Britannia Hut SAC — Attraction in Saas-Almagell

Generally I consider unfair to write a review of any hotel/hut/pension without spending at least one night there. I will break my own rule this time since I had the intention to stay there, but my request was refused, and not because the place was fully booked. ||||Every business unit has the right, to make their own business policies, but I think these SAC huts have a slightly different situation. Firstly because these huts are administrated by a Club (theoretically an NGO) and secondly, because their operating policies directly influences your access to a certain mountain-range. Known fact: you are not well seen bivouacking in the vicinity of these huts. ||||So my problem is, that even though there were places available, our booking request was categorically refused, because we only needed accommodation and did not want to book half-board. So if you are not willing to pay 65 CHF for half board, you only have the option to bivouac somewhere not to close to the hut, not to disturb their clientele. ||||Not nice of them, but maybe not enough reason to write a negative review here. True! But than refusing to serve (sell) you tea in the morning with the reason that you are not their accommodated guest, is just way to much. Luckily they were kind enough to let us buy bottled water from them for 10 CHF. I guess their profit margin is better on water than tea. My wild guess is, that Britannia is not supplied by helicopter because the vicinity of the ski-lifts. ||||So don't expect them to be friendly and nice. They want your money, as much as possible. They are there to do business, and you should strictly follow their rules or you are out - there are plenty others in line and they know it. ||||It is a shame, because the hut is in a spectacular spot with amazing views. It has easy access with the help of the ski-lifts and the facility in general is in tip-top conditions. You just have to pay that little extra, if you want...

Generally I consider unfair to write a review of any hotel/hut/pension without spending at least one night there. I will break my own rule this time since I had the intention to stay there, but my request was refused, and not because the place was fully booked. ||||Every business unit has the right, to make their own business policies, but I think these SAC huts have a slightly different situation. Firstly because these huts are administrated by a Club (theoretically an NGO) and secondly, because their operating policies directly influences your access to a certain mountain-range. Known fact: you are not well seen bivouacking in the vicinity of these huts. ||||So my problem is, that even though there were places available, our booking request was categorically refused, because we only needed accommodation and did not want to book half-board. So if you are not willing to pay 65 CHF for half board, you only have the option to bivouac somewhere not to close to the hut, not to disturb their clientele. ||||Not nice of them, but maybe not enough reason to write a negative review here. True! But than refusing to serve (sell) you tea in the morning with the reason that you are not their accommodated guest, is just way to much. Luckily they were kind enough to let us buy bottled water from them for 10 CHF. I guess their profit margin is better on water than tea. My wild guess is, that Britannia is not supplied by helicopter because the vicinity of the ski-lifts. ||||So don't expect them to be friendly and nice. They want your money, as much as possible. They are there to do business, and you should strictly follow their rules or you are out - there are plenty others in line and they know it. ||||It is a shame, because the hut is in a spectacular spot with amazing views. It has easy access with the help of the ski-lifts and the facility in general is in tip-top conditions. You just have to pay that little extra, if you want...

All around great experience. I did the hike from Mattmark via Allaingletscher Glacier. Was incredible. I’m a pretty veteran hiker but going up was a toughie. My first hike in the Alps (hiked extensively throughout N American west coast) was just as breathtaking as I’d imagined. Think my highest elevation hike ever?

I’m visiting Switzerland for a week from Canada. I know things are priced higher, and I’m trying not to be hung up on it.. that said - 10 CHF for a litre of water. Any need guys? We’re in the middle of the Alps... install a filtered tap that charges 3 CHF for two litres or something, reduce plastic wastage, more locally and awesome sourced water.

I think two beers with similar volume was same price. I just felt price gouged and went and...