Gstaad is weird. It’s this tiny, postcard-perfect village in the Bernese Oberland where the sheep outnumber the billionaires, yet the airport is constantly buzzing with private jets. If you’ve ever walked down the Promenade, you know the vibe—it’s hushed, expensive, and deeply traditional. But right in the middle of all that wooden chalet-style seriousness sits Le Grand Bellevue. It’s different. While other five-star spots in town feel like museums where you’re afraid to touch the velvet, this place feels like the home of a very wealthy, very eccentric uncle who actually wants you to have a drink.
It’s yellow. Bright, pale yellow. You can’t miss it. Built originally in 1912 as a cure house and spa, the building has gone through several lives before Daniel and Davia Koetser took it over a decade ago. They didn't just polish the silver; they stripped away the stuffiness. Honestly, that’s why people keep coming back. It’s a Palace hotel by designation, but it’s a house party by spirit.
The Design Shift at Le Grand Bellevue
Most luxury hotels in Switzerland stick to a specific script: dark wood, heavy drapes, and a lot of beige. Le Grand Bellevue threw that script in the fireplace. When you walk into the lobby, the first thing you notice isn't a massive chandelier—though they have those—it’s Leonard. Leonard is a 17-foot-long tweed camel. He just sits there. It’s a signal that says, "Hey, we know this is expensive, but let's not take ourselves too seriously."
The interiors are a masterclass in "High-Low" design. You have George Smith furniture and bespoke fabrics from Pierre Frey, but it’s mixed with quirky birdcage chairs and bold, patterned wallpapers that look like they belong in a London townhouse rather than a mountain retreat. It’s cozy. Really. The rooms don't feel like hotel suites; they feel like bedrooms. With 57 rooms and suites, it’s small enough that the staff actually remembers if you prefer oat milk or if you’re allergic to down pillows.
The Etoile Suite is usually what people talk about when they want to flex. It’s massive. But even the "smaller" Chic rooms have this incredible light because of those big, historic windows. You’re looking out at the park or the mountains, and because the hotel is set back from the main road in its own private gardens, it’s quiet. Like, "ears ringing" quiet.
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Eating and Drinking (Beyond the Cheese)
You’re in Switzerland, so yes, there is fondue. Le Petit Chalet is this tiny, 18-seat cabin tucked away in the trees on the hotel grounds. It’s intimate and smells like truffles and melted Gruyère. It’s the kind of place where you end up talking to the people at the next table because you’re practically sitting in their laps.
But the real star is Leonard’s.
Named after that giant camel in the lobby, the restaurant has earned 15 Gault Millau points. Francesco De Bartardis, the chef, does this "bistro-chic" thing that actually works. It’s not fussy. You can get a perfectly seared piece of mountain trout or a burger that costs more than my first car, and both feel appropriate. They also have one of the most insane wine cellars in the region, housing over 10,000 bottles. If you want a 1945 Mouton Rothschild, they probably have it. If you want a local Swiss Chasselas that nobody outside of the Canton of Bern has ever heard of, they definitely have it.
Then there’s the bar. The Bar at Le Grand Bellevue is the heart of the hotel. It has this 1920s Art Deco vibe with a zinc-topped counter and a massive Chesterfield sofa that seems to go on forever. It’s the town’s living room. During the peak winter season, you’ll see locals, ski instructors, and fashion designers all crammed in there. It’s one of the few places in Gstaad where the "see and be seen" element doesn't feel exhausting.
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The Spa is a Literal Underground Labyrinth
Okay, let’s talk about Le Grand Spa. It’s 3,000 square meters. That is objectively huge for a hotel of this size. Most people think a hotel spa is just a sauna and a lukewarm pool. This is something else entirely.
They have 17 different "wellness zones."
- An ice fountain (which is terrifying but great for circulation).
- A Himalayan salt grotto.
- An infrared sauna.
- An outdoor Finnish sauna for the brave.
- A hay sauna (it smells like a very clean barn).
The indoor pool is classic, but the real magic is the "Thermal Oasis." You can spend three hours just moving from one steam room to another without ever seeing the same person twice. They use products from Cellcosmet and Bamford, so it’s a mix of high-tech Swiss science and organic British luxury. If you’ve spent the day skiing the Eggli or hiking up toward Lauenensee, this is where you end up. It’s basically mandatory.
What People Get Wrong About Gstaad and Le Grand Bellevue
A lot of people think Gstaad is just for the winter. That’s a mistake. Honestly, the summer might be better. The air is crisp, the cows are wearing their bells, and the hotel set-up is perfect for outdoor living. They have these vintage Bentleys—one is a 1962 series—that they use to shuttle guests around. Seeing a bright yellow vintage Bentley cruising through a field of wildflowers is peak aesthetic.
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People also assume it’s going to be stiff. It’s a "Palace" hotel, right? That word usually implies a certain level of formality where you need a tie for dinner. Not here. While you certainly can dress up, the vibe is much more "expensive cashmere sweater" than "tuxedo." The Koetsers are usually around, and since they are a young family themselves, they’ve made sure the place is actually kid-friendly. There’s a playroom that isn’t just a sad corner with a broken crayon; it’s a legit space.
The Logistics You Actually Need to Know
Getting there is part of the whole thing. Most people fly into Geneva or Zurich. From Geneva, it’s about a two-hour drive. If you’re smart, you take the GoldenPass train from Montreux. It’s one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The train literally crawls up the mountainside, and the views of Lake Geneva are stupidly beautiful.
When you arrive at the Gstaad station, the hotel’s vintage van (usually painted that signature yellow) is waiting for you. It’s a three-minute drive, but they treat it like a royal procession.
A quick reality check on pricing:
Look, it’s Gstaad. It’s expensive. During the high season (Christmas/New Year and February), rates are eye-watering. If you want the experience without the five-figure bill, look at the "shoulder" seasons. Late June or early September is incredible. The weather is stable, the hotel is quieter, and you can actually get a table at Leonard’s without booking three weeks in advance.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're actually planning to stay at Le Grand Bellevue, don't just wing it. Gstaad is a small ecosystem and knowing the "unwritten" rules helps.
- Book the Half-Board: Usually, I hate hotel half-board plans. They feel restrictive. But here, the "Bellevue Choice" allows you to eat at Leonard's or the Petit Chalet, and the quality is so high that it actually saves you money and hassle.
- Request a High Floor: The views of the Diablerets mountains and the Wispile are significantly better from the third floor and up.
- Use the Concierge for Off-Piste: The ski schools are great, but the hotel has connections with private guides who can take you to spots on the Glacier 3000 that aren't swamped with tourists.
- The Sushi Bar: Don't overlook the sushi bar inside the hotel. It seems weird to eat raw fish in the Alps, but they fly it in fresh, and it's a great break from the heavy Swiss cream sauces.
- Walk the Promenade at Night: After dinner at the hotel, walk into the village. It’s five minutes away. The lights, the silence, and the window shopping at Chopard and Moncler are a vibe even if you aren't buying anything.
Le Grand Bellevue isn't trying to be the oldest hotel in town, and it's not trying to be the most expensive. It's trying to be the one you actually enjoy staying in. It’s a luxury hotel for people who are bored of luxury hotels. It’s colorful, it’s a bit loud, and it’s arguably the best place to find yourself with a gin and tonic in hand after a day on the slopes. Whether you're there for the 3,000-square-meter spa or just to see the giant tweed camel, it’s a spot that stays with you long after you’ve headed back down the mountain.