8 Best Hotels in Berner Oberland, Switzerland

In a vast park above the village, this exquisite hotel manages to be posh and homey at the same time. Embossed and embroidered leather, mountain crystals, modern and traditional artwork, and lots of wood—much of it recycled from old barns—decorate the common areas. Done up in Alpine-chic style, the rooms and suites feature local antiques, like ornate chests and cupboards, as well as modern conveniences like huge flat-screen TVs and clever night-light sensors—plus cozy cashmere blankets and fun coffee table books.

Set in a nicely landscaped park at the northern edge of the village, this resort features whimsical decor, several on-site dining options, and a very large spa with numerous relaxation chambers. Rooms, decorated in pleasing neutral tones, are spacious and feature large closets to stow away luggage and ski gear. Many bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs, perfect for relaxing after a day hiking or in the snow. The lounge/library is full of plush seating and coffee table books, and there is even a small cinema in the basement. Leonard's restaurant prepares creative meals, and you can dine outside in the gorgeous garden lounge in warmer months. Le Petit Chalet serves fondue all year long in a mountain log cabin on the hotel grounds.

Restoration has taken this 1865 grande dame firmly into the 21st century, with glitzy touches such as the burled-wood entryway, a vast belle epoque lobby that spirals off into innumerable bars and tea salons, and a sprawling spa with an elegant 1940s-style indoor pool, outdoor saltwater pool with lovely views, and substantial gym. Guest rooms are gorgeous, with smart fabrics, waxed wood floors, and marble columns. Nearly all take in the obligatory view over the meadow to the Alps, with the snowy peak of the Jungfrau crowning the far distance. You won't lack for food options, either: La Terrasse serves modern Swiss dishes, Sapori has a vast selection of pizzas, and the Victoria Bar offers finger food and cocktails plus a lively terrace.

Although it cozily refers to itself as a family "pension" (albeit the largest in Switzerland), this fantasyland castle that towers above tiny Gstaad has a splendid spa, tennis and squash courts, chauffeured Rolls-Royces, and other amenities. There's a gorgeous indoor-outdoor pool, with a glass floor that's placed on top for dancing on winter nights. Conscientious travelers worried about missing out on the local experience, rest assured: the guest rooms have rustic touches such as heavy curtains and padded headboards, though you could almost play hockey in the sprawling tiled baths. The kitchen serves four lavish restaurants, with renowned guest chefs conducting internationally-themed cuisine weeks.

At the eastern end of the main thoroughfare, this charming Victorian-style inn has an elaborately painted facade and intricately carved woodwork in every interior niche. Both the folksy guest rooms and the more elaborately decorated suites are atmospheric and include modern details like lighted closets and espresso machines. The places to see and be seen are the hotel's bar and upscale restaurant. Offerings at the elegant establishment might include lobster bisque or lamb in an olive crust. A more economic way of scoping the scene is to sip a coffee on the sidewalk terrace.

MGallery has taken over this classic Victorian grand hotel, and the restored rooms feature soothing Alpine colors (think greens and browns), leather daybeds, and balconies, and bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and separate showers, while the older-style Baroque rooms, though charming, are a bit rough around the edges. Though the Baroque rooms are spacious and feature original moldings, built-in furnishings, and fantastical bath fixtures, they are in need of an update. The spa, with two saunas and a steam room, is a great retreat after a long day of sightseeing.

Pairing wool-and-wooden materials with high-end entertainment systems, this handsome hotel blends old chalet style with contemporary flair in its well-designed rooms and suites. The spa features an indoor saltwater pool, saunas, Turkish baths, and an extensive treatment menu, and three distinct restaurants cater to guests’ gastronomic desires. There's also a cocktail bar that serves sushi, plus a cigar lounge and a wine bar open by request. Special entertainment includes a 3D golf simulator as well as an ice rink in the hotel garden.

Behind its dark-wood, red-shuttered chalet facade dating from 1892, this large, welcoming hotel invites you in with cozy wing chairs and bookcases in the lobby lounge and dining rooms—perfect spots to lounge in on rainy days. Guest rooms are decorated in carved pine and have tile baths. Service is attentive, unhurried, flexible, and extremely friendly, which more than satisfies the loyal clientele. The elegant Schmitte restaurant, aglow with decorative wall paintings and mint hues, serves nouvelle Swiss cuisine. For more casual fare, head to the rustic Gaststübli. There's also a pool, saunas, a steam bath, and a bowling alley.