#11

St. Moritz – Our Editors' Favourite Places to Stay

We just love St. Moritz in March. The socialites who habitually read the wine list from right to left have now departed. Hotel rates are plunging, and rooms here become suddenly affordable even for those not carrying a platinum card. The ski slopes become the domain of genuine snow buffs again, and there is no need to make reservations for the sun deck anymore. Just drop in on a whim, and make yourself at home, as the jet set frenzy has given way to a serene nature experience.  

7 Tips for a Truly Great Time in St. Moritz:

Tip no. 1: What Americans call «A Million Dollar View»

Enjoying the view of three lakes from the patio while eating a heavenly cream slice, you do feel a bit closer to paradise at the posh alpine chalet El Paradiso.

Tip no. 2: Switzerland's Best Hotel Breakfast

The Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains in St. Moritz

We sure appreciate a good breakfast. How about you? If you feel the same way, you should definitely splurge on the enormous breakfast buffet at the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains. Those who love poached eggs will grow week in the knees: Whether Eggs Benedict, Florentine or Royale – they're all done with a fluffy sauce hollandaise and fashionably served in a glass. Yummy!  

Tip no. 3: The Perfect Retreat for Taking Time out

The Lej da Staz at Lake Staz

A 30-minute hike through the enchanting woodlands of Stazerwald separates the Lej da Staz from cosmopolitan St. Moritz. A romantic hideaway in chic alpine style for anyone seeking a special hotel experience in splendid seclusion.  

Tip no. 4: The New Overachiever in Engadin Hospitality

If you love new rooms of fresh and colourful design, you'll find that the youngest St. Moritz five-star hotel goes the extra mile in terms of ambience, service, cosiness, and love of detail. The Giardino Mountain certainly deserves its reputation as the new overachiever in Engadin hospitality.  

Tip no. 5: The Talvo by Dalsass

In this historic Engadin building dating back to 1658, guests may enjoy the honest and simple cuisine of Martin Dalsass, which is nicely complimented by the wooden interior. This is a light and creative Mediterranean gourmet cuisine that places the intrinsic taste of a dish front and centre. An unforgettable experience is the cavatelli shell pasta with clams and calamaretti. For us, the Talvo remains the culinary hot spot of the Engadin!  

Tip no. 6: The Dal Mulin

Here is our latest discovery, right in the centre of St. Moritz: Danijel Krasnic, for many years the sommelier at the Talvo, set up his own business together with his wife Kathrin a few months ago. In December 2014, he opened a cosy, wood-panelled restaurant, the Dal Mulin, where he serves choice but fair-priced wines with fine food. The menu is short but exquisite. We were stunned by the braised veal cheek on a bed of bramata polenta and the fluffy curd dumpling covered in nut-brittle, served with plum compote.

Tip no. 7: Alpine Restaurant Kuhstall

Alpine restaurant Kuhstall, Alp Prasüra, Corvatsch

Should you pick Corviglia, Diavolezza, or Corvatsch? Each one is unique. Why not take your time, and explore all three ski resorts. For us, visiting the Corvatsch ski resort once a year is a «must do» because it is home to the Kuhstall alpine restaurant. It's all in the name: It literally translates into «cow shed», and in the summer the place is actually used to feed cattle, while two-legged guests take their place in the wintertime.  

Ready for more? On pillowandpepper.com, you will not only find a discriminating selection of truly great hotels and restaurants. We will also whisper the numbers or names of the most coveted rooms and tables in your ear. Indeed, we compiled 273 hotel and restaurant suggestions just for you – all of them personally tested on location by us.  

Dare to get excited when planning your next trip – and let us wish you lots of fun in the snow!