At 1,800 metres above sea level, the car‑free village of Saas‑Fee feels like a world apart. Here, amid towering peaks and glaciers, the Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa has been entertaining guests for more than a century. Its story is one of glamour, disaster, resilience and reinvention – a hotel that has repeatedly risen from the ashes, quite literally.
From Belle Vue to Walliserhof
The hotel’s tale began in 1883 when the Grand Hotel Belle Vue opened as Saas‑Fee’s second hotel. It quickly became the centre of village life, drawing barons, politicians and artists who danced until dawn in its club, Le Dancing. After the Second World War, the hotel was renamed Hotel Walliserhof in 1951.
Tragedy struck in May 1976 when a catastrophic fire burned the building to the ground. Rather than abandon the site, the Anthamatten brothers, Erwin and Albert, bought the property in 1978 and undertook a monumental rebuild. The hotel reopened in 1983, redesigned yet honouring its past, and was run by Albert’s son Beat Anthamatten and his wife Chantal for over 30 years. Under their stewardship it was known as the Ferienart Resort & Spa and became legendary for extravagant events and celebrity guests – scenes from Bill Murray’s film The Razor’s Edge were even shot here.
A holistic rebirth
In December 2019, new investors reopened the property as Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa, with a renewed focus on holistic recovery and well‑being. Director Thorsten Fink emphasised that the hotel aims to “take care of your holistic well‑being” through relaxation, activities and gastronomy. Fink sees the hotel not just as a business, but as part of Saas‑Fee’s identity and success.
To realise this vision, the wellness and fitness area was doubled in size to more than 2,000 square metres. A state‑of‑the‑art gym includes the first CrossFit box in a 5‑star hotel in Switzerland. The spa offers saunas, steam rooms and pools, and is open to both guests and locals. The refurbishment preserved beloved elements like the Caesar Ritz restaurant and brought back many long‑serving staff, ensuring the spirit of hospitality endures.
Life today
Stay at Walliserhof and you’ll experience a blend of historic grandeur and contemporary alpine style. The lobby still whispers of the Belle Époque, but rooms are outfitted in warm woods and soft textiles. After a day exploring the Saastal’s glaciers or skiing on the Allalin, unwind in the spa or sip a cocktail in the bar where stories of past soirées hang in the air.
Why the phoenix endures
Few hotels have faced as many twists of fate as the Walliserhof. Its survival is testament to the resilience of the Saas‑Fee community and to a family who refused to let their landmark fade away. Today the Walliserhof stands not just as a place to sleep but as a symbol of regeneration. Here, amid the mountains, the past and present coexist proof that true hospitality can be both timeless and ever‑evolving.