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The Gstaad Palace is a hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland, established in December 1913.
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History
The hotel was established in December 1913. The hotel got traction from a recent railway connection to Gstaad, and was a convenient stay for parents visiting their children in nearby universities. It has been owned for 75 years by the Scherz family.
In 1975, the hotel served as the backdrop for the movie The Return of the Pink Panther.
In 1999, the high energy usage of the city's visitors during Christmas day blew up the town's power grid and led to a 4-day power shortage. The hotel adapted to the situation by creating a romantic, candle-lit atmosphere.
The spa was renovated in 2007/2008. The 6th floor was renovated in 2013-2014.
Description
The Gstaad Palace has 104 guest rooms, but more than 200 staff rooms, as the number of employees grows from 50 to 300 in December for the winter season. Reservations during high seasons are for a 10-day minimum stay, and are to be made at least two years ahead of time.
At night, the indoor swimming pool and the nightclub's dancefloor merge into one big pool party. The fancier restaurant of the hotel, Le Grill, has a strict dress code.
Famous guests
Guests have included Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, Prince Rainier, Grace Kelly, George Soros and Margaret Thatcher.
Michael Jackson once offered to buy the hotel, but his offer was turned down.