Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Switzerland
Europe

The Experience

There are five-star Swiss hotels, and then there is the Victoria-Jungfrau. The original Hotel Victoria opened in 1865, but it wasn't until 1895, when the owners took over the adjacent hotel, that the Victoria-Jungfrau (and its geometrically patterned gardens) was born. Today, the marble floors, vast chandeliers, painted ceilings and colonnaded banquet rooms keep the feeling of royalty alive, even as a more modern note—which blends harmoniously with the old—is being introduced. Conferences and conventions are a hazard, but this is a brilliant venue for exploring some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps.

The Rooms

Views are certainly one of the main draws to this hotel, and even standard doubles offer the option of a room with the prized view of the spectacular Jungfrau massif. While the duplex, superior and deluxe suites are comfortable yet fussy with fabric-covered walls and period furniture, the less expensive Bel Air Junior Suites are not only large (at more than 750 square feet), but appeal to those with more contemporary sensibilities. Features include hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, light fabrics and no-nonsense bathrooms with stainless-steel basins. Yet with such amazing views, the best of all are those with panoramic corner windows. The massive, split-level Tower Suite occupies the entire fifth floor.

The Service

Standards in five-star Swiss hotels are generally very high, but here service is truly exceptional; the staff and their sublime service are one of the biggest attractions of this hotel. At once professional and polite, yet warm and friendly, they have that rare ability to anticipate a guest's every wish. Here, you can switch off your brain and let the staff take over--you don't even need to remember your room number.

The Highlights

The Swiss, ever keen on wellness, have installed a spa here with all-natural ESPA and Clarins treatments. Of course, fine cuisine is essential to one's health as well, and at the hotel's elegant and highly regarded La Terrace restaurant, a pianist tickles the ivories nightly while you sit down to dishes such as langoustines in lemon foam with caviar. (There's also a creative four-course spa menu that changes daily so waist-watching diners don't grow bored.) At the more casual and definitely more caloric Jungfrau Brasserie, chefs specialize in Swiss food. Book space at one of the long farmhouse tables in the cozy Carnozet room and indulge in such local favorites as fondue and raclette. Work it off in the amazing colonnaded swimming pool, a successful modern twist on ancient Roman baths.

 

Find Hotel Deals on Yahoo Travel»