Insider's Guide to The Chedi Andermatt

In December, I was lucky enough to stay at the Chedi Andermatt and have to say I was utterly blown away by this hotel. What an amazing experience it was! For our clients who want the very best money can buy, this hotel ticks all the boxes.

[caption id="attachment_8408" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Chedi Andermatt[/caption] After arriving in Zurich we took the train from Zurich Airport to Goschenen. First Class on Swiss Rail was spacious and comfortable with lots of space for luggage. Whilst standard class is also a great option, I’d always recommend an upgrade to First Class as it’s most definitely worth the relatively modest extra expense. The journey takes two hours from Zurich and as you’d expect there’s some stunning Swiss scenery to take in along the way. On arrival at Goschenen station the short journey up the mountain pass to Andermatt takes around 10 minutes. [caption id="attachment_8420" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Train to Resort[/caption] When arriving at the Chedi you are immediately impressed by the striking design and attention to detail in the lobby and this is something you notice this throughout the hotel. The Chedi markets itself as ‘Swiss Alpine chic with an Asian twist offering understated luxury’… which sounds quite an eclectic mix, but in practice works really well. [caption id="attachment_8412" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Wine and Cigar Library[/caption] I was staying in a Deluxe Suite which was situated in a corner of the building offering two spacious balconies, both offering excellent views. One looked over the courtyard of the hotel where there is an ice rink and the other was of the mountains. The rooms are very spacious and luxurious with the lead-in room category being particularly impressive given I’d say it was on a par with some 5-star hotel suites I have seen. [caption id="attachment_8459" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Deluxe Suite[/caption]

Every room comes equipped with a mini iPad which controls the lighting, heating, blinds, curtains and also the music, with surround sound speakers in every room, including the bathroom. They have a couple of special chalet style suites which have their own saunas. These are incredibly luxurious and are ideal for larger families or groups.

[caption id="attachment_8414" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Gemsstock Suite[/caption] There are two restaurants at the Chedi which reflect a mix between Swiss and Oriental cuisine. There is a Japanese Sushi restaurant within the hotel and the main restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes which use local produce with Asian spices. The food was some of the best I’ve eaten in any of the hotels we feature and was a definite highlight of my trip. [caption id="attachment_8415" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Japanese Dining Room[/caption] The hotel also boasts a wine library as well as having glazed wine cabinets of wine in the rooms and dotted all around the hotel.  Amazingly, there’s also a cheese library, which features a selection of locally farmed cheeses which you can select and taste after dinner. If this isn’t enough opulence for you, there’s also a cigar lounge in the hotel where you can select a cigar and match it with a fine cognac. [caption id="attachment_8416" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Wine Library[/caption] The spa and wellness area is particularly impressive and matches the attention to detail and outstanding design featured throughout the rest of the hotel. There are large indoor and outdoor pools, hot pools, steam rooms, saunas and of course multiple treatment rooms offering a mind boggling range of different massages and treatments. [caption id="attachment_8417" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Pool[/caption] As far as I know, The Chedi is the only European ski hotel that offers a Ski Butler service. The ‘butlers’ are based in a beautifully designed room next to the main bar with a fascinating display of vintage skis and boots by equipment company Head. They provide a range of services including help with choosing and setting up your rental equipment, storing and servicing your skis, arranging transport to the local ski areas and being on hand for advice and tips on weather and conditions on the mountain. They’ll even be on hand to offer you a warming hot chocolate! The skiing at Andermatt is set up well for intermediates, with lots of red runs and a long black run called the ‘Bernhard Russi’, named after the famous Alpine ski racer who was a native of Andermatt. However the local ski guides told us that the off-piste skiing there is a huge draw with a seemingly endless amount of terrain to explore for competent skiers. [caption id="attachment_8419" align="aligncenter" width="1021"] Local Town[/caption] I ventured out of the hotel on the first evening and took a walk into Andermatt village which is only a few minutes from the hotel. The local architecture is very traditional and Swiss and Andermatt is very much a chocolate box Alpine village. I loved my time at The Chedi and would recommend it to any of our clients who want the very best in luxury amenities, outstanding service and modern Alpine design. The Chedi is without doubt one of a select few five-star ski hotels that take the breath away! To find out more about the Chedi in Andermatt or any of our other ski destinations, please contact our experienced reservations team on 0131 243 8097 or complete a quick online tailor-made quotation.