We had a lovely stay at Hotel Maria for 5N from 25 Sept 2018. ||||The new owners Regula and Andrea Ludwig are doing a great job of running their establishment and it was nice meeting them during our stay. Our private joke is that Regula is the “boss” running the place whilst her husband Andy adds his charm to the place by his presence. It was very nice of him to see us off when we checked out.||||We enjoyed the Double Superior and Single Superior rooms that were assigned to us on a higher floor. Our Dbl Superior faced the mt and though there was a street infront, it was very quiet especially in the night. In the day the clippity clop of the horses pulling the carriages were rather nice to listen to. ||||The bathroom had a great large sink, big mirror and a telephone shower hose in the bathtub. The toilet was separated from the bathroom. We liked the spaciousness of the room, with adequate cupboards, a nice bench and table next to the window with lovely views. Perhaps a few picture frames would have completed the cozy feel.||||The Single Superior faced the forest and cute squirrels can sometimes be seen scurrying from the trees. If you are a very light sleeper, then these rooms may be quieter but you sacrifice the beautiful mt views of the front facing rooms.||||We took halfboard throughout our stay which was a great decision as their 4 course dinners were very well done and delicious. Not too heavy going but interesting flavors in all the courses and we enjoyed the dinners every night. We highly recommend their set dinners.||||The dining area for the set dinner and breakfast is quite spacious with a nice relaxing ambience and service was polite and pleasant. They also have another restaurant for ala carte if you dont wish to have the halfboard. Do try their coffee with rum called Caffe Maria, especially if its done by Christina. ||||Breakfast spread was ok. Not as extensive as the other hotels we stayed in but adequate. Hard boiled eggs are included. However, we felt that the extra charge of Chf 6 for fried/scrambled eggs and Chf 8 if bacon was added was on the steep side. ||||Bus No. 4 from St. Moritz will take you from the station to SIls Maria Posta bus stop (quite a large stop) but it can be troublesome if you have big luggages because the bus does get crowded at times. So those with several large luggages may wish to consider asking the hotel to arrange for a paid transfer (Chf 20 one way). ||||The previous hotel at Sils we were at before coming to Hotel Maria, picked us up for free - but that may not be the norm. They said they were making an exception as we were coming from a 13 hr flight with large suitcases - that was really kind. So many of the staff in the Swiss hotels we have stayed in, especially in the mountain towns have been really accommodating.) ||||Our stay included the Engadine Card which was a big bonus as it allowed us to move around conveniently. It is very important that guests return the card to the hotel once the stay is over.||||Different hotels seem to have different charges for the refundable deposit e.g. ||1. Hotel Maria charged us Chf 100 for the 3 of us as their cards were valid till the end of the summer season - I guess the higher deposit is to ensure we remember to return it as the validity went beyond our check out date. ||2. The previous hotel didn’t ask for a deposit and it was valid for the exact days we stayed. ||3. The next hotel at Pontresina which we moved to asked for Chf 10 pp for each card. Their card was up to our check out date.||||Regula helped us reserved a private horse carriage ride to Fex Crasta (not included in the Engadine Card). This was one of the highlight of our activities in Sils. The wide views from the Fex Cresta chapel in the middle valley to the end at Hotel Fex is nothing short of amazing. Truly beautiful - don't miss this final part of the valley as that is when the view starts to really open up.||||We chose the Coretti company and had a very friendly “driver” who came to pick us up in the carriage at our hotel. The return journey from Hotel Maria to Hotel Fex at the end of the valley cost Chf 160. It was worth it as we had a 1.5hr stop for refreshments before returning back to Sils Maria. Originally, we planned to take the horse carriage one way to the end and walk back. However, after looking at the distances and our jet lagged bodies, we decided to return by the horse carriage as well. The driver was flexible and allowed us to change our plans. That was a wise decision for us as it was so relaxing. We would do it again should we return.||||Hotel Maria has a mix of cozy, warm interiors as well as a touch of business class vibe to it.||||We thoroughly enjoyed our lovely stay and hope to return when the opportunity presents itself again. ||||A big grateful thanks to Tamara (receptionist who was prompt and helpful during our online booking) and all the restaurant staff. Most of all, bouquets to Regula and Andrea who are doing a great job running their new establishment.||||We hope Sils doesn't get swamped by large hoards of tourists the way the Interlaken and Jungfrau regions have. As reluctant as I am to post our wonderful stay at Hotel Maria because we want to keep it to ourselves, it is only right to express our appreciation for the wonderful...
Read moreWe had a lovely stay at Hotel Maria for 5N from 25 Sept 2018. ||||The new owners Regula and Andrea Ludwig are doing a great job of running their establishment and it was nice meeting them during our stay. Our private joke is that Regula is the “boss” running the place whilst her husband Andy adds his charm to the place by his presence. It was very nice of him to see us off when we checked out.||||We enjoyed the Double Superior and Single Superior rooms that were assigned to us on a higher floor. Our Dbl Superior faced the mt and though there was a street infront, it was very quiet especially in the night. In the day the clippity clop of the horses pulling the carriages were rather nice to listen to. ||||The bathroom had a great large sink, big mirror and a telephone shower hose in the bathtub. The toilet was separated from the bathroom. We liked the spaciousness of the room, with adequate cupboards, a nice bench and table next to the window with lovely views. Perhaps a few picture frames would have completed the cozy feel.||||The Single Superior faced the forest and cute squirrels can sometimes be seen scurrying from the trees. If you are a very light sleeper, then these rooms may be quieter but you sacrifice the beautiful mt views of the front facing rooms.||||We took halfboard throughout our stay which was a great decision as their 4 course dinners were very well done and delicious. Not too heavy going but interesting flavors in all the courses and we enjoyed the dinners every night. We highly recommend their set dinners.||||The dining area for the set dinner and breakfast is quite spacious with a nice relaxing ambience and service was polite and pleasant. They also have another restaurant for ala carte if you dont wish to have the halfboard. Do try their coffee with rum called Caffe Maria, especially if its done by Christina. ||||Breakfast spread was ok. Not as extensive as the other hotels we stayed in but adequate. Hard boiled eggs are included. However, we felt that the extra charge of Chf 6 for fried/scrambled eggs and Chf 8 if bacon was added was on the steep side. ||||Bus No. 4 from St. Moritz will take you from the station to SIls Maria Posta bus stop (quite a large stop) but it can be troublesome if you have big luggages because the bus does get crowded at times. So those with several large luggages may wish to consider asking the hotel to arrange for a paid transfer (Chf 20 one way). ||||The previous hotel at Sils we were at before coming to Hotel Maria, picked us up for free - but that may not be the norm. They said they were making an exception as we were coming from a 13 hr flight with large suitcases - that was really kind. So many of the staff in the Swiss hotels we have stayed in, especially in the mountain towns have been really accommodating.) ||||Our stay included the Engadine Card which was a big bonus as it allowed us to move around conveniently. It is very important that guests return the card to the hotel once the stay is over.||||Different hotels seem to have different charges for the refundable deposit e.g. ||1. Hotel Maria charged us Chf 100 for the 3 of us as their cards were valid till the end of the summer season - I guess the higher deposit is to ensure we remember to return it as the validity went beyond our check out date. ||2. The previous hotel didn’t ask for a deposit and it was valid for the exact days we stayed. ||3. The next hotel at Pontresina which we moved to asked for Chf 10 pp for each card. Their card was up to our check out date.||||Regula helped us reserved a private horse carriage ride to Fex Crasta (not included in the Engadine Card). This was one of the highlight of our activities in Sils. The wide views from the Fex Cresta chapel in the middle valley to the end at Hotel Fex is nothing short of amazing. Truly beautiful - don't miss this final part of the valley as that is when the view starts to really open up.||||We chose the Coretti company and had a very friendly “driver” who came to pick us up in the carriage at our hotel. The return journey from Hotel Maria to Hotel Fex at the end of the valley cost Chf 160. It was worth it as we had a 1.5hr stop for refreshments before returning back to Sils Maria. Originally, we planned to take the horse carriage one way to the end and walk back. However, after looking at the distances and our jet lagged bodies, we decided to return by the horse carriage as well. The driver was flexible and allowed us to change our plans. That was a wise decision for us as it was so relaxing. We would do it again should we return.||||Hotel Maria has a mix of cozy, warm interiors as well as a touch of business class vibe to it.||||We thoroughly enjoyed our lovely stay and hope to return when the opportunity presents itself again. ||||A big grateful thanks to Tamara (receptionist who was prompt and helpful during our online booking) and all the restaurant staff. Most of all, bouquets to Regula and Andrea who are doing a great job running their new establishment.||||We hope Sils doesn't get swamped by large hoards of tourists the way the Interlaken and Jungfrau regions have. As reluctant as I am to post our wonderful stay at Hotel Maria because we want to keep it to ourselves, it is only right to express our appreciation for the wonderful...
Read moreWe spent a week at the Hotel Maria in a Junior Suite and took the Half Board plan. The room was huge, on the top floor under the roof (very pretty!) with great views. Although the road is right next to the hotel we could not see it from our room without leaning out and there was no noise to bother us. (There is no through traffic on that road, speed is limited to 30km/hr and the "vehicles" that made the most noise were the horse drawn carriages!!) The sound of the river which was right outside our windows was lovely. ||||Breakfasts were more than ample with good choices and a wonderful coffee machine that made espressos, cappuccinos etc. Breads came daily from a bakery in St Moritz and it was fun to have different ones to try each morning. The müesli was delicious. Hard boiled eggs were always available and one could order fried or scrambled etc eggs if one wished.||||The dinners were 4 courses. There was always soup plus another starter, main course and dessert. The pasta was incredible. Made on the premises, silky and with great sauces. Meat course varied every night. The menu is available at the Reception each morning and I suppose if one has an allergy or doesn't eat something listed it could be changed. Can't say for sure because we always liked what was offered! They charge an additional 30frs/day for the Half Board option and it is well worth taking.||||The staff are great! We have known the owners for years and have always appreciated the way they run a hotel. Now that they have their own hotel everyone benefits. Apparently the Maria was rather old-fashioned and somewhat run down before they took it over in May and now the entire hotel has been re-decorated, with new carpets, lovely lighting fixtures and beautiful furniture in the two ground floor lounges. It is all fresh, modern with a classic feel, and above all SO comfortable. the WiFi is free, without need of a password and works very well.||||In addition to the main restaurant there is a small (7 table) "Stuva". This is SO pretty with its slate-topped tables engraved with the names of the winners of the Sils Maria Curling cup! (The Stuva is the "stamm" for the Curling Club). Menu at the Stuva is extensive and with good choices. We had the Châteaubriand with Béarnaise sauce and rösti which was terrific.||||I have to make a special mention of the receptionist/reservations person, Tamara. She is very very responsive to requests and sends prompt replies to questions. In the Dining room the multi-lingual staff are welcoming and helpful. All in all an excellent team even though they have only been together for a short time. That says a LOT about the "hands on" direction from the Ludwigs, the owners.||||We have been to Sils Maria six or more times and before this trip always stayed at the Hotel Margna. However the management of that hotel changed two years ago and we have not returned there because friends who have been there since the change tell us that standards have slipped, and the food and service are as not as good as in the past. ||||We are SO pleased to have...
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