By the Best Mountain Hotels editorial team ·
The Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Belvédère is Davos's classic grand hotel, a landmark on the Promenade for more than a century and a famous meeting place each January during the World Economic Forum. With 126 rooms, a pool and spa, elegant restaurants and views across the valley, it is the most comfortable base for skiing Davos Klosters.
The Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Belvédère is Davos's classic grand hotel, a landmark on the Promenade for more than a century and a famous meeting place each January during the World Economic Forum. With 126 rooms, a pool and spa, elegant restaurants and views across the valley, it is the most comfortable base for skiing Davos Klosters.
Location: Davos, Switzerland
The hotel stands on the Promenade in Davos Platz, with the Davos-Schatzalp funicular about eight minutes' walk away and a free ski shuttle to the Parsenn, Jakobshorn and other ski areas. Davos Platz station is a 15-minute walk.
Davos has a long history as a health resort: in the late nineteenth century it became famous for its sanatoriums, which inspired Thomas Mann's novel The Magic Mountain, and the Expressionist painter Ernst Ludwig Kirchner lived here, with a museum dedicated to his work. Each year between Christmas and New Year, the town hosts the Spengler Cup, one of the oldest ice hockey tournaments in the world. The ski areas include the Parsenn, climbing to the Weissfluhjoch at 2,844 metres, with long runs down to Klosters, and the Jakobshorn, popular with snowboarders, while the Schatzalp has one of the longest toboggan runs in the region.
Davos, at around 1,560 metres in Graubünden, is the highest town in the Alps and one of Switzerland's oldest resorts, famous for its clean mountain air, the World Economic Forum each January and the Parsenn ski area, linked with Klosters. Zurich Airport is around two hours by road or rail.
Rooms and suites at the Belvédère
There are 126 rooms and suites, from comfortable doubles to junior and deluxe suites with mountain views, in a classic, elegant style. South-facing rooms have the best views over the valley.
The hotel's long façade faces south across the valley, and the best rooms have balconies looking towards the mountains. Interiors combine classic grand-hotel elegance with modern comforts, and the suites have separate living areas for families or longer stays.
Facilities at the Belvédère
There is an indoor pool, whirlpool and wellness area with sauna, plus a spa offering hot-stone massages, body wraps and facials, and a health club. Dining includes a main restaurant, the Romeo & Juliet restaurant, a café and a bar. The ski concierge arranges passes and storage.
As one of the main venues during the World Economic Forum, the hotel has hosted political and business leaders from around the world, and its public spaces have the grandeur to match. The free ski shuttle makes it easy to reach all of Davos Klosters' ski areas, and the town's shops, restaurants and Kirchner Museum are within walking distance.
The mountain moment
The Belvédère moment is a crisp morning on the Parsenn, among the highest and most snow-sure slopes in Graubünden, followed by the long run down towards Klosters, then a swim back at the hotel and a drink in the grand old bar.
On a clear day, ride up to the Weissfluhjoch, at 2,844 metres, for views across the mountains of Graubünden, then ski the long, classic run down towards Klosters, one of the longest in Switzerland. Back in town, an evening walk along the Promenade, past the grand hotels and shops, is part of the Davos experience.
Why the Belvédère is one of the best mountain hotels
The Belvédère earns its place for history, comfort and location. It is the classic grand hotel of the highest town in the Alps. It is a large hotel rather than an intimate one, and Davos is a busy town rather than a pretty village. But for skiing Davos Klosters in comfort, it is a dependable, characterful choice.
For something more historic and affordable above town, see Berghotel Schatzalp.
The hotel's long history, its grand public rooms and its role at the World Economic Forum give it a sense of occasion that few hotels in the Alps can match. Combined with good facilities and a central location, it is a natural choice for skiers who want comfort and character.
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When to go to the Belvédère
Davos's ski season usually runs from late November to mid-April. The World Economic Forum in late January fills the town, so book well ahead or avoid that week. Summer brings hiking, biking and lakes.
Davos's ski season usually runs from late November to mid-April, with the best snow from January to March. The Spengler Cup, between Christmas and New Year, brings a festive atmosphere, while the World Economic Forum in late January fills the town and drives up prices. Summer is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and swimming in the Davos Lake.
Questions, answered
- Is the Grandhotel Belvédère ski-in, ski-out?
- No. A free ski shuttle runs to the ski areas, and the Schatzalp funicular is about eight minutes' walk.
- Does the Belvédère have a pool?
- Yes. There is an indoor pool, whirlpool and spa.
- How far is Davos from Zurich?
- About two hours by road or rail.
- When is the World Economic Forum in Davos?
- Usually in late January, when hotels are very busy.
