Gstaad Palace
"Driving through the Bernese valleys, climbing up the steep and bendy roads, there’s an extraordinary moment when you first see the Palace on the hill. The magic of it—the vertiginous proportions, the sparklingness of it all – are at the same time fairy-tale pastiche and timeless classic. There’s a magnetic allure; families have been coming here for generations, along with fallen royals, fashion designers and film stars. Everyone gathers, lounging on sofas by the fire or propping up the bar in the huge lobby which seems to spread out in every direction, filled with stories and intrigue. Later they all head downstairs to GreenGo, to dance with John Travolta and kiss in corners. It’s louche and glittery but still rarefied. It used to be that there were no other hotels of note in ridiculously pretty Gstaad. Now there are several, but the Palace is still queen, a proper grande old dame, with a twinkle in her eye." - Melinda Stevens
