Escape to this chic mountain resort with views of the Matterhorn, where an exceptional spa, fine dining restaurants and superb provision for families create the perfect Swiss ski retreat.
Why you'll love it here
- Stay in the heart of Zermatt at this historic hotel that first welcomed guests in 1852
- Arrive by horse drawn carriage; this Alpine village is a traffic-free zone
- Relax in the spa and wellness area with its huge indoor swimming pool
- Walk to the cable cars to reach some of Europe’s best ski slopes
Best For
- Honeymoon, Family, Toddlers (0-3), Kids (4-12), Teens (13+)
Samantha
Travel Specialist
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
Mont Cervin Palace is considered the grande dame of Zermatt. First opened in 1852, it has played an historic role in this Alpine village’s story; from the first successful ascent to the Matterhorn, to the thriving ski resort it is today.
As the largest hotel in the village it features 150 guestrooms and suites set across four interconnecting buildings. Each of these has a different vibe and style, but all enjoy access to the hotel’s excellent facilities.
These include a large spa with an indoor swimming pool; superb provision for families that includes interconnecting rooms and family suites; and a range of dining options, from Italian Michelin-star cuisine to burgers by the fire in the bar.
In the shadow of the epic Matterhorn, Zermatt itself is as picturesque as ski resorts come. A designated ‘traffic free’ zone means exploring the snowy streets is safe and peaceful, and the main street, Bahnhofstrasse, has plenty in the way of shops and international brands.
Guests at the Mont Cervin Palace are collected from the village’s train station by horse drawn carriage, a romantic way to begin your luxury ski holiday. And the hotel is walking distance to cable cars that carry you to some of Europe’s finest ski runs.
Room Options
The rooms and suites all offer stunning views, but what you see depends on where you are in the hotel; south-facing look at the majestic Matterhorn, north-facing boast mountain views.
All accommodation includes: transfers to and from the station (often by horse drawn carriage), WiFi, an in-room Nespresso coffee machine, and a mini-bar with complimentary soft drinks.
Rooms and suites are split into three categories: Alpine, Chalet and Family.
Alpine Style
The Alpine rooms at the Mont Cervin Palace are located in the main building of the hotel. Most have a view of the mountains, and some boast a balcony. All of these en suite rooms and suites include the necessary amenities: safe, desk, bathrobes, toiletries, hairdryer, slippers, television, mini-bar and a coffee maker. The smallest of the Alpine Style bedrooms is a single for solo travellers, the largest the Matterhorn Suite which can sleep four and has a...
Chalet Style
These cosy rooms that are designed in a chalet style – think wood cladding and cosy living areas – are located in the hotel’s Le Petit Cervin building. Views from these rooms vary, but all either face the Matterhorn or the mountains. Some of the Chalet Style rooms have a balcony or terrace, and there is the option to connect with a second room for groups and families.
All have amenities including: a Nespresso coffee machine, television,...
Family Apartments
Two great options for families staying at the hotel are a Suite 2 Bedroom or a Duplex Suite. Both these roomy suites in the Résidence building offer enough space for the whole family. They have a balcony or terrace with views of Zermatt village, and a small kitchenette and dining area; ideal for feeding hungry kids quickly after a day at ski school. All family apartments have two bedrooms, and some have an open fireplace in their living area.
Facilities/Amenities
- Accessible accommodation
- Gym/fitness centre
- Indoor pool
- Interconnecting rooms
- Spa/wellness
Restaurants & Bars
Traditional Swiss ski cuisine and international flavours make the choice of dining options at Mont Cervin Palace some of the best in Zermatt. And all served with exquisite wines and signature cocktails in cosy, fire-lit surrounds.
Grill Le Cervin
This elegant chalet-style restaurant invites you into a homely setting to gorge on a menu from its charcoal grill. Local dishes and ingredients sourced from the vicinity sit alongside decadent bites like oysters and caviar. The showpiece though is the grill, which boasts beautiful cuts of meat and daily specials served with your choice of scrumptious sides.
Ristorante Capri
Exclusively open during the winter, the chefs from Italy’s award-winning Il Riccio on Capri decamp to Zermatt for the winter to serve Michelin-starred cuisine at Mont Cervin Palace. This taste of the Med is served in Le Petit Cervin on the fourth floor of the hotel, with panoramic views of Zermatt. The tasting menu includes decadent dishes like potatoes gnocchi with lobster, smoked cauliflower and capers powder, all served with a vast wine list focussing on Italian and Swiss vintages.
Le Restaurant
With a focus on fish and seafood dishes this Mediterranean-French restaurant within the hotel uses quality ingredients to create culinary classics; think grilled sole, shrimp cocktail and lobster bisque. The extensive wine list has been handpicked by the sommelier to complement the menu.
Joseph’s Bar & Terrace
This cosy bar and lounge is a sophisticated spot to warm yourself by the fire with a cocktail or two. Afternoon tea here is a great way to gorge après-ski, and tasty snacks are served until after midnight if you’ve had a long day on the slopes.
The terrace is lovely for a coffee with a view, and there is regularly live music or a pianist to add to the ambience.
Wine & Dine
The hotel’s Wine & Dine offer allows you to indulge at other restaurants and bars from Michel Reybier Hospitality in Zermatt; a great way to get a real taste of the culinary offerings in this iconic Alpine village.
Cuisine ranges from Swiss specialties to Japanese favourites, all close to Mont Cervin Palace.
Activities & Entertainment
Skiing & Outdoor Activities
The great likelihood is you’re visiting Zermatt for its legendary ski slopes, and the Mont Cervin Palace puts you in a good position to do exactly that. On site is a ski shop with ski rental available, and ski lockers if you’re bringing your own equipment.
Thrill-seekers can try heli-skiing, and there is of course family friendly winter activities in Zermatt too, like: sledging, ice skating and snow shoeing.
If you’re staying during the summer months the Alpine village is a great base for hiking and walking, mountain biking, climbing and visiting the Forest Fun Park.
Spa
The jewel in the Mont Cervin Palace’s crown is its spa with a large swimming pool and wellness area. A destination spa, the relaxation room has heated loungers to recline post-treatment, and the Finnish sauna has a different aromatic infusion every day. A biosauna, steam and footbaths (ideal for tired ski feet!), and two whirlpools complete the dreamy setting.
Outside there is a swimming pool surrounded by a picturesque lawn that is open during the summer months for an al fresco dip with views of the mountains.
Family
This hotel goes all out to welcome families for a luxury ski holiday in Zermatt. Your Travel Specialist can arrange amenities in-room on arrival – including everything from cots to sledges – and as well as the dedicated Family Apartments there are interconnecting rooms available.
Mini Cervin is the in-house playroom, a Matterhorn-themed space for children aged four and above to play games and take part in organised activities. There is also a separate, shallow swimming pool for children, and of course Zermatt’s ski schools and slopes close by.
Zermatt Ski Holidays Ski Holidays Essential Information
Resort Altitude:1620m (5310ft)
Winter Season:Nov - May
Area:Swiss Alps
Ski Area:Schwarzsee-Klein Matterhorn
Nearest Airport:Sion, Geneva, Zurich and Milan
Transfer Time:2 hours from Sion, Geneva 3 hours, 10 mins
Linked Lift Resorts:Cervinia, Italy
Highest Lift:3899m (12,792ft)
Number of Lifts:53
No of Pistes:75
Beginner:21%
Intermediate:61%
Advanced:18%
Snowpark:1
Would you like to speak to a Zermatt Ski Holidays expert?
Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on Other Shores
The Best Ski Destinations for Christmas
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration. From the sound of tinkling sleigh bells to th...
Other Shores Team - September, 2023Your Guide to the Fabulous French Alps: Courchevel Ski Resort
Deciding where you go on a luxury ski holiday is important. In addition to snow levels, ski conditi...
Other Shores Team - July, 2023The 9 Best Ski Resorts in Europe for Beginners
The world of skiing is incredibly exhilarating and challenging. From the very top of a snowcapped m...
Other Shores Team - September, 2023The Most Charming Ski Resort in the French Alps: Your Guide to Megève
For fantastic skiing in a charming alpine setting, a luxury ski holiday in Megève is hard to beat. ...
Other Shores Team - June, 2023The Top 10 Family Ski Resorts in Europe
Whisking the family away to a wintery wonderland of mountains, chalets and ski slopes this year? We...
Other Shores Team - September, 2023Why Inspiring Travel?
Premium & Exclusive
- Only the best private travel experiences
- Hand-picked collection of world-class luxury resorts
- Diverse portfolio of bespoke & tailored itineraries
Personal & tailored
- Every holiday created to be entirely bespoke
- Exclusive experiences arranged on your behalf
- Personal contact to tailor every aspect of your holiday
Exceptional service
- 24/7 support while you're travelling
- Every detail handled by our concierge team
- Lounge passes, airport meet & greet and private transfers included
First-hand expertise
- The experts in tailor-made travel for 50 years
- Team of well-travelled specialists offering first-hand knowledge
- Network of trusted luxury travel partners
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware