We highly recommend this hotel in the charming little snow-sure town of Saas Fee
For context we both travel internationally with work to varied destinations and are fortunate enough to have experienced good hotels, food and service around the world. We are a couple in our early thirties without children who live in Basel.
A few things stood out for us, and it's hard to imagine us picking a better place to stay for our first time in Saas Fee:
1. Location
A few minutes walk from the main entry/exit point to the slopes and all the main lifts and right next to the largest ski rental outlet and town (and we received a 20% discount for staying at the Bristol). It's also opposite the (small) heart of Apres Ski (Black Bull, Zur Muhle) so it was all but a hop and skip from the slopes, to the Apres, to the hotel, quick shower and relax and then down for dinner. You cannot beat that. The Apres ski bars were nice and busy from 1600 but seem to close around 1930 so if you value your sleep, you've no need to worry about all night discos across the street! You can also ski in to the hotel from one of the beginners runs.
2. The relaxed environment and service
The family run hotel is a very comfortable and easy place to be. It was excellent to stay at the hotel and nice to stroll down to breakfast or dinner with all of the staff incredibly polite, courteous and attentive. Service generally was excellent and it's the only time i've left a pretty hefty tip for the staff on such a vacation. Well and truly deserved though.
3. Food
We booked a package including breakfast, dinner, ski passes etc. We were considering eating somewhere else for a few nights but the standard of food was excellent on the first few nights so we decided to stay put for the whole week. The second course of dinner comprised a salad bar (which was generally the same each night but with more than enough choice) but the other three courses varies and were not only diverse, but well prepared and well presented - many compliments to the chef. We eat out alot around the world and we were more than happy to stay every night at the Bristol to eat. Also, the dinner menu goes up every morning so if there is something that you really don't like, the kitchen will gladly prepare something else if you give them enough notice. Service also exceptional and you can take the menu at your own pace as you see fit. Nice continental breakfast every morning, nothing too special but all you need before a day on the slopes. :)
4. Cleanliness
Our room was cleaned perfectly every day. Can't say more than that.
To manage your expectations if you travel on business a lot, the room we stayed in was perfectly fine but do not expect the same sort of size or features as the likes of Intercontinental, this a swiss chalet style hotel remember, not a 5-star NYC hotel. The ambience is perfect and in keeping with the rest of the hotel.
You really can't go wrong by choosing the Bristol and we will definitely return in the next 12 months.
Thank you to the whole team and congratulations on your 50th year anniversary,
Mr A.
www.hotel-bristol-saas-fee.ch
