Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a St. Moritz institution. Travelers flock to the glamorous getaway to unwind at après-ski hot spot Paradiso St. Moritz, dance in Switzerland’s oldest nightclub and revel in the beauty of the hotel and its alpine surroundings.
To prepare for its 130th anniversary next year, the historic hotel recently debuted a new underground tunnel that gives guests direct access to the town square and Chesa Veglia, the oldest farmhouse in St. Moritz that houses four of Badrutt’s Palace’s restaurants. The tunnel also leads to the new Serlas Wing, a sleek, modern 25-room extension designed by ACPV Architects in collaboration with Italian fashion designer Loro Piana that is a big departure from the turreted stone-castle-like main building.
“This legendary hotel is always keeping it fresh,” says Christina Tan, a repeat visitor who is an Indonesia-based photographer and luxury travel influencer, known as @SassyChris1 on Instagram. “It’s a superior hotel,” she says. “They are in a league of their own.”
Tan gave us a tour of the family-run hotel’s most photogenic spots, from the new suites to the most coveted table at the property.
“Le Grand Hall is the heart of the hotel,” she says. “And this particular table is the best in the house. People are always taking photos there.” While a snowstorm obstructed her view, most days, you can see the Alps.
The hotel added a new heated outdoor vitality pool in summer 2024 with body massage stations and jets, a bubble bench and a hydro back bench. “Sitting in the warm water there and having all the snowflakes fall on my face, it’s really something special.”
“The spa’s huge indoor pool is dramatic, especially when it’s snowy outside,” Tan says.
“The wine cellar is impressive — it consists of about 30,000 bottles, and its oldest bottle is from 1900.” Another cellar highlight: it contains a secret room called Krug Stubli, an intimate private dining space for up to six that can be reserved for special dinners.
“The horse-drawn carriage ride is an iconic St. Moritz experience. It’s a dreamy ride that takes you through the woods and the snow-covered trees. I was wrapped in a blanket for the cozy morning adventure.”
Le Grand Hall serves lunch and dinner, but don’t miss the traditional tea service. “The afternoon tea is beautiful, from the dainty pastries — including a chocolate with the hotel’s logo — to the cutlery and china. This is one of the best afternoon teas I’ve ever had because of the ambiance and high quality.”
This is another perspective of Le Grand Hall. “The famous, rich and beautiful all stay here,” she says. “It’s called the living room of St. Moritz because it’s so popular.”
Paradiso St. Moritz, the hotel’s alpine club, is famed for its deck with up-close mountaintop vistas. “It’s the place to be seen — it’s so fun,” she says. The heavy snow prevented Tan from getting deck photos, so she took her champagne and “the best chocolate fondue” inside for a cozy treat.
Tan stayed in the new wing’s Serlas Suite. “It’s very lavish,” she says. “You get a dedicated personal butler.” She ordered room service for breakfast and enjoyed this spread in her suite living room. Her favorite dish was the eggs Benedict with truffles.
The Serlas Suite bedroom overlooks Badrutt’s Palace’s main building. “The floor-to-ceiling windows have breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and the Palace’s iconic architecture.”
“The very famous King’s Social House has an underground nightclub and restaurant from famous chef Jason Atherton — the food is so good. The nightclub gets packed.”
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