Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a beautiful design hotel in the region of Gstaad. Gstaad may be difficult to pronounce for many, yet it is one of the best known mountain resorts in Switzerland, especially amongst the elite. Like many people, I used to think that Gstaad is only for the rich and famous and somewhat on the snobby side. I was therefore pleasantly surprised to find a very sophisticated, yet relaxed atmosphere in the village of Gstaad, much like in the Huus Gstaad where I spent a couple of nights.
Thanks to my first career in the (luxury) hotel industry, I got to visit many amazing hotels around the globe and I was always particularly interested in their design, which I tend to analyse in great detail. (This in fact is part of the reason I decided to pursue a career in interior design, but that’s a different story). Despite having seen a great variety when it comes to hotel design, I was very intrigued by the design of the Huus Gstaad. It’s far from the lovely, yet fairly common ‘chalet chic’. I was fascinated by the unusual colour combinations and even more so by the odd, yet harmonious mix of materials, not to mention the large collection of quirky items dotted throughout the hotel. Especially the lobby lounge, which was designed with a living room in mind, is filled with unusual collectibles.
In said living room, the heart of the hotel, you will find people of any demographic and any nationality. Some will be sipping on a cocktail, some will be satisfying their competitive streak at a board game, yet others might be catching up on some emails or read a book. Sometimes you will even spot a dog or two, including Charly the Pug and Piet the Frenchie, members of the crew at Huus Gstaad. Everyone is welcome – that’s the message the Huus Gstaad likes to convey.
Personally, I not only enjoyed discovering the countless items on display, but also the many details that form part of the design. I spotted lots of beautiful fabrics, plain and patterned, including some colourful Missoni fabrics. As you’d expect in a Bernese chalet, there’s of course also lots of wood, stone and granite. Most of the furniture is bespoke and specially designed and made for the hotel. The large rock from the local river Saane, which forms part of the front desk, is just one example how “Swissness” was woven into the concept. I also noticed lots of colourful rope, used in many creative ways reminding us of mountain activities, such as rock climbing.
Speaking of activities, I think it’s safe to say that you will not get bored at the Huus Gstaad. There are plenty of activities and alpine experiences in winter and summer, many of which are included in the room rate. Whether you want to jump on a mountain bike, go river rafting or hiking along stunning scenery is entirely up to you. Winter sports enthusiasts will also get their fair share of activities, including igloo building, dog sledding, ice climbing and of course your regular winter sports. After an active day, you can head to the spa, swim a few laps in the indoor pool or simply relax your muscles in the sauna or steam bath. The wellness area, though not quite up to par in terms of its design compared to the rest of the hotel, is modern and welcoming.
True to the Huus Gstaad’s philosophy, there’s also a wide range of activities for children of all ages, including an outdoor playground, playrooms, a kids spa and restaurant as well as a teenage activity room (also pretty popular amongst a somewhat older (male) crowd…).
The hearty buffet breakfast is a great way to start the day and after a full day of outdoor adventures, you can look forward to a delicious and seasonal dinner. The Huus Gstaad features three restaurants – the main restaurant, the Tapas y Vino and the ‘Cheese Chalet’ Hüüsli – offering you a variety of national and international dishes using fresh and mostly local ingredients.
I definitely recommend a stroll through the village of Gstaad. Along the pedestrian promenade you will find Prada, Louis Vuitton and the likes as well as plenty of inviting restaurants all housed in authentic Bernese chalets. The village carries an air of sophistication combined with rural authenticity.
The village of Saanen is the nearest village to the Huus Gstaad and not to be missed. It’s a very quaint and authentic little village minus the Prada, but instead chalets dating back to the 15th century.
Last but not least, I recommend a visit to the famous Gstaad Palace towering above the village of Gstaad. The landmark hotel has been a symbol of Gstaad for more than 100 years. It has served as a backdrop for movies and has welcomed many celebrities and politicians over the years. Their traditionally designed lobby bar is the perfect place to people watch whilst sipping on a cappuccino or a martini, depending on the time of day.