Review of Hotel Waldhaus, Sils Maria, Switzerland

Family owned grand hotel – luxurious enough, yet unpretentious and full of history:

My family (I travel with my husband and my teenage son) has stayed at this wonderful grand hotel in the Engadine in the Swiss Alps quite a few times. And it always is a special experience for us to be here. The Waldhaus is majestically situated on a wooded hill above the village of Sils and Lake Sils, amidst beautiful nature.

This property is not a place you would find anywhere else. It is exceptional due to its history, its considerate management (family owned and managed for four generations) and its unique atmosphere. While it is luxurious enough to satisfy also spoiled guests, it is also unpretentious and relaxed. 

Over the years, the hotel underwent a number of renovations. And each of them was thoughtfully done in order not to neglect its exceptional character. The Waldhaus is ideally located for hiking in summer and winter, yet cross-country skiing as well as downhill skiing are options too. There is a shuttle to a nearby mountain railway (Furtschellas), which is ideal for the latter.

As we are the three of us, we usually go for a junior suite. When doing this, you can choose among differently styled rooms. There are modern, classic or nostalgic ones. Best views are considered towards Lake Sils (for an additional charge). I personally prefer a room that overlooks the village of Sils and Lake Silvaplana in the distance. The accommodations – we normally have modern ones – are appropriately furnished, luxurious enough but not so that you wallow in luxury.

All the facilities are up to date maybe with the exception of the spa and the fitness room. If you put emphasis on these two things the Waldhaus may not be your first choice. However, this is more than offset by things that you cannot find at other places. There is this splendid hotel lounge that boats an atmosphere second to none. Here you can have your tea or your drinks in a wonderful setting close to nature. Or there is the wonderfully old-fashioned library from days long gone by.

As far as the food is concerned, there is a sumptuous breakfast buffet with a wide choice. Among other things you find here the best Swiss Bircher Muesli I know of. In the evening, they serve an exquisite multi-course dinner in the huge dining room. In most cases, we like what we get food wise. What you can be sure of is that one family member passes by your table to talk to you for a moment. This is really a nice touch!

Bottom line, the Waldhaus Sils Maria is an excellent choice for a stay in the Saint Moritz area, be it in summer or winter time. And it comes without the pretentiousness you often find at hotels in the Engadine’s most prominent place.

Last date of stay: January 2011