SwissNet Hotels
Engadin Valley, Graubünden
Luxury Hotels in St. Moritz
The original luxury ski resort — and still the most self-assured.
Why Stay in St. Moritz
St. Moritz invented the concept of the Alpine winter holiday. In 1864, hotelier Johannes Badrutt bet his English summer guests they would enjoy the winter — they did, and a global industry followed.
That origin story still shapes the resort's identity. Set at 1,800m in the Upper Engadin valley, with a frozen lake at its centre and the Bernina peaks above, St. Moritz combines serious skiing with a winter social calendar — polo on the frozen lake, White Turf horse racing in February, the Cresta Run — that has no equivalent in the Alps.
Atmosphere & Travel Style
St. Moritz is more destination than mountain. Guests come for the season as much as the skiing — the off-slope programme, the grand hotels, the social calendar, and the particular self-confidence of a resort that has been at the centre of international luxury travel for 160 years.
It suits travelers who want the full grand Alpine hotel experience and a winter that extends well beyond skiing. Those who want the mountain to be the only focus tend to prefer Zermatt.
Luxury Hotel Scene
Badrutt's Palace Hotel is the most iconic address — open since 1896, directly above the frozen lake, with a skiing history inseparable from the resort itself.
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz — the oldest hotel in the resort, open since 1856 — offers a slightly more residential, understated atmosphere while maintaining comparable quality.
Carlton Hotel suits travelers who want a more intimate, contemporary luxury experience without the grand hotel scale of the Palace or Kulm.
Best Time to Visit
The main season runs December to late March, with February the peak month for the frozen lake events.
The Engadin valley is notably sunny in winter — a quality that distinguishes it from more enclosed Alpine valleys. Summer from June to September offers hiking, sailing on the lake, golf, and the Engadin music festival. Most hotels close in the shoulder months.
How It Compares
Against Zermatt, St. Moritz is more social and event-driven. Zermatt is more focused on the mountain itself; St. Moritz is more focused on the season as a whole.
Against Gstaad, St. Moritz is louder and more theatrical; Gstaad is more discreet. St. Moritz announces itself; Gstaad withholds.
Against Verbier, St. Moritz is more traditional and grand hotel-oriented; Verbier is more energetic and skiing-driven.
Getting There
From Zurich, the direct train via Chur takes around 3.5 hours.
The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz — around 8 hours — is one of the world's most celebrated scenic rail journeys and worth doing at least once.
The nearest international airport is Zurich. Private helicopter transfers are available for those arriving by private aviation.
The Best Luxury Hotels in St. Moritz
Badrutt's Palace Hotel
Badrutt's Palace Hotel is a timeless and legendary luxury hotel located in the heart of St. Moritz, Switzerland, offering an incomparable experience that seamlessly blends alpine elegance with world-class hospitality. This iconic palace destination features luxurious suites and rooms, fine dining restaurants, exclusive bars and clubs, and comprehensive wellness facilities catering to the most discerning travelers. With its prime location in Graubünden, the hotel serves as the perfect retreat for both winter ski season and summer alpine adventures.
Suvretta House
Suvretta House is a legendary 5-star superior alpine luxury hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland, welcoming guests since 1912 with unforgettable experiences and exceptional service across sunny summers and crisp winter evenings. Nestled in the heart of the Upper Engadin valley, this iconic hideaway combines timeless elegance with world-class amenities for the most discerning travelers.
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
A legendary 5-star grand hotel in the heart of St. Moritz, open since 1856. The Kulm Hotel offers 163 elegant rooms and suites, multiple restaurants, a world-class spa, and direct access to the slopes — the birthplace of winter tourism in the Alps.
Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina
Grand Hotel Kronenhof is one of Switzerland's most extraordinary grand hotels — a magnificent Belle Époque palace in Pontresina, just minutes from St. Moritz, that has been welcoming guests since 1848. With exceptional wellness facilities, Michelin-starred dining and one of the most beautiful hotel interiors in the Alps, it is a destination in its own right.
Grace La Margna St. Moritz
Grace La Margna is one of St. Moritz most celebrated luxury hotels, a beautifully restored historic property combining the elegance of the Engadin with Grace Hotels exceptional design sensibility. With Michelin-starred dining, an exceptional spa and ski access to one of the world most exclusive resorts, it is a landmark of alpine luxury.
Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is an ultra-luxury five-star alpine refuge perched high above Lake St. Moritz, offering 60 elegantly appointed rooms and suites all facing south with unobstructed views of the Engadin mountains and pristine lake. This prestigious property features Michelin-starred dining, a three-level spa, and the largest penthouse suite in St. Moritz spanning 386 square meters. As part of the Tschuggen Collection, it seamlessly combines the highest hospitality standards with meaningful environmental responsibility.
Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains St. Moritz
Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains is a grand Belle Époque palace hotel in St. Moritz, one of the most prestigious addresses in the Engadin Valley. Offering ski-in access, a magnificent spa and timeless alpine luxury since 1864.
Giardino Mountain St. Moritz
Giardino Mountain is one of the Engadin most refined luxury retreats, a beautifully designed property combining Italian warmth with Swiss alpine precision. With exceptional spa facilities, farm-to-table cuisine and a tranquil setting above St. Moritz, it offers a more intimate alternative to the resort grand palace hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Badrutt's Palace or Kulm Hotel — which suits me better?
A.Badrutt's Palace is the more theatrical choice — larger, more central to the resort's social scene, and carrying the strongest name recognition. Kulm Hotel is slightly more residential and understated, preferred by guests who want grand hotel quality without the social centre-stage position. Both are among the finest hotels in the resort; the choice is one of atmosphere rather than quality.
Q.When are the frozen lake events in St. Moritz?
A.The main frozen lake events run in February — White Turf horse racing on the frozen lake typically takes place across three Sundays in February, and snow polo usually follows a similar schedule. Exact dates vary by year. January brings the Cresta Run and bobsled competitions. The full winter event calendar is the reason February is the peak month for hotel rates.
Q.Is St. Moritz worth visiting in summer?
A.Yes — the Engadin valley is genuinely beautiful in summer, with hiking, sailing, golf, and the summer festival season. The landscape is different from winter but equally compelling. Summer rates are significantly lower than peak ski season, and the resort is considerably less crowded. The quality of the hotels and restaurants remains consistent year-round.