Vitula

The hotel felt unbelievably unwelcoming. We arrived with no clear reception, just a dusty old table and no instructions. For what we paid, I expected the place to be clean. There were no directions or rules anywhere, and the man working there seemed to expect us to know how everything worked because, as he put it, that's how things are done in Switzerland. I assumed he hadn't been properly taught Swiss standards. I got to the restaurant close to 9 with a pulled knee ligament and asked if the kitchen was still open or if there were any snacks. He only stared at us, as though we'd done something terrible. Later, the sauna was still hot and unlocked, with no schedule or instructions posted, so we went in without turning it on. The same man rushed in yelling at us instead of explaining anything. I felt he was being racist when he told me, “in Switzerland we do things this and that way.” The bedsheets looked like they were from the 1970s, the pillows from China, there were spiders everywhere, the hallway smelled bad, and it took ages for the water to get warm. I could have let those things go if anyone had been friendly. Being yelled at to “Get out” like some unhinged animal made that impossible.

After long days hiking, we really enjoyed the hotel's restaurant, and the rooms were clean and comfortable. Ask for one with a Matterhorn view. Breakfast was delicious too, with host Lea making nearly everything herself, from the bread to the jams and honey. Hotel Jungfrau in Fiescheralp made a wonderful base for hikes in the area. We also went on a two-day guided trip on the Aletsch glacier, staying one night at the Konkordiahütte, with her husband Marcel, an official mountain guide. Thanks, Lea and Marcel, for unforgettable days in Fiescheralp!

The hotel is good, right beside the chair lifts, and the view over the Alps is stunning. For food, this is the best restaurant around Fiesch and Fiescheralp, in my opinion. The salads, pizza, soups (try the weissweinsuppe), mains like the Rumpsteak and gnocchi with local blue cheese, and even the chocolate cake are all great.

I'm honestly surprised it's only rated 4.3. This was the best meal I've had since moving to Switzerland, and the steak is in my top three ever. Even the wine and dessert were delicious. The rooms have a great view too. I'm impressed.