Usually when you’re off on holiday, you want to get there as soon as possible, yet part of me did not want the journey to Boutique Hotel Panorama to end. As railway journeys go, the Geneva to Sierre (the hotel’s nearest station) route has to be one of the most scenic in Europe, made even more magical by the snowfall that began just as I took my seat in a near empty carriage. It could not have been a more blissful start to a trip, and one that perfectly set the scene for the coming days.
After just over two hours on the train, taking in the most majestic views of Lake Geneva before meandering through the Alps, I arrived in Sierre where I was met by Carla, the hotel’s lovely spa manager who drove me the short drive to up to the hotel.
Located in the hills surrounding Crans Montana, with its peak towering at 3000m, and overlooking the spectacular Rhone valley, lies the intimate, alpine, Boutique Hotel Panorama.
First opened in 1965, the hotel began its refurb in 2019 and was complete by 2021. The result is a small, serene, spa property that allows the spectacular Alps, via its wall-to-wall glass window, to be the star of show. This standout feature provides an unparalleled, panoramic view of the mountains and is nothing short of breathtaking. Located in the hotel’s restaurant and lobby area, guests can take in this spectacular and everchanging view from dusk till dawn.
This incredible vista surrounds the property and follows you up to the lodge style rooms above (17 in total) including family rooms complete with bunk beds and two suites which come with their own private balcony, perfect for basking in the mid-morning sunshine. I was in their Junior Suite where the décor had the same calming and minimalist design as the rest of the hotel, using neutral colours and warming woods with soft furnishings, like the gorgeous shaggy rug in my room, to create a truly luxurious feel to the space. Every last detail has been carefully thought about, even down to the hotel’s intelligently designed wheelie luggage-friendly carpark to bedroom level flooring. Dyson hair dryers in the bathrooms, large showers and other modern fixtures and fittings bring this older cosy cabin style hotel completely up to date.
Away from the crowds who gather in the centre of Crans Montana, the hotel is a haven of stillness and silence, something I’m often deprived of in London. It’s a peaceful retreat you can return to throughout the year, with a whole host of seasonal activities on offer, from gyms and fitness classes, outdoor yoga and summer hiking to winter racquet walking trails and excursions, and of course skiing. If you did want to venture further afield, the bus stop just outside the hotel will take you to the nearby villages within a few minutes, including the nearby picturesque village of Lens, with its own world-class exhibition gallery, Fondation Opale. After a day of exploring the mountains, the hotel’s spa is the perfect spot to unwind. Home to a Hamman treatment and massage rooms, a steam, sauna and two Jacuzzis to help ease those tired legs.
The restaurant steers clear of anything stereotypical which you tend to find in the popular tourist spots and instead offers a small, well curated menu of fine cuisine with local touches, such as saffron risotto with Swiss cheese and truffle tagliatelle with local mushrooms. For breakfast, it’s’ their delicious fresh bread, pastries with homemade jam and any eggs to order.
Once you’ve arrived at Boutique Hotel Panorama you won’t want to leave. Happily spending a few blissful days holed up in the mountains, breathing in the freshest air, indulging in fine food and relaxing in the cosy yet ultra-modern wood cabin-style rooms. Soaking up the sunshine and the most remarkable views of the Alps will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. It’s a premium picture-perfect stay at an affordable price.
Prices start from £145.00 for a double room. To book, visit the website.