" for drinks and snacks. Staff are happy to assist with dinner reservations at local restaurants in Zermatt.
5. Service & Staff
The staff at Matterhorn FOCUS are a significant contributor to the hotel's high guest satisfaction. They are consistently described as "nice and efficient," "friendly and helpful," "exceptionally welcoming," and "attentive". Services often highlighted include complimentary train station pick-up, helpful ski and hiking tips, and thoughtful gestures such as welcome drinks upon arrival and refreshing drinks at departure. Many guests feel well looked after and appreciate the personal and attentive service, leading to repeat visits.
6. Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a "perfect" and "spectacular" location, just above the center of Zermatt. It's uniquely situated "right next to the Matterhorn express gondola," making it exceptionally convenient for skiers and hikers to access the mountains. The main shopping area and village center are approximately a 10-minute walk away, providing a balance of quiet surroundings and easy access to attractions. Complimentary shuttle service to and from the train station enhances accessibility.
7. Value & Pricing
Matterhorn FOCUS is generally considered to offer impressive facilities "considering the price". While Zermatt can be an expensive destination, guests rate the hotel highly for "value for money" (e.g., 8.8 out of 10) due to its modern amenities, excellent service, prime location, and outstanding breakfast and spa facilities. It's seen as a "splurge stay" that delivers on its promises for a luxurious experience.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring minor criticisms include:
- Room Size: A few guests have noted that the rooms, while stylish, are not "super large".
- Obstructed Matterhorn Views: While many rooms offer stunning Matterhorn views, some are partially obstructed by gondola wires or cable car pillars, which can be a minor disappointment for those expecting an unblemished panorama.
- Room Privacy: In some rooms, glass doors lacking curtains have been mentioned as a potential privacy concern at night.
- Uphill Walk to Town: The walk from the town center to the hotel is slightly uphill, though a complimentary shuttle service is available to mitigate this.
- Shuttle Service Reliability: One review mentioned the hotel shuttle service could be "unreliable and stressful, with long waiting times".
- No Full-Service Restaurant: The absence of a dedicated dinner restaurant within the hotel is occasionally noted, although breakfast and afternoon tea are provided, and the hotel assists with local dining arrangements.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring minor criticisms include:
- •Room Privacy**: In some rooms, glass doors lacking curtains have been mentioned as a potential privacy concern at night.
About Two Michelin Keys
Two Michelin Keys recognize hotels that provide an excellent stay experience. These properties stand out for their remarkable quality, distinctive character, and superior service that goes above and beyond expectations.
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