St. Moritz is the most glamorous mountain resort in the world, and it has the hotels to match. This is where the Alpine winter holiday began, in 1864, and where the grand hotel tradition reached its peak: turreted palaces above a frozen lake, butlers and bobsleigh, polo on the ice and afternoon tea by the fire. Set at around 1,800 metres in the sunny Upper Engadine valley, it has hosted two Winter Olympics and still draws royalty, film stars and loyal families who return every year.
These are the best luxury hotels in St. Moritz, each with a very different personality, from the theatrical Palace to a ski-in, ski-out estate on the edge of the forest.
The best luxury hotels in St. Moritz at a glance
- Best for glamour: Badrutt's Palace
- Best for history and winter sport: Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
- Best for families and ski-in ski-out: Suvretta House
- Best for an intimate, all-suite stay: Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
1. Badrutt's Palace
Best for: glamour, nightlife, a classic grand-hotel experience
Badrutt's Palace is the grand Alpine hotel against which all others are measured. Its turreted silhouette, rising above the frozen lake, has been the symbol of St. Moritz since 1896, and it is still owned and run by the Badrutt family. Expect a theatrical lobby, the famous King's Social House nightclub, La Coupole–Matsuhisa, an indoor and outdoor pool, an ice rink and easy access to the Corviglia funicular. Read our review of Badrutt's Palace.
2. Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
Best for: history lovers, couples, winter sports fans
The Kulm is where winter tourism began, when Johannes Badrutt made his famous bet with four English guests in 1864. Today it stands high above the lake in the heart of the village, with around 160 rooms, a 2,000-square-metre spa with indoor and outdoor pools, a Norman Foster-restored country club, the only hotel golf course in town and the start of the legendary Cresta Run in its grounds. Read our review of Kulm Hotel St. Moritz.
3. Suvretta House
Best for: families, skiers, a peaceful estate setting
Opened in 1912 on its own estate on the wooded Suvretta hillside, about two kilometres from the village, Suvretta House is the only true ski-in, ski-out hotel in St. Moritz, with its own lift up to Corviglia. It has superb children's clubs, an ice rink and curling, a 25-metre pool, a new spa for winter 2026 and the grand Belle Époque atmosphere of a bygone age. Read our review of Suvretta House.
4. Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
Best for: couples, gourmets, honeymooners
The Carlton is the most intimate of the great hotels: a 1913 landmark transformed into 60 suites, all facing south over the lake. It has a three-floor spa with indoor and outdoor pools, bold interiors by Carlo Rampazzi, butler service and Da Vittorio, run by the Cerea brothers, with two Michelin stars. It is part of the same collection as the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa. Read our review of Carlton Hotel St. Moritz.
Also worth considering
St. Moritz has two more five-star hotels worth knowing: the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski, a landmark beside the lake in St. Moritz Bad with a large Alpine spa, and Grace La Margna, a smaller, contemporary hotel beside the railway station. For a different side of the Engadine, the 7132 Hotel in Vals and the Tschuggen in Arosa are both within a few hours' drive.
How to choose a luxury hotel in St. Moritz
Choose Badrutt's Palace if you want to be at the centre of the action, with the most famous name, the liveliest bars and the town on the doorstep. Choose the Kulm for history, sport and one of the best spas, with the Cresta Run and the Country Club beside you. Choose Suvretta House if you are travelling with children, or want to ski from the door in a quieter setting. Choose the Carlton for an intimate, all-suite stay with superb food. All four are walking distance or a short shuttle from the Corviglia ski area.
When to go to St. Moritz
The winter season runs from early December to late March or early April. January and February bring the great events on the frozen lake, including the White Turf horse races, the Snow Polo World Cup and the Cresta Run season, while March offers long, sunny ski days. Summer, from mid-June to early September, is a quieter, beautiful time for hiking, mountain biking, golf and the lakes of the Engadine. Most luxury hotels close in spring and late autumn, and the Carlton opens in winter only.
Getting to St. Moritz
The nearest major airport is Zurich, around three to three and a half hours away by road or train. The rail journey on the Rhaetian Railway, over the UNESCO-listed Albula line, is one of the most beautiful train rides in the Alps, and the Glacier Express links St. Moritz with Zermatt. For our wider pick, see the best luxury hotels in Switzerland.
Mountain Muses
New hotel listings and inspiration each week, direct from the mountains to your inbox
Frequently asked questions
What is the best luxury hotel in St. Moritz?
Badrutt's Palace is the most famous, but the best choice depends on your trip: the Kulm for history and winter sport, Suvretta House for families and ski-in ski-out, and the Carlton for an intimate, all-suite stay with two-Michelin-star dining.
Which St. Moritz hotel is ski-in ski-out?
Suvretta House is the only true ski-in, ski-out hotel in St. Moritz, with its own lift up to the Corviglia ski area.
Which St. Moritz hotel is best for families?
Suvretta House, with its children's clubs, ice rink, children's ski slope and ski-in, ski-out access. Badrutt's Palace and the Kulm are also family-friendly.
When is the best time to visit St. Moritz?
January to March for skiing and the events on the frozen lake, such as White Turf and snow polo. Summer, from June to September, is lovely for hiking and the lakes.
How far is St. Moritz from Zurich?
Around three to three and a half hours by road or train. The train journey over the Albula line is one of the most scenic in the Alps.
