Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

Welcoming guests since 1839, the Monte Rosa is an historic alpine hotel situated in the heart of Zermatt. Edward Whymper, who took part in the first ascent of the Matterhorn, stayed at the hotel, and the hotel retains much of its charm and character from those bygone days. An air of understated luxury pervades the hotel and the service is friendly and warm, a 'home from home'.

Rooms are all beautifully decorated and vary in size and style. Some have an 'historic' feel and others have a 'modern Alpine' feel, so be sure to check with our sales team. Some suites have balconies, others have spectacular views of the Matterhorn. Interconnecting rooms and 2 bedroom suites are perfect for families.

Renowned for its cocktails, the cosy Edward's Bar-Café is the place for a congenial pre-dinner drink before enjoying a gourmet dinner in the historic dining room, with its ornate ceiling and traditional charm. Photos featuring well-known personalities who have stayed at the hotel adorn the walls of the wood-panelled Whymper salon and the weekly guided tour of the hotel and its history is a must. The 'dine around' system allows guests on half board to dine at 12 different restaurants around the resort, ranging from traditional Swiss cuisine to Japanese delicacies and gourmet affairs.

All the facilities at the Mont Cervin Palace are open to the Monte Rosa guests, including the fabulous spa with its indoor swimming pool, a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi, two whirlpools, a Finnish sauna, steambaths, an ice-grotto and a relaxation room. The MCP beauty spa offers a range of revitalising massage and beauty treatments.

The Monte Rosa is situated opposite the old church, just 5 minute walk from the Gornergrat railway. Zermatt itself is a special place that every skier must visit. Steeped in Alpine history and overlooked by the iconic Matterhorn, in our opinion, car-free Zermatt has more charm, sophistication and romance than any other Alpine resort. Added to this, the ski area is extensive, varied and complemented by the finest mountain restaurants in the world. There is plenty going on!

Guide price £1,550 Per adult

£1,550 price is per adult, based on a 7 night stay in a double room on a half board basis, including British Airways flights to Geneva and return first class train transfers in mid season.

Accommodation

There are 41 rooms and suites at the hotel. The rooms are spacious and many have great mountain views, some have private balconies. The suites offer large balconies and some have spectacular views of the Matterhorn. All rooms have a private bathroom, telephone, radio, cable TV, minibar and hairdryers.

Childcare

There is a crèche for children aged 2-8yrs at the nearby Hotel Schweizerhof.

Scott Dunn pioneered skiing holidays with childcare and this is an optional extra that many families consider indispensable. We offer childcare from 4 months and ensure that children have the most fantastic holidays and that parents can completely relax with peace of mind that their family is in great hands. Your children can be taken to and collected from ski lessons and will be kept entertained with a varied and imaginative activity programme and given healthy home made lunches and snacks.

Our childcare staff are qualified professionals and guests here can opt to have a private nanny service. Babysitting is available too. A wide range of equipment for babies and toddlers can be provided to all guests on request, mostly free of charge.

Facilities

The restaurant offers seasonal gourmet dining in the attractive historic dining room, and Edward's Bar-Café is a convivial spot for drinks, as well as offering coffee and croissants from 9am. The 'dine around' system allows guests on half board to dine at 12 different restaurants around the resort, ranging from traditional Swiss cuisine to Japanese delicacies and gourmet affairs.

All the facilities at the Mont Cervin Palace are open to the Monte Rosa guests, including the fabulous spa with its indoor swimming pool, a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi, two whirlpools, a Finnish sauna, steambaths, an ice-grotto and a relaxation room. The MCP beauty spa offers a range of revitalising massage and beauty treatments.

Activities

Zermatt has plenty to offer guests other than skiing. The village itself is a pleasure to explore, whether on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage, with a wealth of shops, restaurants and historic buildings to enjoy. Exploring the mountain is also straightforward with mountain railways and some wonderful walks, whether on foot or on snowshoes. If you would like a really close view of the Matterhorn, a helicopter flight around it is truly breathtaking.

Zermatt is much more of a cultural centre than many other resorts. The English church is a highlight, especially at Christmas and art exhibitions, concerts, films, walking tours are plentiful. Every April, the Zermatt Unplugged music festival attracts big name acts.

There are also plenty more active possibilities including the fitness centre, indoor tennis and squash, gym, heli-skiing, ice skating, paragliding, stunning walking tours, gorge adventures, ice climbing and tobogganing

Finally, if all of this sounds exhausting, there are some top quality spas where you can be pampered to your heart’s content.

When to travel

Location and directions

Zermatt, Switzerland

Situated in the heart of the village and just a 5 minute walk from the Gornergrat railway.

How to get there

Scheduled British Airways flights from London to Geneva followed by a scenic first class train transfer (3 hrs).