Hotel Matterhorn Lodge — Hotel in Zermatt

We took a train tour of Switzerland and had a room booked by the tour company for two nights in Zermatt. When we checked in there was no one there - keys were left on the desk with a number to call if there was a problem. When we got to the room we discovered the bathroom had no wall - the entire bathroom and bedroom were all one big room! The toilet and shower were enclosed in lightly frosted glass but clearly visible to all with no privacy! I called the number listed and reached a German speaking maid who said a manager would be on duty at 5. Shortly before 5 we sent an email to the hotel address and said that the room was unacceptable and we wanted to make contact. In a short while there was banging on the door and when I opened it Ruth, I assumed was the manager, came in and was furious that I said the room was unacceptable. I explained that I would never book a room with absolutely no privacy and couldn't believe such a room even existed, especially in an otherwise lovely hotel. She said I had booked it and it was clearly stated and nothing would be done. She was so angry and confrontational and I asked if there was another room available. She said there was another but it was in another category and would be more money. Fine, we'd like to see it. She stormed downstairs and it was a very nice room, no door on the bathroom, but at least there was a wall. We asked the price difference and she went to check. She couldn't find the price the tour company had paid, so said we had to call them and let them settle it. We did that along with a picture of the room. Within the hour the tour company had arranged for us to move rooms. Again, the banging on the door, Ruth hands us new keys, demands the old ones back and leaves. She had made a snide comment that we weren't in the US and Swiss bathrooms were all like that. We stayed in 8 other hotels during our trip. They all had bathroom doors, great breakfasts, and pleasant friendly staffs. Sadly, this...

The lodge is in a quiet street only a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. We received a very warm welcome from Martha who explained it’s a family-run business.

The room was on the first floor (both lift and stair access) and although overlooking the narrow street outside, was supremely quiet and private.

It was nicely furnished with a ‘clean’ wood feel. The bathroom was huge and we liked the heated floor and leak-proof shower (every other hotel we stayed in Switzerland seemed to have half doors that allowed water to splash out into the bathroom).

The TV had a lovely fireplace screensaver that added to the cozy ambiance during our cold December stay (-12°C at night).

The only slight disappointment was the bed was not a queen but more like two larger singles pushed together (again, quite common in Switzerland). Not a deal breaker though.

The heating was adjusted through the TV but we couldn’t quite get it cool enough in the room at night. Opening the window certainly helped cool it down very quickly with the below freezing temps outside….and then we had to close it again!!

Breakfast is served near the reception area in a buffet style that is focused on local produce and sustainable practices. Bruno made us welcome and made good coffee too. He was interesting to chat to and he adds to the warm, positive atmosphere. There are adequate options for breakfast - breads, cereals, cold cuts and cheeses, juices and tea and individually made coffee. The wait staff offer egg options and make them to order. Very nicely done!

If I was coming back to Zermatt again (quite possible, as I’m a climber and Bruno mentioned one of the co-owners is a mountain guide) , I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.

Well done to the team in this hotel and for making us feel at home...

My stay at the Lodge was excellent, not 100% “perfect” but it was still the best hotel I’ve stayed at in Zermatt. With a few simple steps it could be even better.

Pros: -very central location, -larger than average rooms (30-40sqm for a standard room, I believe 70-80+ for a suite) -small but very tasteful and relaxing spa area -impeccable style and maintenance: many newer hotels in town have “designer” (it’s actually the same designer, a local architect that refitted 50% of new hotels!) elements that are pretty but not functional and get ruined very quickly. Here, everything is more minimal yet stylish, structurally sound and kept as brand new. You will not hear other guests snoring, you will not find a single scratch on your room’s wall, and the 95C sauna will actually be around 95 degrees. Mattresses were also very comfortable (I usually have problems in 90% of hotels). Much appreciated! -the manager lady has a strong personality but is very knowledgeable and ready to help

Cons: -the hotel was maybe too lightly staffed. Especially at breakfast it can be a bit chaotic (see below) -many breakfast items were finished at 10am. This is not ok when paying 400 francs +. I am not in favor of waste but most items keep for several days. The quality was good, especially the homemade jams, the bread, cheeses, but some items could be of better quality (salmon, some hams, fruit) and more variety would be most welcome (cakes, croissants, etc). -most rooms have no Matterhorn view. This is a limitation due to the central location but you can get a suite at a higher (but sort of ok for Zermatt) price and have a better view.

I hope to return next time to find the small defects ironed out and have the...