Hotel Soldanella

The Soldanella was built in 1902 and has been run by two families over the last century and a bit. Today the second generation of the Degiacomi family are in charge. The hotel has very strong links with the Cresta Run and the St Moritz Tobogganing Club (SMTC) so is hotel where the British feel very much at home. There is a warm welcome from Urs and his team and the general atmosphere is very much one of bonhommie.

The Zoo Bar on the ground floor is very much the hub of the hotel. This characterful, wood panelled bar and sitting area has wonderful views across the lake, its walls covered with old photos of the Cresta and the celebrities that have made it famous over the last century. The day's 'riding' of the Cresta Run is featured on the TV screen early each evening and viewing is accompanied with much 'oooos and ahhhs', beers and laughter. It's all rather public school in nature but all is fantastically well meaning.

The dining room downstairs is surprisingly grand, and the food also surprisingly good. As a three star this hotel punches above its weight.

There is no shuttle bus service to and from the main lifts so there is a bit of walking involved. However, this is largely on the flat so is not too arduous.