Gstaad offers a warm welcome to winter visitors

The destination of Gstaad, one of the most spectacular destinations in Switzerland, has some great family offerings for guests’ this winter. Surrounded by some of Switzerland’s finest Alpine scenery, Gstaad lies in the south west of the country, on the boundary of the Bernese Uplands and the Vaud Alps. Recently named as a “Wellness Destination” – Gstaad has been awarded the title along with only five others nationwide.

The ski region of Gstaad Mountain Rides has 250 km of ski runs, more than 62 cable cars and lifts. The well-ordered public transport network in Gstaad ensures visitors can travel with ease.

Gstaad Mountain Rides offer free children ski passes
Gstaad Mountain Rides are giving family budgets a real relief once again this season. Children up to the age of nine years can enjoy ski passes between Zweisimmen and Glacier 3000 free of charge. Families are encouraged to ski and snowboard on the extensive pistes.

Gstaad hotels offer children free accommodation
A selection of Gstaad’s hotels are providing children with free accommodation when sharing their parents’ room:

Steigenberger Hotel****, Saanen (steigenberger.com)
The Steigenberger Hotel in Saanen has got the first ‘Kids Spa’ in the region! The spa offers wellness, relaxation and fun for three generations over three floors! Since June 2008, guests have been offered the opportunity to use the new renovated Spa which is located across three floors and covers 1,100 square metres. On the lowest level is the new Kids Spa, where children have the option to discover their own world of Wellness.

From playing the newest games on the Nintendo Wii in their own mountain cottage, enjoying the safe temperature sauna in a secure temperature, exploring the cave with their animated waterfalls, the spa offers many children’s treatments in their own environment.

Hotel Alphorn**** (gstaad-alphorn.ch)
From 1st November to 19th December 2008, the Hotel Alphorn is offering guests’ accommodation inclusive of a buffet breakfast and with free access to wellness treatments at the inclusive price of approx £47.90 (98 CHF) per person per night. The hotel offers cosy rooms with ensuite bathroom facilities, a spa with a sauna, steam bath, whirlpool and solarium. The supplement for an additional night approx £43.00 (88 CHF) or for half board is £14.68 (30 CHF). Hotel Alphorn offers free accommodation for children up to six years when sharing their parents room.

Hotel Christiania**** (christiania.ch)
Hotel Christina is a small, personal, family-run hotel that prides itself on its classic and intimate European style, and has a warm, wood and tiled interior. The hotel has eleven bedrooms that are all individually furnished, and a cosy restaurant serving a selection of fresh, seasonal and home made dishes. Hotel Christiania is centrally located with easy car access and free parking, near to the pedestrian shopping area of Gstaad. It is a three minute walk away from the ski bus station and train station.

From 1st November to 19th December 2008, Hotel Christina is offering guests one nights accommodation, inclusive of all taxes, dinner and breakfast for approx £76 (153 CHF) per person and two nights accommodation inclusive of all taxes, dinner and breakfast on both days for approx £90 (CHF 290) per person. Children up to nine years can stay for free in their parent’s room and also free access to all cable cars.

Hotel Kernen*** (hotel-kernen.ch)
Hotel Kernen, located in Schönried-Gstaad, is a paradise for lovers of sports, nature, gourmet food, entertainment and relaxation. Hotel Kernen prides itself in its friendly and elegant hospitality. From 21st September until 19th December 2008, Hotel Kernen is offering guests three nights accommodation, with rates starting at approx £150 (300 CHF) per person, in a double room, inclusive of a welcome drink, coffee and cake in the afternoon, a five course menu in the evening and free entry to the Wellness Spa at the Ermitage Golf Hotel. Children under the age of twelve years are free of charge in the parents room with breakfast included.

Hotel Solsana*** (solsana.ch)
Hotel Solsana is offering guests two nights accommodation for approx £190 (CHF 380.50) per room, and seven night accommodation for approx £664 (CHF 1331.75) per room. Ratee are based on accommodation in a double room with a balcony, inclusive of a buffet breakfast and a four course dinner, valid from 17th November 2008 to the 20th December 2008.

This package includes:
• The hotels 29°C swimming-pool, with pressure-jets, counter water stream jets and whirlpool
• The sauna (inclusive of two visits per two day stay, and five visits per seven night stay)
• A cocktail-surprise at the hotel bar
• Return transfers to Saanen, Gstaad and Schönried train stations courtesy of the hotel shuttle service
• Complimentary underground parking

Hotel Solsana is situated on the upper Saanen, close to Gstaad, and has 59 guest rooms all with a balcony, shower, WC, mini-safe, mini-fridge, hair-dryer, TV and radio. It has many facilities including an à la carte restaurant, bar, indoor swimming-pool, sauna, solarium, bowling track, table-soccer, table tennis, Playstation room and wireless internet connection in the lobby area.

Hotel Arc-en-Ciel**** (arc-en-ciel.ch)
This is the four star chalet-hotel ideal for families. Set in a peaceful location next to the Eggli cable-car and ski slopes, with beautiful rooms, suites and apartments. New for this season are trendy junior-suites and mini-suites with breathtaking views overlooking the mountains. Hotel Arc-en-Ciel also has a cosy pizzeria restaurant, swimming pool in summer, and a brand new private spa and fitness facilities. For children, the hotel offers bycycles, playrooms and a playground with electric cars.

Hotel Arc-en-Ciel is offering guests the ‘Snow and Fun on the Glacier 3000’ package, valid from 1st November until 19th December 2008, for approx £147.00 (CHF 296.00) per person. A one day ski pass for the glacier 3000 is available for approx £26.00 (CHF 52.00).

The package includes:
• Two nights accommodation in a standard double room
• Buffet breakfast
• A restaurant voucher worth approx £15 (CHF 30)
• Two hours of relaxation in the private spa
• All services and taxes

For more information visit Gstaad.ch.