The 2026 edition of the ranking drawn up by the economic magazine BALANCE SHEET assign to the Gstaad Palace first place in the category dedicated to the best hotels for holidays in Switzerland. This is the fourth consecutive recognition the property has received, a result that confirms its continued commitment to quality services and attentive guest service.
The new milestone comes at a particularly favorable time for the Gstaad hotel, which is enjoying a positive start to the summer season and is also receiving encouraging initial feedback for Gildo's al Fresco , the new open-air restaurant inspired by Italian gastronomic tradition.
The fourth consecutive record in the BILANZ ranking
The ranking published annually by BILANZ is one of the leading benchmarks for the Swiss hotel industry. For the Gstaad Palace, first place confirms a position it has earned in recent years and maintained thanks to consistent quality throughout the entire stay experience.
The achievement also strengthens the hotel's international reputation, already considered one of the most prestigious luxury tourism destinations in Switzerland. The hotel thus maintains its leadership in a highly competitive sector, characterized by numerous luxury hotels scattered across the country's main Alpine destinations.
A story that spans more than a century
The Gstaad Palace's history dates back to 1913, the year the hotel opened. Since then, it has remained in the hands of the Scherz family, now in its third generation.
This element represents an increasingly rare feature in the European luxury hotel sector, where many large establishments now belong to international groups. Management points to family continuity as one of the aspects that contributes to maintaining a recognizable identity and a direct relationship with customers.
Andrea Scherz, owner and general manager of the hotel, commented on the recognition, emphasizing how the result is the fruit of both the trust shown by guests over time and the daily commitment of the staff. According to Scherz, the award confirms the value of the work done by the entire team to ensure high standards and a hospitality that is attentive to the needs of guests.
The weight of the summer season is growing
In addition to the recognition achieved in the BILANZ ranking, 2026 highlights another significant trend for the Gstaad Palace: the expansion of demand during the summer months.
Traditionally, winter has been the most economically important time of year, thanks to the appeal of the Saanenland mountains and snow-related activities. Today, however, the influx of visitors in the summer continues to increase, also supported by interest from international markets.
According to the hotel's management, the summer season is becoming increasingly important in the overall balance of the hotel business, helping to distribute demand throughout the year.
Gildo's al Fresco expands its gastronomic offerings
Among the main new features of 2026 is the opening of Gildo's al Fresco , a new space dedicated to summer dining.
The project offers cuisine inspired by Italian flavors, complemented by an informal atmosphere and a more relaxed dress code than traditional hotel settings. The goal is to expand the dining options during the warmer months and attract a diverse clientele.
A distinctive feature of the restaurant is its choice to cater not only to guests staying at the property, but also to residents of the Gstaad Saanenland region and visitors passing through, thus fostering greater integration with the local area.
An offer that combines tradition and high-level services
The Gstaad Palace has 90 rooms and suites and offers an offering that combines Alpine comfort with contemporary design elements.
The gastronomic experience includes five restaurants dedicated to Swiss, Italian, and international specialties. The gourmet offering has also been awarded 16 Gault Millau points , confirming the importance of cuisine among the hotel's distinctive features.
Among the best-known spaces is also the GreenGo , a historic nightclub inside the building which over the years has hosted an international clientele.
The wellness area covers approximately 1.800 square meters and includes numerous relaxation services. During the summer season, an outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool and four tennis courts are also available.
The Walig hut completes the Saanenland experience
Among the special features of the structure is also Walig , a historic hut built in 1783 at around 1.700 metres above sea level.
The building allows guests to experience a stay immersed in the Alpine environment of the Saanenland, while maintaining the standards of comfort that characterize the Gstaad Palace brand. The offering focuses on tranquility, authenticity, and direct contact with nature, elements that complement the hotel's offerings beyond the traditional hotel experience.
Calendar of upcoming openings
The Gstaad Palace summer season will continue until September 6, 2026. The facility will then reopen for the winter season from December 15, 2026 , to March 7, 2027 , during which time Gstaad will once again welcome snow sports and Alpine tourism enthusiasts.
