Badrutt's Palace Hotel
St. Moritz, Switzerland

Think of winter getaways for the rich and famous and one place always comes to mind: St. Moritz, Switzerland. This town (so perfect it almost doesn't seem real) is one of the preferred destinations for those seeking the best Europe has to offer. And within that town, one hotel is consistently noted for its outstanding service and luxurious surroundings: Badrutt's Palace Hotel.

We had the opportunity to make a September visit to Badrutt's, a time when the hotel is wrapping up summer season and about to take a break before its busy winter season. Rates are lower and days are beautiful.

Arriving late in the evening after a full day of travel, the front desk staff made our first look at the Palace truly royal. After a speedy check-in, our desk clerk personally escorted us upstairs to our room where we were pleasantly surprised to see our bags arriving simultaneously.

Guest Quarters: Our expansive room was clearly designed for a well-groom clientele: two large closets, each with drawers, were ready to receive the largest travel wardrobe. The bed -- two twins pushed together -- was a fluffy nest of down duvets. The marble bath also matched the luxurious feel of the rest of the room but, at the balcony, décor fell short. Two basic chairs overlooked a rooftop area, although the view was saved by a spectacular alpine backdrop that couldn't be beat.

Service and Amenities: The hotel excelled at service. Attending a conference at a nearby hotel, we needed to ship home materials and stopped to ask the concierge's advice about nearby postal facilities. In a style reserved for the finest of the world's concierges, he quickly said he would package and ship the materials, saving us precious time at the post office. The next day at checkout, the concierge drove us to the train station, personally putting our bags on the train. If only travel could always be so easy.

Our Experience: Attending the Society of American Travel Writers conference for most of our stay, we didn't have time to take advantage of the Palace's large indoor pool or spa. The top of the line service and palatial setting within walking distance of the city center, funiculars up the mountain, and high-end shopping made us feel like a prince and princess for a few short days.

The Last Word: We'd love to experience this hotel again; it truly is a pampering experience. We'd definitely recommend it to honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic getaway in a luxurious mountain setting.

For More Information:

Badrutt's Palace Hotel
Via Serlas 27, CH-7500 St Moritz, Switzerland
E-Mail: reservations@badruttspalace.com
www.badruttspalace.com