Schweizerhof Zermatt: The Best Hotel for a Solo Traveler and Her Dog

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For a stay in Zermatt that is as unique as you and your pet’s personalities, the Schweizerhof Hotel is my top recommendation.

A warm welcome to Schweizerhof Zermatt, the perfect hotel for a solo traveler and her dog

A visit to Zermatt is understandably at the top of many skiers’ and travelers’ bucket lists, and choosing the perfect hotel that matches your preferences and tastes is not always an easy task. As someone who is repeatedly impressed by Michel Reybier Hospitality– I’m based in Paris and stopping by the iconic La Réserve whenever I get a chance is a delightful indulgence– I was excited to discover the Schweizerhof Zermatt and experience their signature hospitality in an alpine setting. And what made it even more memorable was being able to enjoy it with my dog.

Continue reading to discover everything I loved about staying at Schweizerhof Zermatt with my dog, and learn more about their unique room types, superior amenities, and the thoughtful details that made my experience unforgettable.


A Superior 4-Star & Pet-Friendly Stay for a Ski Trip in Zermatt

Everything about my stay at Schweizerhof Zermatt exceeded my expectations, from the moment we arrived to the moment we sadly had to depart. My dog Gigi loves the snow and the mountains as much as I do (maybe even more!), so a visit to Zermatt in the winter is a dream trip for both of us. And because the Schweizerhof is so pet-friendly, it truly was the perfect choice.

Gigi is the best companion on my solo ski trips– and while we do love to go on wintry walks and play in the snow together, when it’s time for me to ski she hangs back and peacefully waits for me in the room. It was reassuring to know that Schweizerhof Zermatt explicitly allows this, as detailed in their clear and helpful “Four-Legged Guest” Guide.

 

Carina and Gigi grabbing a drink at the Lobby Bar at Schweizerhof Zermatt

 

The most dog-friendly hotel in Zermatt

Not only does Schweizerhof Zermatt allow guests to bring their dogs, but they welcome them like a part of the family. My dog Gigi was greeted by friendly smiles throughout our stay, and we were delighted by the in-room pet amenities which included a welcome card, a plush bed, and food and water bowls. Also listed in their thoughtful guide are explanations of all rules and other available amenities, and it even provides suggestions for walking paths and other recommendations– you can click here to read it.

The cigar lounge “Le Fumoir” at Schweizerhof Zermatt is a peaceful reading room by day and a lively social scene by evening and into the night

 

Gigi was graciously welcomed to SCHweizerhof Zermatt by Rio, the resident Happiness Director

Top choice for a solo traveler in Zermatt: a Cosy Room at Schweizerhof

The mood at the Schweizerhof is lively and inviting, and as a solo traveler, I loved its social and instantly-welcoming energy. Regardless if you are coming alone or with others (or with your dog!), you’re guaranteed to make at least one friend at the Schweizerhof: Rio the Resident Happiness Director will see to it.

But beyond the delightful staff, the eye-catching design of the interiors, and the energizing atmosphere, what makes the Schweizerhof the best choice for solo travelers is its room-type offering. I stayed in a Cosy Room, which proved to be the perfect space for me and my dog. The room was efficient in size, but featured clever design details that optimized storage and allowed it to feel bright, open, and spacious.

As a solo traveler, I’m always looking for the best value when choosing a hotel. Schweizerhof Zermatt is truly unique for offering a room-type that is ideal for a single person, in a beautifully-designed hotel with exceptional amenities. I found that my Cosy Room at Schweizerhof Zermatt was the perfect sweet-spot between the two extremes that are commonly found elsewhere in the village: either very basic accommodations with no access to amenities, or very spacious and luxurious accommodations that may be out-of-budget for a solo traveler.

The Schweizerhof does also offer more spacious room types and suite options to suit all kinds of travelers and families or individuals who simply want more space, but my Cosy Room couldn’t have been more perfect for me and my dog. It truly felt like a home in Zermatt– with its inviting textiles, luminous sloped ceiling, and familiar details placed throughout the space that reminded me of other Michel Reybier properties I’ve visited: hand-selected literary choices on the desk and their signature aromatic bath products in the shower. Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact, and that certainly rings true in a Cosy Room at the Schweizerhof.

The beverage station in our Cosy Room at Schweizerhof is perfectly equipped for a solo traveler and her dog

pet friendly amenities made our cosy room at the SCHweizerhof Zermatt even cozier!

A Small Luxury Hotels property with a MICHELIN Key

Schweizerhof Zermatt has been recognized for its individuality and excellent service by Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and has been awarded a MICHELIN Key for its unique character and commitment to providing exceptional hospitality. And now, Schweizerhof Zermatt also officially has Gigi’s stamp of approval– which isn’t handed out easily! All jokes aside, our experience staying at Schweizerhof was truly in accordance of the prestigious awards they have earned, and seeing how they went above-and-beyond to welcome my pet as a special guest of the hotel was just another example of their outstanding hospitality.

 

Carina and Gigi overlooking Zermatt’s ice rink from the balcony of their Cosy Room at The Schweizerhof

Centrally-located to access Zermatt’s best activities

Zermatt is a small village, and the Schweizerhof hotel is perfectly located in the heart of it. Our Cosy Room had a spacious balcony overlooking the town’s public ice rink, as well as the Schweizerhof Terrace (which is open in summer).

A simple look out from the balcony was enough to inspire me to take a few laps on the rink, after easily renting ice skates from Julen Sports on my way down from the Schweizerhof. Ice skating is free during public hours, which can be found on Zermatt’s tourism information website. And regardless of when you’re visiting, there is always something to enjoy– the sport arena transforms from an ice rink in the winter to a set of tennis courts in the summer.

I’m certainly drawn to Zermatt for the skiing, and during my first visit in 2024 it was easy to understand why skiers continue returning year after year (I’ve now been to Zermatt three seasons a row!). The views are unparalleled, the infrastructure is beyond impressive, and the vertical drop is the highest in all of Europe. The ski area at Zermatt is enormous, and can be accessed from the village by the Matterhorn Express cable car, the Sunnegga funicular, or the Gornergrat Bahn train. The Gornergrat train departs from the center of town and is the closest to the Schweizerhof hotel, while the cable car and funicular can be reached on foot, by taxi, or by the town’s free electric bus service.

The ski room at Schweizerhof offers spacious storage for your gear, and is conveniently located just down the hall from the hotel’s Spa featuring products and treatments from Nescens– another hallmark of Michel Reybier Hospitality. Just as quickly as you can gear up for your day on the slopes, you can immediately wind down and relax upon your return to the Schweizerhof. A major benefit of staying at the Schweizerhof is being able to purchase your ski passes directly at reception, so you can save time and avoid having to wait in queues at any of the main ticket offices. Or if you are already an IKON Pass holder, you are granted access to ski up to 5 or 7 days (depending on your pass type) at both Matterhorn Ski Paradise on the Swiss side and Cervino Ski Paradise on the Italian side.

Carina ice skating at the public rink in the center of zermatt

The ski room at Schweizerhof Zermatt is a sleek space to gear up for a day on the slopes

Dining at the Schweizerhof Zermatt

I’ve mentioned that once you’ve stayed at a Michel Reybier property, you’ll begin to recognize the signature elements of extraordinary hospitality that instantly make you feel at home the moment you arrive to another– and La Muña is one of them. The restaurant concept features an inventive Peruvian-Japanese menu, and in addition to Zermatt it can also be found at Michel Reybier establishments in London, Zurich, Davos, Crans Montana, and Ramatuelle. The ambiance in the restaurant is lively and welcoming, and the extensive cocktail menu is sure to inspire memorable evenings after eventful days exploring Zermatt’s surroundings.

Advance reservations are highly recommended at La Muña, especially during peak season when the village is the busiest. I was able to snag a seating for an early dinner, and highlights included the Alpen Ceviche, Crispy Shake, and the Gindara Black Cod. I was too full for dessert, but I was grateful the staff suggested I try their muña tea– a type of Peruvian mint that’s also the namesake of the restaurant. Paired with their local Swiss chocolate, their muña tea was both refreshing and soothing and proved to be the perfect finish to a wonderful meal.

What made the dining experience even more memorable was being able to have my dog Gigi by my side– not only are well-behaved dogs welcome in the restaurants at Schweizerhof, but they are also offered their own gourmet menu! We chose a table in the back of the dining room as to not disturb any other guests, and the kindness and attentiveness from the staff assured us that Gigi was most welcome. This was just another example of exceptional Michel Reybier Hospitality, which added even more personality to the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere. Even for guests that are not staying at the hotel, the Schweizerhof has become a destination in Zermatt for dining concepts that cannot be found elsewhere in the village: in addition to La Muña, Myoko Sushi & Teppan-Yaki, Cheese Factory, and Schweizerhof Kitchen each attract their own crowds of newcomers and repeat visitors alike.

Breakfast was also a highlight during my stay at the Schweizerhof, and I was especially appreciative that it is served until 11AM. I typically don’t build up an appetite until later in the morning, so a hotel breakfast is rarely something I get to enjoy while traveling. During my stay at the Schweizerhof, I loved being able to wake up, get my day started, and have time for some activities before even sitting down to breakfast.

La Muña features an inventive Japanese-Peruvian menu, and the Schweizerhof even included a dog menu for Gigi!

La Muña is a signature dining concept by Michel Reybier Hospitality– Found also in London, Zurich, Davos, and Crans Montana

Getting to Schweizerhof Zermatt

Because Zermatt is car-free, arrival to the village is made possible by train. International visitors typically connect at the Visp train station from any major Swiss airport; or if arriving by car, visitors can board the train from nearby Tasch after parking in their secure covered lot. The Schweizerhof is conveniently located nearby Zermatt’s train station, but arrivals and departures can be coordinated in the hotel’s electric carts for a stress-free and effortless experience.

Zermatt is a car-free village, but the Schweizerhof conveniently offers arrival and departure transportation in their electric carts

The SCHweizerhof is located in the heart of bustling Zermatt, and is the best choice for a lively experience in the center of all the action

A sweet send-off from Mont Cervin Palace and Schweizerhof upon my departure from Zermatt. The Schweizerhof (in the background) is conveniently located nearby the train station.

Are you planning to visit to Zermatt either on your own or with your dog, and wondering if the Schweizerhof is the right choice for you? Leave a comment below and ask me anything about my wonderful experience staying here! I’ll also be writing reviews of our stays at two other Michel Reybier properties in the Valais Canton of Switzerland if you’re interested in discovering more: Mont Cervin Palace in Zermatt and Crans Ambassador in Crans Montana.

Gigi the pomeranian at Schweizerhof Zermatt

About the author

 

Meet Carina Otero, avid skier and the creator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating female travelers and a blog providing helpful tips, useful information, and inspiration for your future travels. Carina’s passion for skiing and love of writing and photography have inspired a new blog to share her experiences and personal favorites relating to the sport:

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