We had a magical experience at Hotel Le Grand Bellevue. Surrounded by high mountains and hidden behind enormous fir trees situated at the edge of Gstaad is the magical Hotel Le Grand Bellevue.
This beautiful 5 star Boutique Hotel has 57 rooms, an impressive 3000sqm Wellness-Centre, a 1 star Michelin restaurant, sushi bar, a beautiful garden and terrace, an indoor cinema, nightclub and their own Bentley to pick you up (formerly owned by Roger Moore).
GSTAAD
Gstaad is well known for its major ski resorts, high-end designer stores and as a popular destination amongst the high society and the international jet-set.
HOTEL RESTAURANT & BAR
Photocredit: Nicolas Glauser / travelita.ch
The hotel really stands out because of its charm and it’s magical and relaxed ambiance. The staff is very friendly, helpful and always efficient. The staff is very international which is great to experience. The hotel re-opened its doors in December 2013 with its new owners Mr. Daniel Koetser and his wife Davia. A sensational refurbishment was done by Mrs. Koetser and Atelier Zürich*.
HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGN
We see bespoke furniture from Scandinavia, London, Antwerp and beyond. The design described in a nutshell is a mix of cozy, colorful, luxurious, modern, relaxed, quirky and magical. Lots of tweed fabrics can be seen in furniture and curtains. An enormous camel dressed in tweed is overlooking the lobby. The camel called ‘Leonard’ is named after the owner’s grandfather, who is Dutch.
Leonard the famous Camel standing in the hallway
Very large floor lamps and 2 hanging birdcage chairs create a captivating look. The custom design was done by the companies George Smith and Soane. In the lounge, you can enjoy an inviting sea-trough fireplace with cozy sofas and designer books all over the shelves. A fascinating chandelier is hanging in the stairways which create a luxurious feel. Each room has its own magical attraction.
Quirky cage chairs
BEAUTIFUL ROOM AND VIEW
We had a birthday celebration and chose this hotel to celebrate. We could not have asked for anything better. The weather was picture perfect with blue skies, sun and fresh snow. We had a very spacious and beautiful decorated room in one of the chalets. The chalets are easy to reach and connected to the hotel by a hallway.
Our room had stunning views towards the mountains and a big sun terrace with plenty of outdoor furniture to choose. We started off with lunch at the sushi bar where everything is prepared fresh by the chef. We had saved some space for our dessert, which we could luckily enough consume on the sunny terrace outside. Of course accompanied by a glass of Rose Champagne.
THE TASTING MENU
We had dinner in the cozy and very inviting restaurant Leonard’s which is awarded a Michelin star. The atmosphere was very relaxed and down to earth with nice music and a great buzz which we could appreciate very much. This is what really stands out compared to other Michelin starred restaurants.
We took the 3 and 4-course tasting menu accompanied by a white Chablis from ‘Les Vėnėrables’ 2010 which also fits perfectly with our main course. Because we already had Rose Champagne during the afternoon and later also in our room, we did not take Champagne as an aperitif.
The food tasted outstanding and we had sent already many compliments to Urs Gschwend the chef of the Michelin star restaurant. He was so kind to visit our table for a friendly chat and invited us for the next day to have a peek in the kitchen. That was an offer too good to be true which we definitely could not resist.
After our dinner, the staff treated us with a beautiful and very delicious birthday cake and a signed card. A celebration to remember. Again the serving staff was all amazing, friendly and very efficient. Afterward we took a nightcap in the beautiful and inviting bar where the barman was very friendly and told us some entertaining stories.
BREAKFAST
The next morning after a delicious breakfast we headed to the kitchen of Urs Gschwend and his team. The chef has an impressive resume. He was crowned by Gault Millau in 2000 as „Aufsteiger des Jahres” (upcoming chef) and in 2004 by Billanz chef of the year. He received his first Michelin star in 2010.
Head Chef Urs Gschwend
THE KITCHEN BRIGADE
We have had a looked around in the very spacious kitchen with an enormous wine fridge and all the equipment you need. The chef spoke very passionately about his cooking with the best fresh ingredients, mostly locally sourced produce, and Swiss meat. A very well deserved star with outstanding food for each and everyone, with even a Succulent Beef Burger on the menu.
THE WONDERFUL STAFF
We had an amazing and magical experience and want to thank all of the amazing staff, the very friendly owner Mr. Daniel Koetser who took the time to talk to us. The also very friendly director of sales who gave us all the information we needed.
The restaurant’s staff. The amazing chef for his outstanding food and tour through his kitchen domain. The very friendly barman. The ladies at the reception who were ever so friendly, the competent concierge and doormen. And last, but not least the cleaning staff who made everything bright and shiny. We love to come back anytime!