HUUS Gstaad

About

In the world of Gstaad there are hotels where fur coats appear before breakfast and hotels where the mountains still seem to matter. HUUS belongs to the second category. Tucked slightly above the social theatre of Gstaad, in nearby Saanen, it takes a different route from the polished alpine palaces that made the region famous. The building follows the language of the traditional Swiss chalet, though translated into something lighter and more contemporary. Inside, old wood, stone, oversized fireplaces and soft textiles create warmth without becoming a caricature of alpine life. There are binoculars waiting in rooms, generous windows opening towards the Bernese Alps and spaces designed for people who might actually return from a hike with muddy boots. Skiing is part of the story here, although the hotel seems equally interested in mountain biking, snowshoeing or simply convincing guests that an afternoon around a fire counts as an activity. Saanen itself deserves attention. It predates glamorous Gstaad by centuries and still carries traces of a more agricultural past, with broad valley landscapes and old farmhouses scattered across the region. The village church dates back to the fifteenth century and the atmosphere remains considerably calmer than the polished storefronts of central Gstaad. Food at HUUS follows the same philosophy. Expect hearty alpine dishes and modern interpretations rather than culinary fireworks. If you arrive dreaming of tuxedoed dining rooms and theatrical luxury, there are addresses nearby that play that role better. HUUS succeeds because it feels relaxed and unpretentious, a word rarely associated with Gstaad and perhaps exactly why it stands out.