In the heart of Gstaad’s pedestrian mall stands the majestic Bernerhof, ready to welcome worn-out hikers to a confidently stylish abode. A number of rooms having been newly renovated, we had a look.
We recently spent time in Gstaad in connection with the Blogger Events put on by Gstaad Saanenland Tourism. For the welcome lunch, we met the other bloggers and the organizers, Kerstin Sonnekalb and Antje Buchs, in the fine Rialto restaurant, also located in the pedestrian zone.
Afterwards, we seized the moment to pay a flying visit to the Hotel Bernerhof.
To committed hikers in any event, the hotel is known as the “hiking hotel.” Be that as it may, innkeeper Thomas Freist is all over the social networks as “@Wanderhotelier (English: hiking hotelman)” and totally lives up to his moniker: he even likes to accompany guest personally on hikes and bring the spectacular Bernese Highlands terrain to life for them.
Because of the good weather prevailing while we were there, we missed out on finding the host at home. It was our fault, since we really had not let him know we were coming at this particular time. Be that as it may, instead we prevailed on Mr. Stutz, another young Bernese highlander, to show us the guest rooms. He did a great job!
If you did not already stray into the hotel through one of its restaurants – I’ll get to the culinary offerings shortly – on entering by the lobby you’ll be welcomed by a modern chandelier and warm colors.
That already looks promising and raises expectations…
“Wispile” hotel room
As is the practice in many hotels, the Bernerhof also continually renovates different areas. So we saw quite a variety of room types, ranging from “classic” family rooms through different suites all the way to the ascetically modern “Wispile” rooms: we really fell for their rustic floors of oak planks and the restrained design vocabulary!
A large window lets you see from the bath into the room. As desired, by simply drawing the curtain you don’t need to exercise this option.
Marvel at more and better photos by a professional, Marco Mostosi alias Mamo…
All right, in all fairness, it needs to be said that he had all day to do his shoot, while yours truly took pictures doing dive rolls hustling after young Stutz.
But enough of the excuses, more attractive subjects await us on the first floor.
The Bernerhof Restaurants
How big a place the Bernerhof actually is, impresses itself during a walk through the many restaurants: In the Stafel and La Gare you can feast on genuine traditional down-home fare from the Gstaad region, let’s say a thick Saanenland fondue or appetizing Swiss hash browns Highlands style. But the Cordon Bleus are said to be of legendary goodness and size, with 13 Gault Millau points yet…
And not to be confused with Megu. That would be Japanese cuisine and offers itself a few meters farther up in the Alpina Gstaad (to our review).
However, we enjoyed ourselves the most in Basta by Dalsass: South Tyrolean star chef Martin Dalsass lets one of his best troopers, the Italian Loris Meot, dish out Italian food with 15 Gault Millau points. Just like by our dear neighbors, at Basta you get your pasta not without first being served a few full-flavored olives and their focaccia. And it all happens in elegant designer restaurant…
Bravo, guys! Bravi, Ragazzi!
We were ecstatic and Schweizer Illustrierte (Swiss illustrated weekly magazine) liked it too. And they should know!
Last but not least, in the the smoking lounge, it’s not just the drinks that delight, but there is even an LP player (?!).
A genuine “hiking hotel”
And the ski room demonstrates point-blank that hiking hotelman Thomas Frei is serious about hiking: In the summer, here is where the trekking poles wait for enterprising hikers, while the snowshoes for their part are waiting for the next season.
Anyone in a hurry to to get prices and availabilities, can find the relevant hot info here!
Sincere thanks to Kerstin Sonnekalb and Antje Buchs of Gstaad Saaneland Tourism for organizing the awesome Travel Blogger Event!
