Last updated on 14 November 2023 | by Stefan Hotel Follower
If you are looking for the most picturesque destination in the world, then you should be thinking Switzerland. Switzerland is a haven for snow-capped mountains, beautiful lakeside towns, best skiing grounds and the most stunning train routes among many other sights and sounds. One of the best places to stay is St Moritz.
The common misconception is that Switzerland is a very expensive destination to travel does not hold water. This is because once you have a glimpse of some of the areas to stay and places to visit, you will reconsider. That is why it is always important to research beforehand to help you familiarise yourself with some of the destinations in Switzerland.
One destination that stands out for many tourists is Saint Moritz. St. Moritz is a scenic town located in Switzerland. It is especially loved by tourists who have a liking for snow sports like skiing, robust Alpine meals, glamorous old hotels and galleries among many other pleasurable distractions.
Sankt Moritz is the ultimate winter getaway destination that has greatly contributed to the growth of the ski holiday since the 1860s. Almost everything about St. Moritz is old-fashioned, right from the ski lodges to the buzz-filled luxury hotels. We will post some of the most important things you should know before visiting St. Moritz including the best areas to stay, the accommodation options and the best towns nearby for tourists.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best neighbourhood for cable car to Corviglia, or where to stay near the lake? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in St Moritz Switzerland.
What is the Best Area to Stay in St Moritz?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): St Moritz City Centre
St. Moritz is a famous tourist destination. There are lots of activities that draw people from all over the world to this town. What you may not know is that there are very cool neighbourhoods that you can stay while visiting this destination. Once you set foot in any one of these places to stay, you will not regret any minute of it. Check below for a roundup of the 6 best locations for tourists around Saint Moritz Switzerland.
Recommended Hotels in St Moritz
- Best Luxury Hotels in St Moritz
Suvretta House • Badrutt’s Palace Hotel - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Crystal Hotel superior (Ski to Door) • Hotel Steffani (Ski to Door) - Best Cheap Hotels in St Moritz
Unique Hotel Eden (Ski to Door) • Hotel Waldhaus am See - Best Bed & Breakfast
b&b River Inn • Chesa Albris Bed & Breakfast - Best Budget Hostels
St. Moritz Youth Hostel • Hostel Pitsch
What’s the Best Area to Stay in St Moritz near Cable Car to Corviglia? St Moritz Bad
If you are looking for somewhere to stay to easily catch a Cable Car to Corviglia, your best bet is St. Moritz Bad. This is primarily because this location is less showy compared to other locations and it is quieter too.
Where to Stay in St Moritz for funicular to Corviglia? St Moritz Dorf
The best location to stay to catch a funicular to Corviglia is St. Moritz Dorf. This is the upper village that gives you easy access to the funicular.
The 6 Best Neighbourhoods (nearby Towns) in St Moritz for Tourists
1. St Moritz Dorf (Main Village)
The upper part of St. Moritz, St. Moritz Dorf, is a swanky resort holiday destination, home to some of the most luxurious hotels, restaurants and activities in the region. The district will have you spoiled for choice. Everything about St. Moritz Dorf feels exotic.
If you are looking for an area that is filled with activities then you should head to St. Moritz Dorf. This is where you will find hotels, boutiques, souvenir shops and chalets that appeal to a different kind of crowd. It is the reason why this location is marketed as a chic, exclusive and elegant playground for royalties and movie stars.
The cosmopolitan ambiance of St. Moritz Dorf is quite pronounced, giving you a certain kind of exotic lifestyle. It is the perfect spot for the wealthy scions who are looking for a taste of the finer things in life, right from handful streets along the western banks to the grand hotels furnished with heavy Alpine furniture.
If you love the sound of the serenading piano players and sipping some champagne under dim chandeliers, you should definitely find your way to St. Moritz Dorf. Afterward, you can catch a cable car and find yourself in Corviglia!
- Best Places to Stay (Luxury): Kulm Hotel St. Moritz • Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hauser Hotel St. Moritz • Hotel Waldhaus am See
2. St Moritz Bad (near Lake St Moritz)
If you enjoy a quieter and less crowded environment, then the best neighbourhood for you around this region is St. Moritz Bad. Even though the accommodation options in St. Moritz are a bit dizzying in terms of prices, you can easily find affordable accommodation options near Lake St. Moritz.
If you are out there in the summer and you are keen on savings, you can go out on picnics or walks near the lake and feel the breeze on your face. You can also go a hike in the mountain or hire a bike and head out for a summer ride.
The food scene is also something you should check out while at Saint Moritz Bad. You can enjoy the Engadin walnut tart, which is a very important cuisine around these parts. You can also find home-style cuisines everywhere in the neighbourhood, coming with an impressive variety of traditional cuisines. Furthermore, different local and international recipes have been reinterpreted and creatively combined in the most innovative ways to leave an explosion of tastes in your mouth.
If you are a fan of Alpine winter sports but you are travelling on a budget, you can always find yourself some accommodation options in St. Moritz Bad. It is just walking distance from the Upper part where most of these winter sports are held. You can enjoy sports like cricket and curling tournaments, Olympia Bob Run or the Snow Polo World Cup.
- Best Places to Stay (Luxury): Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski • Suvretta House
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Nolda • Hotel Laudinella
3. Celerina/Schlarigna (nearby village)
This is a nearby village, just a few minutes’ drive from St. Moritz. If you are ever visiting these parts and you just need some wow factor, Celerina/Schlarigna is the village to visit. It may not be as popular as the swanky holiday resorts of St. Moritz Dorf, but it’s definitely not a dull neighbourhood.
Don’t let the small size of the village fool you. This is a rapidly growing tourist destination that you should consider staying. Let the town surprise you because there are a lot of things to see, places to visit and activities to do while staying here.
There is a wide range of options to choose from in terms of leisure activities to do around this village. It does not matter if you are visiting alone or with family because there is something for people of all ages. There are lavish resorts, restaurants, shopping areas, and spas all designed to make your trip worthwhile and hassle-free.
Furthermore, the landscape around Celerina/Schlarigna is pleasant to look at and the outdoors are serene. These landscapes coupled with some world-class accommodation facilities and options are what make this small village a very nice place to stay, especially for tourists.
Therefore, whether you are planning a family trip, a solo vacation, a friends’ reunion or just in some need for wanderlust, you should definitely give this village a try. You won’t be disappointed.
- Best Places to Stay (Great Value): Hotelino Petit Chalet • Cresta Palace Hotel
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Alte Brauerei • All In One Hotel – Inn Lodge / Swiss Lodge
4. Silvaplana (nearby village)
If you are looking for a neighbourhood with the largest ski area, then look no further. Silvaplana is one of those areas that is blessed with about 322 days of sun annually. It hosts approximately 350km of pistes. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or expert in the sport, you will love it because it has a very friendly terrain. This is because the lift queues are very rare in these parts.
Furthermore, if you love you some snowboarding activities, Silvaplana will not disappoint. If you are either an intermediate or advanced boarder, you will love the unlimited choices in terms of surfing. Additionally, cross-country trails are running up to 150km for some fun. You will not get bored. If you visit around March, you join approximately 12,000 other cross-country lovers for some thrilling fun.
When it comes to accommodation, there are significantly cheaper apartments and chalets compared to those in St. Moritz. However, you will find out that they don’t compromise on the quality of services offered. Any amenities you might need are nearby, just walking distances.
If you are looking for a unique vacation experience, the traditional villages of Silvaplana will suit your travel needs on a budget. It also has easy access to the country’s largest ski area, offering you incredible value alternatives to the luxurious options of St. Moritz.
- Best Places to Stay (Great Value): Conrad’s Mountain Lodge • Hotel Bellavista
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Aparthotel Chesa Bellaval • Arsa Lodge Silvaplana
5. Samedan (nearby village)
This small village is located in the Swiss Alps. If you are a lover of local colour, you should head over to Samedan. You would be glad to know that this destination has its own ice-skating rink. In addition to that, it also has a ski school where you can get a few beginner’s lessons if you are not familiar with skiing.
You can visit the tourist offices located at Samedan where you will get the maps that will help you find your way around the locality. You can use the maps to locate the trails for your walks or hill climbing. Alternatively, you can go for some golfing, fishing or playing tennis games.
During the winter, you can take a horse-drawn sleigh and enjoy a smooth ride all the way to Saint Moritz. It will take you less than an hour to get there. You can still use other alternative forms of transport that you can use to get there or any other destination.
Some of the popular attractions of Samedan include the Schanfigg Museum, Swill National Park, Lake Como, Leaning Tower, Squirrel Trail, Corviglia and Upper Engadine among many others. There are different lodges and many other accommodation options in the neighbourhood that you can book for your brief or extended stay here.
- Best Place to Stay with View: Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Donatz • Palazzo Mysanus Samedan
6. Pontresina (nearby village)
This is a very authentic village just in the surrounding that houses magnificent buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. If you are a nature lover, there are lots of attractions around Pontresina that will interest you. You can visit the pine forests or the cross-country skiing tracks.
Pontresina is has a very intricate blend of not being overwhelming but at the same time, it is stylish and cheerful. Many of the accommodation options and hotels here are nothing short of fantastic. You can also jump on a cable car, enjoy horse-drawn rides or visit the nearby local shops to feed your wanderlust.
One of the most interesting things you can enjoy while staying at Pontresina is enjoying a ride in the Glacier Express. Your stay at this small village won’t be complete until you’ve had a ride on this scenic train. This is a signature train in Switzerland and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the flat plains through your journey.
On the other hand, you can choose to head to Val Bregaglia or Soglio for some fun and thrilling lakeside activities. Apart from the lakeside activities in these areas, you can also rent a bike and head out for a ride on the flat trails or ride through the larch forests.
You don’t have to worry about the accommodation options in this neighbourhood are plentiful. Most of them are decorated with sgraffitos. These materials give these hotels and lodges a unique feel and appearance. Some of the best places to stay in the area are located in Pontresina.
- Best Places to Stay (Luxury): Grand Hotel Kronenhof • Hotel Walther Pontresina
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Müller – mountain lodge • Hotel Allegra
Best Places to Stay in St Moritz
Best Luxury Hotel in St Moritz: Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
This hotel boasts as one of the best places you to stay while visiting Switzerland. You can easily recognise by the landmark tower that is green in colour. The architectural design is breathtaking, taking you back to the 19th century. It also sits on 6-acre land just beside Lake St. Moritz.
You can have incredible views from the hotel. It houses 8 restaurants giving you plenty of dining options. The services you will receive here don’t fall short of luxury. One of the best things about his hotel is the King’s Social House, which is its smartest nightspot.
Best Mid Range Hotel in St Moritz: Crystal Hotel superior
This midrange hotel gives you access to incredible views of the whole town, with some of the best services. It is known for serving amazing Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. You can enjoy these dishes while washing everything down with some fine wines or cocktails. The interior is furnished with Swiss stone pine wood, giving it a modern look.
You can access different amenities right from its location. This is where you go if you are looking for some relaxed elegance in the heart of the town. It has a very enticing backdrop, which is the mountain.
Best Cheap Hostel in St Moritz: Petit Steffani Hostel
This hostel hosts 3bars, 3 restaurants, spa, and nightlife area, all designed to make your stay more relaxing and fun. The housed restaurants serve some amazing Italian and Swiss cuisine. Since it is a family-run hostel, you are assured of receiving friendly services.
It is located just in the surrounding of the closest ski lift. The rooms are offered at discounted rates. If you are looking for a perfect apres-ski location, this is it.
Where to Stay in St Moritz for Skiing?
St Moritz Skiing
St Moritz is small town located in the south eastern part of Switzerland. It’s renown for its domination on skiing world wide. The city centre is divided by two communities which are Dorf and Bad. But currently, due to the growth of hotels and also apartments the communities have intermingled and stay together.
The two opposite borders are approximately 3km apart. If you’re looking for places to stay while skiing in St Moritz Switzerland, it’s best to consider the proximity of the hotel to the ski areas before making reservations.
The ski areas include:
Corviglia
• Corviglia is the main skiing area as it’s the biggest and closest one. Its accessible by cable car from Bad and funicular from Dorf. Its also reachable by a modern gondola which provides connection from Celerina. This area is usually swamped as it’s the easiest link from the main accommodation centres.
Staying in the city centre close to a ski lift is perfect for apres-ski and restaurants and Corviglia ski area.
Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in St Moritz
Corvatch
• Corvatsch is where you’ll find the most perfect snow. This is because it’s quite cold as well as north facing. The most enjoyable pistes in the area are located in this place. It’s accessible from Sils Maria, Silvaplana and Surlej. The fan part is you can even ski back to St.Moritz Bad provided you can navigate through the harsh icy conditions at the bottom.
The ski resort Corvatch is located to the south of St. Moritz.
Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Surlej
Diavolezza and Lagalb
• Diavolezza and Lagalb is located close to the Italian border, this area is made up of two mountains on both sides of the Bernina valley. It’s reachable by bus as well as train.
The ski resort Diavolezza and Lagalb is located 17km from St. Moritz.
Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Berninahäuser or Pontresina
Zuoz
• Zuoz is a small village found at the distant end of the Engadin. Unlike its neighbours it’s rather simple and calm. Most local families reside here as well as free riders when the best hotels are congested.
The ski resort Zuoz – Pizzet/Albanas is located 15km from St. Moritz.
Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Zuoz
Having known this places and how to reach them, the next thing to consider is your type of accommodation. If you want to escape the ruckus of urban areas, St.Moritz Bad is calm and peaceful with hotels which are not so flashy. St.Moritz Dorf which is located at the shore of the lake houses majority of the four star and five star hotels. The top most hotel in the Moritz is the five star Suvretta House. This resort has almost everything privatized from their own skating rink to even a ski school. It’s located on a limb which is neither in Dorf nor Bad.
Having known this places and how to reach them, the next thing to consider is your type of accommodation. If you want to escape the ruckus of urban areas, St.Moritz Bad is calm and peaceful with hotels which are not so flashy.
St.Moritz Dorf which is located at the shore of the lake houses majority of the four star and five star hotels. The top most hotel in the Moritz is the five star Suvretta House. This resort has almost everything privatized from their own skating rink to even a ski school. It’s located on a limb which is neither in Dorf nor Bad.
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