The Alpina

The Alpina, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the picturesque Alpine village of Tschiertschen, Switzerland, consistently receives high praise for its blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Reopened in 2015 after extensive renovations, the resort has cemented its reputation as a serene and exceptional mountain retreat.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Alpina is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "Superb" or "Wonderful." Review platforms show high scores, often above 9.1, for categories like cleanliness (9.6), comfort (9.6), staff (9.6), and facilities (9.4). Many express a desire to return, highlighting a truly satisfying guest experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of The Alpina. Key highlights include:

• Beautiful Building & Design: The hotel, a historic 19th-century building, underwent a thorough renovation in 2015, resulting in a stylish, modern finish that retains its original charm.
• Stunning Views: Rooms and dining areas offer magnificent garden and mountain views, with many featuring private balconies.
• Exceptional Spa (Shan Spa): The Shan Spa is a standout feature, complete with three saunas (Finnish, bio, infrared), a steam bath, Kneipp pool, and an outdoor hot tub with views of the Weisshornspitze, focusing on medicinal herbs and Asian massage techniques.
• Friendly & Attentive Staff: The team is frequently described as helpful, passionate, and very attentive, contributing significantly to a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
• Direct Ski Access: The resort boasts door-to-slope access, making it an ideal base for active holidays and winter sports.
• Peaceful Location: Situated away from the hustle and bustle, it offers a tranquil escape for those seeking nature and relaxation.

3. Room Quality

The Alpina offers a variety of comfortable and clean accommodations, including Classic Double Rooms, Superior Double Rooms with Balconies, Standard Single Rooms, Deluxe Junior Suites, and Deluxe Suites. Rooms are well-maintained, feature modern design, and are equipped with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. Many rooms provide enchanting garden or mountain views, and soundproofing ensures a peaceful night's sleep. While generally praised for comfort, one guest noted that a double room felt "a bit tight" between the sink and the bed.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at The Alpina is highly regarded. The hotel's restaurant serves a diverse menu of local, international, and European cuisines, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Chef Antonino Messina focuses on regional, seasonal "nose to tail" cuisine, complemented by Asian specialty dishes from Tony Leung. The gourmet restaurant La Belle Époque, restored in Art Nouveau style, offers an elegant dining atmosphere, while the Tropaios Lounge provides a more contemporary, Alpine-style menu. Breakfast is highly rated (9.5), offering continental, American, buffet, and fresh pastries. Guests have described the food as "surprisingly good" and "delicious," and the service staff in the restaurant are noted for their incredibly easy-going and humorous nature. A cozy fireplace bar is also available for pre-dinner drinks.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at The Alpina receive consistent commendation. Reviews frequently highlight their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Staff are passionate about guest well-being and are multilingual, fluent in Italian, French, Spanish, English, and German. The hotel reportedly works with the hotel management school in Passugg, and guests appreciate the charming efforts of the staff, even if not all speak perfect German.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Alpina Mountain Resort is ideally situated in Tschiertschen, a quiet Alpine village approximately 133 meters from the village center and about 10 kilometers from Chur. Its location offers excellent access to outdoor activities, including ski-in/ski-out access in winter, and extensive hiking and biking trails during warmer months. The hotel provides free e-bikes for exploring the region and a shuttle service in winter. While the location is praised for its peacefulness and beauty, some guests have noted an "uphill walk from the bus stop." Free public parking is generally available nearby. The hotel also offers facilities for disabled guests, including wheelchair-accessible paths of travel, parking, and public washrooms.

7. Value & Pricing

The Alpina generally offers good value, with a "Value for money" rating of 8.9 on Booking.com. An overnight stay including breakfast and spa use in winter can start from around 210 CHF for two people in a double room, with prices varying based on dates and room selection. For instance, some rates have been observed around $244-253 nightly. Pets are allowed, though charges may apply.

8. Common Complaints

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

• Room Size: One guest mentioned a double room being "a bit tight," desiring more maneuvering space.
• Minibar: An empty minibar in a suite was mentioned, though the hotel bar was easily accessible.
• Spa Relaxation Room: The relaxation room in the Shan Spa was described by one visitor as "barren and cold."
• Inconsistent Service/Information: One review from an event manager cited "unorganized" staff regarding hiking suggestions and a perceived lack of local knowledge from the hotel director. This same review also critiqued the gastronomy for being a "very bad price/performance ratio," which contrasts with other positive dining feedback.
• Suite Lighting/View: A master suite was criticized for having limited light from a skylight and a view of the parking lot rather than the mountains.

Sources

1. thehotelguru.com
2. chinahorseclub.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. planetofhotels.com
6. michelin.com
7. travelita-blog.com
8. fastenurseatbelts.com
9. hotels.com
10. skyscanner.qa
11. the-alpina.com
12. hoteles.com
13. ginto.guide
14. holidaycheck.de
15. holidaycheck.de