The Hotel de Rougemont was opened in December 2014. The four-star boutique hotel consists of a mix of tradition and design, making us feel fine right from the very start.
The idyllic Rougemont lies in the Pays d’Enhaut, right on the border with the Bernese Saanenland region, and thus only a few minutes by car from the world famous town of Gstaad. It is a historic village established by monks from Cluny. Partially because of its centuries-old wooden chalet, the village radiates a unique charm all its own.
Hotel de Rougemont in chalet style
Sitting on a slight elevation, on a south-facing slope at the edge of the Rougemont, is the new Hotel de Rougemont. Embedded in nature and with its beautiful and locally traditional chalet construction, it fits into the idyllic village scene perfectly.
That very idyll is enhanced with lifestyle and luxury upon entering the lobby. A remarkably modern, but cosy set-up, premium materials and lighting that hangs from the ceiling like glass pearls, instantly conjure up a certain magic. We know one thing right away: We’re going to like it here!
The wonder continues once we enter the lounge with its bar and fireplace. Here, too, we are amazed by the interior and are always discovering new little details that were skilfully arranged and combined with the natural materials.
An attractive Smokers Lounge with colourfully alternating room lighting gives cigarette smokers and enthusiasts a special “ooohmm feeling” ;-)
And located adjacent to it is another room dedicated to enjoyment: the wine store with select wines. Wine tastings and a private dinner with friends can be held here.
The rooms with the chalet lifestyle look
We usually take the stairs to the rooms – because we leave out the gym in most hotels. But Director Christine Perper (who we will get to speak with later) said that we “must” take the lift. Somewhat bemused and curious, we enter the lift; she very proudly shows us the lift cabin lined with cowhide on the walls. After 3 or 4 times taking the lift we had really taken to the cow in the lift, or “‘s Liftchueli” (how we called the cow in Swiss German slang). Walter always petted it like it was a guinea pig – albeit a rather large one. But we let him be :-)
The 33 rooms, including 10 suites and 4 penthouse suites, are divided into the two chalets “le Rüebli” and “Videmanette” – named for the two local mountains of the region. Every room faces south, giving every visitor an astonishing view of the Pays d’Enhaut.
We were able to lodge in the penthouse suite, which has an extremely cosy character about it thanks to natural fabrics, brown leather and aromatic fir wood. And lots of small details in the decorations give the rooms that extra chalet-chic. Wonderful!
We were also really happy with the bathroom, with its glass elements and black tiles – Walter was especially pleased with the extra strong Black Mambo hair dryer! And with his short hair, too… Never let it be said that us women are picky when it comes to hair dryers!
The art of pleasure at the restaurant “Le Roc”
Thanks to lots of fir wood, warm light from designer lamps and the right decorations, the atmosphere in the restaurant “Le Roc” is cosy and chic.
Head chef Jean-Luc Daniel follows his leitmotif: “Bien manger pour bien vivre” (Good food is the basis for a good life). The native Belgian uses simple, honest dishes all in accordance with his philosophy: The art of pleasure lies in simplicity.
For our first course we took a tuna tartar with herbs and avocado. Delectable! I went with a “tagliata de boef” with rucola, parmesan and a shot of truffle oil for my main course. Walter felt like indulging in his vegetarian side and elected for a spring risotto with asparagus, which I obviously had to try for myself; the mixture with asparagus and peas tasted exquisite. And my cherry tomatoes blended into his risotto superbly! Perhaps Jean-Luc Daniel should also try out this flavour contrast ;-)
Unfortunately we did not have any room for dessert, but a covetous glance at the dessert plate on the neighbouring table let us decide that the desserts are good as well. Does anybody know more?
The spa
The spa is small but amazing. A black mosaic pool (10 x 4 metres) and the surrounding quiet area is the cornerstone of the wellness area. Once again, the select materials that combine earth and stone are impressive here. The candles and flickering fire in the fireplace grant the area a soothing warmth… How cosy!
©Hotel de Rougemont
Rather less snug, but all the more practical is the current system in the pool. It allows you to swim for quite a long time in the same direction despite the “brief” 10 metres in length without having to turn every few metres.
Along with the treatment room, the wellness area also boasts a steam bath and a sauna. The latter has a view of the pool and the large skylight above it.
Management motto: “Chez nous – chez vous”
The boutique hotel is managed by the pair of directors Christine & Alexander Perper, who worked in the hotel and travel business in New York for several years before moving to Rougemont.
The young, kind couple prefer to win over their guests with hospitality, all according to the philosophy “Chez nous – chez vous“. And it’s true: Afer a comfortable aperitif with Christine & Alexander we felt at home ;-)
The Hotel de Rougemont, a member of the Design Hotels, since 2015, is the perfect abode for a luxurious chalet weekend in a cosy and warm atmosphere. We definitely enjoyed ourselves!
Prices and availability can be seen here.
Our thanks goes out to…
Thank you very much to Christine & Alexander Perper for the friendly invitation and the interesting conversation!
A “merci viumau” as well to Ursula Krebs of Gretz Communications AG for organising this trip!
