Glacier Express: Across the Roof of Europe

About Tradition Hotel Julen

Built in 1937, this family-run property offers an authentic experience in the Swiss Alps, set against a backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn in one of the world’s best ski resorts, Zermatt. It sits right across from a pub, owned by the same family, that boasts a thriving après scene.

Incredibly charming, it has a traditional atmosphere with lots of farmhouse touches throughout, while rooms are typical Swiss chalet style. There are just 31 rooms, allowing the friendly staff to provide personalized service. All are extra-cozy, with pillows, mattresses, and blankets made of Swiss wool, most of which come right from the hotel’s own sheep. Nespresso machines and minibars with complimentary drinks are included too. Every room has a shared or private balcony and many offer views of the Matterhorn but for the very best, book one of the Romantik Double rooms.

Two outstanding restaurants serving fondue specialties are on-site, along with a pampering spa.

About CERVO Mountain Resort

Boasting breathtaking views of the Matterhorn nestled between tranquil forest and the lively village of Zermatt next to the ski slopes, CERVO Mountain Resort is a design hotel combining modern with ski/hunting lodge and alpine chalet.

It’s made up of nine luxurious “lifestyle lodges,” accessed on foot or lift. Each one accommodates up to 12 guests although individual rooms can also be booked with options for everyone from couples to families. Many have awe-inspiring Matterhorn views and all feature the latest in high-tech, including surround sound systems and tablets. Espresso machines, electric kettles, minibars, and furnished balconies are all standard.

The three on-site restaurants all focus on local, seasonal dishes, most of which are vegetarian, providing a culinary journey from North Africa and the Middle East to Italy.

Guests can also enjoy local herbal treatments at the spa, which includes a Japanese onsen, a Nordic sauna, and a Bhutanese hot stone bath.

About Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

Located in the center of St. Moritz, legendary for its over 300 days of sunshine, glamorous ambiance and champagne atmosphere, this boutique hotel offers a chic and colorful retreat. Immersed in a setting ideal for spending your days hiking the trails or evening world-class skiing, after a day of play look forward to unwinding at the rooftop spa which offers a menu of massages and beauty treatments, a steam room, Finnish sauna, and a hot tub for soaking with an unforgettable view of the mountains and St. Moritz.

A sumptuous breakfast is included in the rates while the on-site restaurant serves Italian-Mediterranean dishes for lunch and dinner. Half-board is available and includes a five-course dinner. Choose from rooms and suites with Avante-garde works of art and all the essentials, with some featuring spectacular mountain or lake vistas. The Deluxe suite provides the best of the best with views of St. Moritz and the mountains.

About Badrutt's Palace Hotel

An iconic St. Moritz landmark, Badrutt’s Palace is world-renowned. A historic luxury hotel, it sits right at the start of the main drag overlooking the lake while setting the standard when it comes to over-the-opt opulence for over a century.

You’ll be treated like a VIP here, with a full staff that even includes serving the freshest foods to pets. There’s an ice rink, a tennis court, yoga studio, state-of-the-art fitness room, and a ski shop all on-site. The spa is accessed through an underground tunnel and at the end you’ll find an indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows. An indoor hot tub, a large outdoor whirlpool, and an expansive sauna area with saunas, steam rooms, and an ice room are all included.

The multiple restaurants include an eatery helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, while rooms feature minibars, Bose docking stations, dehumidifiers, and swanky bathrooms with standalone tubs and rainfall showers. Some have magnificent lake views.

About Sorell Hotel St Peter

A high-quality boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town Zurich with the lake promenade and the railway station just a few minutes’ walk or two tram stops away, Sorrel Hotel St. Peter offers urban charm near a wealth of attractions. An intimate property, the focus is on personal service that includes a warm welcome and being greeted by name throughout your stay.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring dishes made in the hotel’s kitchen and bakery, using regional ingredients like organic milk from a Seelisberg family, ham from a family in Lenzburg, and free-range Swiss eggs. The 24-hour lobby lounge is a great place for a refreshing drink or casual hot and cold bites like pizza, paninis, sandwiches, and salads.

Accommodation ranges from single rooms to apartments with kitchenettes. All include standard amenities like Nespresso machines, minibars, yoga mats, Chromecast TVs with streaming capabilities, and bathrooms with rain showers.

About Hotel Baur au Lac

The 5-star Hotel Baur au Lac is one of Europe’s best hotels. Set within a luxurious villa on private parkland near the high-end Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, it boasts glimpses of the Alps and the lake along with historic character.

Opened in 1844, many illustrious characters have stepped through its doors, including Alfred Hitchcock. Afternoon Tea is served in magnificent Le Hall under a sparkling chandelier and there are four restaurants to choose from, including fine dining at the two-Michelin-starred Pavillon, one of the top restaurants in Switzerland. There’s also a lively bar serving artisanal drinks like the truffle martini.

On the top floor, is a gym where guests can work out on state-of-the-art equipment while enjoying lake views. Pampering massages can be enjoyed here too. The elegant rooms tastefully mix Louis XVI, art deco, and Regency styles, while featuring minibars and TVs with DVD players. Some have water views.