The Place
Not really a castle, as the name implies, the Alex Schlosshotel is half old wooden chalet, half new stonework; inside, eclectic was the description of furnishings which, for example, combined Flemish-style paintings on yellow embossed wallpaper with Byzantine icons. The oldest part of the building, dating back 150 years, is now the barn-like restaurant. Except for the nude wooden figure suspended from the rafters, this looks like hundreds of other fondue and raclette places all over Valais. Here, however, such cheese dishes are not served, although meat fondues are.
All south-facing bedrooms have large balconies with views of the Matterhorn. Some are decorated in what the Pcrrens call rustic style, others feature vaulted ceilings with stained-glass skylights and while wicker furniture. There is a Jacuzzi in each of the commodious bathrooms, and the hotel boasts a first-rate health spa with sauna.
Being in the middle of Zermatt, the hotel cannot guarantee total silence. It is, however, right next to the Gornergrat train station, a boon for skiers who would otherwise have to take electric taxis to lift stations. Previously named Alex Schlosshotel Tenne.