Overall Rating:
8%
Date of stay: Aug 2011.
Reviewed 30 Aug 2011
by Alexandra Sklan
Despite unusually visiting Gstaad at the peak of summertime, this hotel provides every comfort expected from a ski resort retreat. I stayed in a double room, which was large and spacious, as well as being exceptionally clean and bright. Though there was no balcony, there were several, large bay windows giving views of the tennis centre (if situated at the back) or of the main, pedestrian street (if situated at the front of the hotel.) The room came equipped with cable TV, electronic safe and a fully functioning, modern and clean bathroom.
Breakfast was varied and plentiful, giving guests the choice of either traditional Continental, of cereal and croissants, and/or native Swiss, which included a selection of breads with ham and cheese. For evening meals, the restaurant itself provided a variety of dishes, both adequate in size and price compared to similar establishments in Gstaad, though taste and imagination, in my opinion, was slightly compromised here.
The hotel itself is situated in the heart of Gstaad, a little towards the end of the main street, and is easily accessible to cable cars, ski lifts or even walking routes, for those summer months. All local amenities are within five minutes walking distance from the hotel and nearby supermarkets, Coop and Migros, provide any emergency essentials, in under two.
Despite its great location, the question of noise can pose an issue for anyone wishing his or her holiday to be a relaxing break. Situated in the centre of town, one unavoidably receives noise from street-level and, in my instance, live music, which can often be the case during the summer period. As well as this, the hotel only offers four parking spaces at the rear, which can seriously cause a problem if more than three guests wish to visit neighbouring mountains or towns by car.
The hotel also benefits from sauna, steam room and solarium, though has no swimming pool. However, there is one located at the sports centre, less than five minutes walk away, which is only 10CHF to enter, though only indoor. Free WIFI is also accessible in both public spaces and in rooms throughout the hotel.
The staff were extremely helpful and friendly at the Victoria, even kindly looking after my luggage behind reception when it was time to check out. They definitely made the experience of being in an unfamiliar town more pleasurable.
The price of the hotel itself is reasonable (260CHFppn/mid-season) by comparison to others in the vicinity, and, I believe, offers an ideal medium for travellers wanting the luxury of Gstaad, without the price of the Palace Hotel.
