シャトー・デーのRegional Park Gruyère Pays-d＇Enhautホテル

This is a tricky review to write as if you walk into it with your eyes wide open knowing what you will get then it provides it. If however, you are expecting a normal hotel then you will be sadly disappointed as it is more of a hostel. Based on the reviews we had already adjusted our expectations and even then there were a few things that caught us out. The rooms are basic but clean and quite spacious. I have read that people complain about the lack of a kettle but it is simple enough to get one from reception, you just have to ask and pay a deposit. The same goes for a transformer if you need one. Note there are no lifts so you do need to be able to climb stairs but I did see a stair lift going one flight. The room numbering is a mystery to me (along with many others) so don't be surprised to see people wandering around muttering their room number and looking confused. They don't supply tea bags etc in the room so if you want them you have to provide your own. Do not try to take them from breakfast as this is 'frowned upon' by the management who want to charge you for them from behind the bar. We take our own coffee so was of no consequence to us but there were a couple of heated discussions. Breakfast is a simple buffet affair with cereal and bread along with a small selection of cheese and meats. There was also an egg broiler which is worth watching if for no other reason than to see the confusion on people's faces as they try to work out how to use it. Lunch is not an option The food choice for dinner is non-existent as the chef caters to everyone at the same time with the same set courses. There are restaurants in the village which aren't that far away but it is a steep uphill walk. Bear in mind that Switzerland is expensive so you will not get a cheap meal. The hotel kitchen closes on Monday & Tuesday meaning you will have to eat out, but on Monday bear in mind that most restaurants in the village close as well. There is a co-op (not UK but just the same name) that is within walking distance and in line of sight to the right as you leave the hotel. It's of a reasonable size so you can stock up on provisions. Note it closes at 7 so if you are going to have a 'picnic' get in early. The bar is run by reception so when they go home the bar closes. The timing is a fluid affair as it depends on individual members of staff. At £8 a pint it's not cheap and your choice of beer is lager (one tap does all). Interestingly the wines are all locally produced and the hotel does strive to support local businesses. In conclusion, if you want a simple base to explore Switzerland from and are prepared to accept 'hostel' rather than 'hotel' standards it is fine. As for cost, I have no idea but as mentioned Switzerland is an expensive place and the beer prices were about the same all over.

We stayed for 2 nights in mid-May 2023. The hotel is just a five to seven minute walk from the Saanan Train Station and one station before Gstaad, if you come from Geneva, as we did. We reached around 9 pm in the evening and were allotted room 21, which is the room with the balcony on the 2nd floor; ( you will notice from the hotel photo), is perhaps one of the best rooms, being a corner room with balcony and lovely views. The dinner was just a vegan burger and a salad. Adequate. The bedrooms were entirely timbered, comfortable with sufficient storage and in-room heating from a radiator, placed under the front window. Toilet was a bit small and no bathroom slippers were provided. We requested but was told as it was a 3 star property, hence they did not provide it. Breakfast was the usual continental, with the hot items being only boiled eggs and choice of coffee/tea. Rest was cold meat, fruit, cereals, cheese and bread. Not the best which we have had, but acceptable. A few more hot choices especially in the eggs choice or sausages would have helped. There was only 1 lady who was looking after the breakfast area, the restaurant and the reception. Perhaps, because of low occupancy. However, what I wish to compliment the hotel staff about, was their help and co-operation in forwarding some clothes which we had mistakenly left behind. We connected with the hotel the very evening after we left and they confirmed that they had them. Their cost was not much but they had an emotional connect with us. We asked them to keep them with them till we could decide the way forward. As luck would have it, some family members are visiting Switzerland at the time of writing this review (in early July 2023) and staying for a few days in Bern. The staff, on our request, packed and sent the stuff to the Bern hotel after coordinating with the Bern hotel, on phone. They never asked us for any payment though we were willing to pay for it. This is outstanding customer service.

They amaze you in every way. All of them smile with warm heart and you don't feel like going back. Location is perfect with serene river flowing at a walking distance. Rooms are spacious and neat, clean & well maintained with all the necessary amenities. The Food at ”Pizzeria” is delicious. It is 30 mins from Glacier 3000 and bus stop is 5 mins away. They provide free transfer both ways. What more we can ask for? Definitely will be going back again! Other Swiss hotels should learn from you.