Who's Going
Claudia Schiffer, Aga Khan, Hugh Grant
Reason to Stay
Ski Resort, Lively Lobby, Village Center
Hotel Type
Ski Resort
There is no symbol or structure more emblematic of St. Moritz than Badrutt's Palace Hotel. A hospitality crossroads of old European aristocracy (the hotel is family owned) and loud-talking new money play through much of the Swiss winter away as polo tournaments happen on the frozen lakefront and children in Prada ski suits scoot down a groomed toboggan run. Old world Europe operates most of the larger hotels of St. Moritz with white glove service and dress codes that still require jackets �" but now free of ties. The hotel and its Grand Hall feature a Douglas wooden roof with oversize picture windows with views of the lake and mountainside. Coffer ceilings contain numerous religious icons, prized gaming trophies, marble statues of people long forgotten and an original Madonna (not the singer) by Raphael. The hotel offers a total of six restaurants including the formal Le Restaurant, Le Relais (home to Nobu) and more casual Chesa Veglia. In-house Wellness Center offers regular spa services in addition to a nutrition and skin care management program for visiting guests. The hotel's basement features one of the hottest and most expensive nightclubs in own, King's Corner, which usually rages until the early hours of most winter mornings.
The Room
In 1999 came a needed renovation and upgrade of most guest rooms. Be sure to ask for a renovated room, as a few still feature the well-worn ‘70s eclectic ski lodge motif. While ski accommodations have always proved to be less than desirable, Badrutt’s manages to be an exception when it comes to its larger suites and deluxe rooms. The room interiors, designed by Facchini and Alessandro Mendini, interpret furniture, fabrics and drapery popular during the 16th and 17th centuries with a modern spin. Keeping with the original architecture, guest rooms offer tufted-fabric headboards, crystal chandeliers, abstract lighting fixtures and oblong furnishings that seem to overfill the modest space. It’s said that no two-guest rooms are alike, each offering design pieces from the owner’s private collection. Bathrooms feature white marble countertops with gilded mirrors and sunken showers for post-slope thawing.
Preferred Room
Grand Deluxe Room
Special Features
Historical Location, Celebrity Scene, Romantic Getaway, Ski Hotel
Amenities
Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Fashion Boutique (Pucci), Nightclub, Lounge, Bar
