We expected this hotel to be quite special based on the website and the "Leading Hotel of the World" designation. We place value on this designation and have stayed at such hotels in several other countries.
There were a few great features to the hotel but the overall impression was unfortunately negative enough to motivate me to write a review. This is in my view, not at all up to the standards of other hotels with the "Leading Hotels of the World" designation, including the Lausanne Palace and Spa in Switzerland (way nicer!). The bathroom was renovated but very small with cheap taps and oddly coloured beige sinks, tub and toilet. Tolietries were unimpressive and soap was inadequate and shockingly not replaced once used. There was no air conditioning and no fan was offered when I called to inquire about this. Instead I was haughtily told that it rarely gets hot and that people in Interlaken enjoy it when does get hot. No chocolate, bottled water, fruit or anything else was provided on a complimentary basis. This was the only hotel of six I stayed at that did not provide anything on a complimentary basis. The room had a hardwood floor with dust bunnies under the bed. Slippers were provided for going to the spa but were cheap and not luxurious.
As for value -- not good. The room rate at 400 CHF was fine until another 100 CHF was added per night on arrival when my young child was noticed at the reception desk. For this price, no additional towels or a bathrobe were provided, despite the fact that a robe was the attire to wear to the pool. Also, parking was the most expensive we found in Switzerland at 30 CHF per day.
The ambiance of the pool and hot tubs depended on the time of day. Quite civilized late at night but could be crowded with not overly supervised children in peak times. A hot tub with five toddlers, some in lifejackets, no parents with them, is not overly enticing.
The breakfast was amazing. Not cheap at 40 CHF per adult but still great. The hotel location is also great.
Go to the breakfast and stay at another luxury hotel. If you are looking for a fabulous spa in Switzerland and can go somewhere else, try the Lausanne Palace and Spa. That one is truly a "Leading Hotel of the World". This one deserves to be removed from the list.
B from Toronto