So you want to visit the winter playground of the rich and the famous? Well you’re in the right place.
St. Moritz is nicknamed “Top of the World” and it’s summit location means it enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year. It’s housed the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948. It’s known to be a place where celebrities like Ivana Trump, Kate Moss, Robert deNiro and members of the Royal Family have been spotted skiing and vacationing.
My friend and I hit St Moritz for a few days while we were traveling around Switzerland in January 2024. While some may say it’s overhyped, we honestly found it was so beautiful and such a luxe atmosphere. If you’re on the fence, I totally recommend it!
Where To Stay
We stayed at Hotel Chesa Languard, next door to the famous Kulm Hotel of St Moritz. The views from this side of town are STUNNING!
We upgraded to a lakeside view and slept aside the most magical snowy mountain views.
This hotel is technically walking distance to town although it can be tough getting around in the snow (more on that below). It’s cozy ski cabin vibes and big windows make it the perfect winter getaway. If you are looking for a place to stay, I can enthusiastically recommend!
What to Do:
On this particular trip, we didn’t end up skiing or doing any winter sports. We did take a trip and short walk up the mountain to Paradisio (more below). However, if I was helping you plan your own trip I would definitely suggest skiing, tubing, hiking or something to really engage and fully experience all the beauty, fun, and luxe of this area!
Where to Dine and Drink:
Fondue Gondola at the Ritz Carlton
This experience was so magical. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is cinematic and the service is impeccable. They provide a little speaker so you can play your own music and really just fully enjoy the vibe. And the people watching right outside the Ritz is premium.
A few notes: fondue is not a great smell and this is a small space so if you’re really sensitive to smells be aware
I wasn’t kidding when I said the space is small. You have to really squeeze in there. If you’ve got a lot of body of you just be aware it’s a small space
Paradisio
Many people will disagree with me on this but this was one of my least favorite experiences.
TikTok claims this restaurant is amazing but it truly was overhyped.
It takes several expensive chairlifts to get up there (unless your skiing), the inside smells like fondue (aka moldy carpet) and the outside freezes your food instantly. The food was mediocre and the service was snobby new money vibes. We also had a drink in the Gucci Room which didn’t feel high end or luxe but more so a try hard room that would be in a frat house. For the prices and efforts it takes to get there I think you can have a way better experience somewhere else.
Drinks at Badrutt’s Palace:
The Black Forest cocktail at Badrutt’s Palace is the by far the best made cocktail I have ever had in my life.
The atmosphere is dark, luxe and warm. A complimentary tiered silver tray of candies is provided to you. Music and vibes are relaxed but fun, it’s giving a great air to have a conversation with your own party or meet some of the others vacationing there. If there is one place you definitely need to hit up, it is here!
Getting Around
Staying where we did the town is decently walkable. Keep in mind that it’s well-maintained but covered in snow so your main shoe will be a snow boot. I highly suggest Moon Boots. I brought a different pair of snow boots that were highly rated, and they did not hold up as well as Moon Boots. And I do not suggest Uggs at all. They will slip and slide and on one of our off-road walks in the dark I honestly thought I would have a better grip going barefoot on the snow.
We did get several taxis when we would have to go further too. Whether to the train station or a chairlift. As an insider tip taxis do start minimum at 25€ and then the meter runs up from there. Nearly ever taxi we took cost a minimum of 40€ so this is something you’ll need to consider in your planning.
St. Moritz absolutely exceeded our expectations. It’s a learning experience in itself to sit and enjoy the playground of the glamorous and rich – and I can attest this tiny mountain town lives up to the hype!
