The Starwood hotel group proudly runs “W Verbier” – their first alpine escape. Verbier is an internationally renowned ski resort in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The hotel is the first of its kind in Switzerland, setting new standards with the design-led lifestyle-brand. We had a close look, check out our video review!
W Hotels boasts a global portfolio of design hotels. Their venues are mainly to be found in vibrant cities or in exotic holiday destinations. But with the W Verbier, the hotel chain now opened its first-ever alpine and ski retreat.
Given our soft spot for W Hotels – we already reviewed several other W Hotels before – and also due to our Swiss home base it was an obvious one we simply HAD to see the new member of the W Hotel family.
W Verbier – like its peers – offers stylish, energetic spaces. Its design is an elegant fusion of classic alpine style (earthy, natural elements like exposed timber) and urban chic (glass and polished marble).
W Hotel in Verbier
Shortly before arriving in Verbier by gondola, you will easily discover four modern, chalet type buildings on the right-hand side. Even without having spotted the hotel’s indicative “W” sign, you will instinctively know… this must be it!
Already when approaching the hotel entrance you will be welcomed by the friendly and attentive staff members who immediately take care of our luggage. And even the carpet at the entrance welcomed us with a “good afternoon”. The same carpet would read “good evening” later on… and you can easily guess what it would say the next morning…
The reception is unpretentious, yet stylish and promising. And one can smell W Hotel’s signature scent… this must be an American hype. It reminded us of the Abercrombie & Fitch stores! The only difference is that the staff is fully dressed. Maybe they will spice up this topic in summer? According to the Telegraph there might be an occupancy issue in summer.
Anyway…
The interior design of the stylish W Living Room, the W brand’s reinterpretation of the traditional lobby space, combines the charm of the Swiss Alps and the coolness of New York. Here’s where you will enjoy cocktails and drinks with a view.
The hotel is located right next to the Verbier cable car and offers ski-to-door access to Mont-Fort (3’330 MAMSL) from where you will enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the mountains around and the famous Matterhorn!
Right at the foot of the Verbier slopes, you’ll find the W Off Piste bar where you can get together for a glass of bubbly, an ice-cold beer and signature cocktails with a sizzling DJ on the decks.
“Spectacular” rooms at W Verbier
W Hotels uses to give their hotel rooms special names. The lowest category starts at “Spectacular“, followed by other categories as promising as “Wonderful” or “Fabulous“. However, the WOW-effect comes with their “WOW suites” or, mind you, the “Extreme WOW suite” (the presidential suite interpretation according to W)…
All 123 stylish and spacious guest rooms have a distinct chalet feel to it, with huge outdoor balconies boasting panoramic views of the Swiss mountains. The rooms feature a cosy fireplace and state-of-the-art amenities.
The rustic wooden chalet-style interior provides a warm contrast to the sleek and cool furnishings.
Watch out for the toilet… it’s hidden away behind a wooden wall. And we also liked the walk-in closet and its Swiss styled hotel safe.
“Wow Suites” for those who can afford
Those among us who can afford the small change should definitely check out the Wow Suites. We heard that those guests typically book the whole floor. Well, they are sure to whisper a “wow” in awe in front of such splendour.
Wow Suites are not only huge, but they also feature all the bells and whistles you can imagine, e.g. a king-sized bed on a turntable. Just in case you preferred to watch the mountain scenery instead of the TV…
Phew…
Needless to say that the renowned Simmons mattress will support your heavenly sleep. (Don’t worry, all rooms feature Simmons mattresses, we double-checked ;-)
After you slept here you will want to buy one of those mattresses and guess what, W has an online shop for exactly that!
The Wow Suites’ two-level 150 sq. m. or 185 sq. m. in the case of the Extreme Wow Suite boast a spacious living room, a bar, a free-standing bathtub and the likes. You get the picture…
If this has you wondering, check out prices and availability here
Fine Dining at Arola restaurant
“Arola” restaurant is headed by two Michelin-starred Spanish chef Sergi Arola, who specializes in Spanish cuisine and tapas.
Sergi creates exciting menus inspired by the abundance of artisanal Swiss products and his Catalan roots. He closely follows the “pica pica” concept including creative interpretations of Swiss classics, served on a platter for all to share. Tapas style.
Upon recommendation of charming and very attentive waiter Fernando, we opted for the “Chef’s choice menu” – a multi-course dinner with several entrances, main dishes and yummy desserts!
After dinner enjoy a nightcap at the stylish W “Living Room” – or spend a hot night at the hotel’s own buzzing nightclub CARVE! While the barmen wait for their guests to finish their dinner they practice their artistic bottle juggling skills…
Hotel W Away Spa and Gym
The AWAY Spa (with its 800 sq. m.) features a sauna, hammam and both, outdoor and indoor heated pools as well as nine treatment rooms. The weather was just too nice to test the treatments since we stayed on the slopes all day long…
Ski area “Les 4 Vallées” and Mont Fort
Verbier is considered one of the best ski destinations in Europe. Within its renowned “Les 4 Vallées/Mt-Fort” ski area, you can enjoy up to 410 kilometres of ski runs!
From December until the end of April you will find the perfect conditions to enjoy your winter ski holiday. By the way, the W Hotel is conveniently located next to the main cable car, with direct access to the marvellous ski area around Mont Fort.
Check out prices and availability here.
And ABC Real Estate has more on Verbier’s best tourist spots. Check them out!
We say thank you to…
… Inge Herzer from Young & Rubicam Group Geneva who organized our visit.
“Muchas gracias” also to Spanish concierge Miguel and waiter Fernando for the friendly and attentive service!
We liked the alpine themed W Verbier and its innovative lifestyle experience a lot. Well done!
On this trip we teamed up with the travel bloggers Mamiko & Dimitri of Newly Swissed. Enjoy their own review!
More W hotels…
As mentioned before we have a weakness for W Hotels. So far we visited other W Hotels in Santiago de Chile, Barcelona, Istanbul and Singapore. All of them are worth a visit! Check out our respective travelogues ;-)
