Hotel Matterhornblick — Hotel in Zermatt

Where to begin? Let's see...||I have literally over 50 years experience visiting Zermatt; first trip when I was about 8 years old with my father...and now I am 65. In 1997, my wife and I chose to honeymoon in Zermatt and then returned each year for about 15 years...we took a few years 'off' then - partly because we moved and were busy getting acclimated to a new home, etc.||But this year we returned - and in fact returned to the Matterhornblick Hotel, where we have stayed about 12 times or more. But why here? ||The hotel is owned and operated by the Julen family...a true family business...which means that they care about EVERY detail because - well, they work for themselves for one thing...and more important, they take great pride in their hotel, facilities, service, cleanliness...food...friendliness...you name it. Not to mention that they are lovely people that we now consider our good friends.||The breakfast is perfect - everything you could need or want is right there every morning - fresh and varied. They do not have a full restaurant - thankfully - we prefer to dine out at night. And at breakfast (unlike so many other hotels) things are relaxed...come down in your slippers...no 'formal' vibes here...if you want linen table cloths and waiters in starched shirts...stay at one of the 5 stars...but we prefer to be in a relaxed atmosphere...||The rooms are spotless and SUPER comfy. We always stay on the 4th floor with views directly to the Matterhorn from our balcony.||The new spa is gorgeous - modern and again, spotless. Completely remodeled after last year's floods, it is everything one could ask for...for fitness and for apres ski relaxation. The new ski room is the same, offering lockers for all guests...and boot heaters!||The location is perfect - right in the center of Zermatt but off a side street so it is not as loud and raucous as the main drag...thankfully. And a two minute walk gets you on the bus to the base of all of the ski lifts...super convenient.||But without doubt, the finest thing about this place - and the reason we return every year - is the family. Kerstin, Beni, Tim and Vera (and Milo!) are to be complimented on their hard work, welcoming vibes and just plain friendliness - they take care of us - and will take care of you...truly a family business is the best way to go. They care.||We will be back next year - but I'd better get my reservations in before you do!||Vielen...

Room Smelled Like Sewage Gases. Room #401. When we walked into our room, there was a terrible and strong sewage gas smell. We immediately notified the front desk, but they said the hotel was fully booked and couldn’t move us. They admitted that they had a plumbing issue on the room above this one. Hotel staff failed to check this room prior to guest occupancy to ensure that room was livable. Housekeeping came with an air freshener spray to try to fix the smell. I specifically asked not to spray it because that would only mask the foul odor, not get rid of it, or solve the root cause of the odor. I asked for an industrial fan to ventilate the room but was only given a small Dyson fan. To try to clear the smell, we had to open the balcony door, the room door, and the only window to vent the air inside the room. This room is next to the elevator. With the room door open, we did not have any privacy. I also asked housekeeping to change the bedsheets, which she kindly did, along with bringing new towels and mopping the floor. This took about two hours, but the sewage gas odor persisted. We couldn’t unpack or relax. We went to dinner and came back after a few hours. After dinner, the smell—especially in the bathroom—was still awful. I couldn’t even take a shower because of it. We had a terrible night’s sleep with the fan on, doors and windows open, just trying to tolerate the stench. We decided to cancel the rest of our stay and left early the next morning. Because of this issue, we had to change our travel plans, leave Zermatt, change our train tickets and find another hotel on another town in a very short time. I woke up the next morning with a very congested nose after sleeping in a very cold room (window and doors open all night) and inhaling toxic sewage gases! This was an unacceptable experience. The room should never have been rented in this condition. Don’t be fool by the nice view on this room. These toxic gases are harmful to your health and this hotel should not have this room...

We stayed in the Chalet Ritz part of the hotel, and our room there was clean, cozy and comfortable. It was on the attic level, so there were a lot of stairs up - be aware there is no elevator in this building. The room had a slightly lower ceiling height because of the eaves, but it wasn't a problem for us (might be a problem for tall people!) and we had a skylight with a clear view of Matterhorn so it didn't feel cramped or dark. The room was simply furnished, but had good storage and everything we needed. The bathroom was small, bright and modern. Price was reasonable for location and the busy time of year. ||||Hotel is in a great location in the middle of Zermatt with easy access to restaurants, transport, etc. Max 10 min walk to the train station. Chalet Ritz is set back from the road, so it's very quiet and calm at night. Staff were friendly and helpful.||||Breakfast was ok, fairly standard for Switzerland: breads, croissants, cheese, cold cuts, jams, birchermuesli, yogurt and fruits. You could also make hard-boiled eggs. There is also a lounge area with a small bar and a fireplace. You can leave your bags at the hotel after check-out, but there is no dedicated luggage room, you just leave your things in the lobby. I know it's Switzerland, but I'd prefer a more secure area.||||Overall, we enjoyed our weekend at Chalet Ritz/Matterhornblick and would be happy to visit again next time we...