The hype
The location and spa views are world-class, but the food is just 'okay' and the service can be slow.
Riffelhaus 1853
$415-750/ Nacht
Buchen Sie dieses Hotel, wenn You want the absolute best Matterhorn view in Zermatt and don't mind being stranded on the mountain after dinner.
Warum Gäste es lieben
- Unrivaled, direct Matterhorn views from the outdoor hot tub
- Ski-in/ski-out access at 2,500m altitude
- Historic 1853 charm with modern renovations
Kurzfassung: A glorious, high-altitude retirement home for skiers who care more about the view than the food.
Bewertet von @ettevi_wanderlust: I’ll never forget opening my window to that insane Matterhorn view—it felt close enough to touch. Skiing right from the door and ending the day in the outdoor jacuzzi while snow fell around me was pure magic. This place is a bucket list stay.
Was Gäste, die hier übernachtet haben, sagten
Reality check
You are paying for the Matterhorn view, not Michelin-star dining. The 'Mountain View' rooms (facing away from the peak) are a major letdown for the price.
- You are a skier wanting first tracks before the crowds arrive
- You crave silence and stargazing after the day-trippers leave
- You are okay with a set menu dinner every night
Sauberkeit & Instandhaltung
9.2
- Housekeeping: Excellent. Daily service is thorough, even with the challenges of the location.
- Bathroom hygiene: Modern and spotless. No grout issues reported.
- Maintenance: Renovated in 2014, so it feels fresher than its 1853 birthdate suggests.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-quality Swiss hotel standard.
- Odors & scents: Fresh pine wood scent (Arvenholz) in many rooms.
Sleepability™
8.5STILL
0-4LAUT
4-7,5MÄSSIG
7,5-10STILL
- Creaky floorboards in hallways
- Early morning hikers/skiers outside
- Neighboring guests (soundproofing is mediocre)
Vor der Buchung
Gut zu wissen
- You must take the Gornergrat train from Zermatt to 'Riffelberg' station (23 min ride).
- Call the hotel from Riffelberg station; they have a small vehicle to fetch your bags (200m walk otherwise).
- City tax is CHF 4.00 per adult/night; Pet fee is CHF 20 per night.
Was Sie einpacken sollten
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (high altitude sun is brutal)
- Swimsuit for the outdoor hot tub (mandatory photo op)
- Warm layers for the evening, even in summer
Zimmer-Genie
Beste Auswahl
- Room 302 (Junior Suite) for a direct Matterhorn view and less noise
- Any 'Matterhorn View' room on the 3rd or 4th floor
Zimmer, die Sie meiden sollten
- Room 207 (and similar 'Mountain View' rooms) - they face the hiking path/railway and lack privacy
- 1st-floor rooms near the terrace (noisy during lunch service)
Zimmerwunsch-Genie – kopieren & einfügen
“I am booking this stay specifically for the view. Please assign a room on the 3rd or 4th floor with a direct, unobstructed view of the Matterhorn (like Room 302). Please avoid 'Mountain View' rooms facing the railway/path.”
FAQ & Geheimtipps
Alles, was Sie vor der Buchung wirklich wissen möchten.
Can I eat dinner in Zermatt town?
Practically, no. The last train down is usually around 7-8 PM, and getting back up is impossible until morning unless you hike in the dark (dangerous).
Is the pool actually warm?
It's an outdoor heated pool/whirlpool. Most find it warm enough, but some reviews complain it's tepid in deep winter.
Does the hotel handle my luggage from the train station?
Not automatically. You haul your bags to the Gornergrat train in Zermatt. At the top (Riffelberg), they will pick you up if you call.
Is it good for non-skiers?
Yes, if you like reading, spa time, and winter hiking. Otherwise, you might get cabin fever.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, and usually a 4-course dinner is included in the half-board rate (often mandatory).
How bad is the altitude?
2,500m is significant. You might sleep poorly the first night or feel short of breath on stairs.
Insider-Tipps
- ✨
The 'Mark Twain' trail starts right outside; he stayed here in 1878.
- ✨
Buy a multi-day ski pass that includes the train to avoid paying ~CHF 80 for every trip up/down.
- ✨
Lunch on the terrace is chaotic with day-trippers; eat early (11:30 AM) or late (2:00 PM) to avoid the crush.
5 Dinge, die Sie wissen sollten, bevor Sie losfahren
💡The 'Mountain View' rooms basically look at a hill and the train tracks, not the iconic peak.
💡You are sharing the hotel exterior with hundreds of passing tourists during the day.
💡The sauna has a panoramic window, which is cool but feels exposed if hikers are nearby.
💡Water pressure can be finicky in peak shower times due to the altitude plumbing.
💡The 'library' is the best spot for wifi and quiet if your room feels small.
Lokaler Reiseführer
Karte
Sehen Sie, wo sich Riffelhaus 1853 befindet und was in der Nähe ist.