The List

Badrutt's Palace
Badrutt's Palace
Badrutt's Palace

36

Badrutt's Palace

St. Moritz

The 50
  • Accolades
  • SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award 2026

Fairytale castle for the glam jet set

The lay of the land: With a prime location between the peaks of Corviglia and the shores of Lake St Moritz, Badrutt's Palace is a neo-gothic landmark in the famed alpine resort town. Opened in 1896 by Caspar Badrutt, the family-run hotel has a silhouette so distinctive, it graces the livery of the first of Swiss airlines' new long-haul planes. Entering the soaring Grand Hall is like stepping into another universe.

What's this social luxury about? Forget quiet luxury – the Palace, as regulars call it, wants guests to relax, let their hair down, kick up their heels and have fun. Beneath the grandeur is a service philosophy built on warmth, intuition and generosity. Most are repeat visitors (many came as children and now bring their own kids), and the hotel remains a buzzing social hub for well-heeled travellers.

Where should we eat? With 11 restaurants and two bars, dining is a world of its own. Chesa Veglia, a standalone 17th-century former farmhouse, is actually five venues in one, for pizza, pasta, grills, fondue and traditional Swiss fare. Le Grand Hall is referred to as St. Moritz's living room, Le Relais is a romantic fine diner, and Paradiso is a mountain club and restaurant with stunning scenery. Renaissance Bar is the place for cigars and cocktails while King's Social Club, Switzerland's oldest nightclub, has been going strong since 1963. 

New wing or original building? The hotel's 163 rooms and suites are mostly housed in the main building. These are light, airy and decorated in classic style, with the most coveted featuring balconies overlooking the lake. The new Serlas Wing, opened in 2025, is across the road and houses just 25 ultra-luxe, contemporary accommodations – think walls and furnishings lined in Loro Piana wool and cashmere. A new underground tunnel seamlessly connects the two wings as well as Chesa Veglia.

Winter or summer? Winter is peak season, with the hotel's Christmas and New Year's celebrations highlights. In addition to skiing, events such as horse-racing, polo and vintage-car racing on the frozen lake below the hotel consolidate St. Moritz's reputation as the home of alpine winter sports. Summer is coming into its own as more travellers seek out coolcations. Hiking, biking, sailing and golf are some of the activities on offer. The hotel's extensive spa and wellness facilities, including a recently expanded indoor-outdoor pool, are popular any time of year. 

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