Scout loves
- The bold, unique, artsy design of this hotel, that makes it well and truly stand out.
- The spa is really a different experience to try, at least once.
- Backstage Hotel is also comfortable, with quite a few luxuries, especially in the larger Loft and Chalet.
Scout tips
- The hotel offers a shuttle pick up and drop off from the train station, with your luggage.
- If you’re not after something completely crazy, a more tame Deluxe double room with mountain views or the regular Double rooms would make more comfortable accommodations.
- Room temperatures can't be controlled from you room, but you can crack a window or door.
- The bathrooms have glass windows to the room.
- The lobby and lounge area isn't huge.
- The hotel has an active nightclub, if you want more quiet, get a room that's on a higher floor, away from the party-goers.
- Use of the spa requires reservations and is free for hotel guests. Massage treatments need advance booking.
SCOUT REVIEW
The Backstage Hotel Vernissage in Zermatt is an eccentric hotel designed by artist Heinz Julen, a member of the infamous Julen family in Zermatt. He built a cinema 20 years ago, and just five years ago added to it with the Backstage Hotel in his unique and eccentric style. If you stay here, you'll want to be comfortable with a bit of craziness… in fact, quite a lot of craziness. Before you even enter the hotel, you get the feeling something is a little topsy-turvy - from the outside, the hotel resembles the form of a twist on a mountain chalet as it is fashioned in glass and steel.
The rooms vary from a Standard Double room (though they’re hardly standard) through to the quite bizarre, Cube Loft rooms. These Cube Loft rooms have high ceilings, and in the middle of which is a glass cube, from there you can remotely control the functions of the room, just like a command center. On the top level of the cube is the bed, and underneath is the bathroom and wardrobe. The stairs are in the middle of the room, and there’s a small living area. Furnishings tone down or dial up the craziness – depending on your taste – with the use of glass and metal, contrasting velvet and faux furs. All of the rooms have their own balconies, some also have views of the Matterhorn – a definite plus.The bathrooms are open to the rooms, and while there's a screen for the actual toilet, you will want to feel very relaxed or close with your roommate. The hotel rooms are solely recommended for couples.
Being in the Backstage Hotel feels as if you are living in some surrealist art work, and that is very much what Heinz was seeking. A great example of this is the wellness spa, which is unlike any other spa we have ever seen, is Heinz’s interpretation of the Creation Story from the Old Testament of Genesis. There are seven rooms, and each has a different experience, whether they be light or steam. There is a hot tub style experience, a sauna, video installations and a meditation room. There's a salt water floating pool, or you can even try lying down on the field of infrared heated glass pearls. You'd want to spend a bit of time here, this is not your typical, sort of 15 minute experience. And just like Heniz’s goal to make a spa experience that is actually an art installation, you almost feel like you are part of the performance. If a regular old massage is your thing, fear not - there is also a beauty treatment room where you can get different massages. The spa experience is complimentary for hotel guests.
There are plenty of other great things about Backstage Hotel. There is a ski rental shop on-site. It has its own cinema, an art gallery, and a restaurant called After Seven for fine dining and a cafe that serves cakes and coffee in the afternoon.
Who should stay here
Zermatt’s Backstage Hotel Vernissage is for couples who love having a very unique experience. It is definitely for people who don't need tradition or normality to be comfortable, and will appreciate the hotel's eccentricity.
Location
Backstage Hotel is just off the main street of Zermatt, close to all the restaurants and bars, and a decent walk to any of the lifts. You can walk to the Gornergrat Bahn, it would be about a five minute walk. But for the other chairlifts, you'll want to catch a taxi to reach. The Sunnegga train, and ski bus are also within walking distance.
- <5 min walk to lifts
About Zermatt
Set against the iconic Matterhorn, Switzerland’s Zermatt is one of the best ski resorts in the world combined with a picture perfect, happening village. Zermatt is a favorite of Scout clients for so many reasons.
Read more about Zermatt and other hotels in the area.
Hotel Amenities
- bar/lounge
- coffee shop or café
- free wi-fi
- full-service spa
- library
- room service (limited hours)
- ski storage
Available: This selection is currently available for this price. Once you submit an inquiry our agents will confirm your booking via email and send you an invoice for a deposit. You will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking.
On Request: Our agents need to confirm availability of this room. Once you submit a request we will endeavour to get back to you by the next business day to confirm availability (some properties may take longer). If prices are listed they are the exact prices for your dates, room selection and room occupancy. Where prices are not listed we will confirm the price when we confirm availability. In either instance, you are not committed to your selection until after we confirm availability and price. Once you agree to that confirmation, you will be sent an invoice and will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking. If your requested room is not available, we will present alternative options.
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