Walliserhof, Zermatt: hotel review
Yolanda Carslaw reviews the Walliserhof in Zermatt, an unmistakably Swiss hotel on a pretty lane, with occasional views of the Matterhorn from its balconies.

By Yolanda Carslaw

On the car-free town’s attractive main street, a minute’s walk from the Matterhorn Museum and Zermatt’s prettiest lanes, lined with wonky, weathered chalets on stilts. The closest ski lift is the Gornergrat railway, five minutes on foot; the funicular and cable-car are 12 minutes’ walk.

Unmistakably Swiss, with a strong sense of history, yet fresh and elegant. Decoration includes wooden skis, vintage photos of sunburnt mountaineers and curvy wrought-iron fittings, against a backdrop of warm lighting, uneven white walls and flagstone floors. In the basement is a “mini-wellness” area with a sauna, steam-room and two whirlpools, plus a well-heated ski room with boot-warmers.

Everyone smiled or bade us hello in passing, from the hands-on manageress – the daughter of a former Swiss president – to the chambermaids, and English was spoken expertly. Waiting staff wear Swiss Trachten, in smart black or charcoal.

The 34 rooms, over four floors, feature warm-hued upholstery and carpet, flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi, fluffy bathrobes and plenty of storage. Most have balconies; side and back-facing rooms are quietest, and a handful have a view of the Matterhorn. There are four family rooms.

The rustic Stübli offers five types of cheese fondue – including one made with champagne, various tartes flambées, plus lighter specialities such as paper-thin, air-dried beef. In the Grill, Switzerland meets the Mediterranean; trout with almond butter was a winner. There’s a five-course “surprise” menu (SF68/£47) and the half-board five-courser is a steal at SF40/£28. Swiss wines, many from small producers, make up 80 per cent of the list.

from telegraph.co.uk