If you’ve been following our adventures over on Instagram or TikTok, you’ll know that we recently took our dog Moose out of the UK for the very first time! Switzerland has always been a destination high on our bucket list, and sharing the experience with Moose has been a dream come true. On this trip, we’ve focused on discovering some of the most dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, and experiences to bring you the ultimate guide. In this blog post, we’ll dive into our recent dog-friendly stay at Hotel Zermama in Zermatt. Whether you’re planning your next getaway or just daydreaming about the Swiss Alps, we hope our experiences inspire you to bring your furry friend along on your next adventure!
Getting to Zermatt by Car
Zermatt is a car-free mountain village located in the Swiss Alps, known for its skiing, climbing, and hiking opportunities, as well as for being the gateway to the iconic Matterhorn.
Due to the car-free policy, as you approach Zermatt, you’ll need to leave your car in the nearby village of Täsch, which is just 5 kilometres away. Täsch offers a range of secure parking facilities where you can leave your vehicle before continuing the journey. We parked at The Matterhorn Terminal, which has 2,100 covered parking spaces. You can book online, but we simply turned up and got a ticket on entry—there was ample parking available. From Täsch, a regular shuttle train operated by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn takes you directly into the heart of Zermatt in about 12 minutes and runs every 20 minutes. The train ride itself is a delightful prelude to your visit, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys through the large glass windows.
First Impressions of Hotel Zermama
Arriving at Hotel Zermama was like stepping into a cosy, welcoming oasis nestled in the heart of Zermatt, right at the foot of the Matterhorn. As instructed by the hotel in our booking confirmation, I gave them a ring to let them know when we were about 15 minutes away. This way, they could have a team member ready and waiting for our arrival at the shuttle terminal in Zermatt. And that’s exactly what happened. We were greeted by their adorable electric car shuttle – seriously, these things are like something out of a Disney Pixar movie. These adorable vehicles seem to be a staple for hotels in Zermatt, making guest pickups both charming and eco-friendly. Our driver, with the biggest smile, was incredibly welcoming and his day seemed made when he spotted Moose.
Bags in and all on board, we made the quick, less than two-minute trip around the corner to Hotel Zermama. Does anyone else get that giddy feeling when you’ve spent so much time looking at something in pictures, whether it’s a hotel, a destination, or an experience, and then you finally see it in person? That happens to me every time we travel, and arriving at Hotel Zermama was no exception.
Stepping into the main reception, we were greeted by Norberto, who made us feel right at home and excited for what Hotel Zermama had in store for us. Best of all, he introduced us to his dog, Ronnie, an honorary team member of Hotel Zermama. Ronnie wasted no time greeting Moose, with a play bow and a waggy tail. It was clear from the get-go that our stay at Hotel Zermama was going to be filled with delightful surprises and personal touches that make a place feel like home away from home. The first surprise, Norberto broke the news we’d been upgraded to one of their suites…
Our Suite at Hotel Zermama
Hotel Zermama boasts 29 rooms, each designed and furnished with love and care, catering to every type of traveler. There are cost single rooms for solo travellers, special “Sweets” for couples, and a variety of other room types for family and friends. True to Zermama’s ethos, they aim to make everyone feel good during their stay.
Still in shock from our unexpected upgrade, Norberto showed us to our suite, or should I say ‘Sweet Matterhorn’. This 45m² suite features a living room, two bathrooms, the cosiest bedroom, a balcony, and, the most incredible views of the Matterhorn that left us speechless. Not only could we sit on the balcony and admire the Matterhorn, but we could also see it right from the comfort of the living room, the bathtub, and my favorite spot, the bed. Hotel Zermama made it hard to leave when we could experience the best of Zermatt without stepping out of the comfort of our room.
The suite came with everything: a choice between a bathtub, a walk-in shower, or a rain shower, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, a smart TV, a coffee machine, yoga equipment, a fondue set (more on that later), faux fur coats and more. Regardless of which room or suite you stay in at Hotel Zermama, you won’t want to leave. They’ve thought of everything, and as they say on their website, “Darling, what more could you want?”
Food and Drink at the Zermama Bistro
Hotel Zermama is home to the Zermama Bistro, open daily from 7 am until midnight for guests and non-residents alike. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, or just need a coffee or snack to eat in or take away, Zermama Bistro has you covered. The bistro offers indoor seating by the fire in the bar or in the restaurant, as well as outdoor seating on their sun terrace. Dogs are welcome anywhere.
We had the delightful experience of enjoying both breakfast and dinner at Zermama Bistro. Breakfast at Hotel Zermama was a standout, with a choice of hot dishes, cold dishes, or a buffet-style spread with fresh, daily-prepared food, including homebaked pastries, and a variety of cheeses and meats. Given that Switzerland is known for being more expensive than most countries, particularly when it comes to food, we made sure to fill up on breakfast. This allowed us to skip lunch or have a light snack before indulging in a hearty dinner.
Dinner at Hotel Zermama was just as good, if not better than breakfast. The most challenging part was always deciding what to pick from the menu because everything looked delicious. From our table, we could see the chef in action, preparing each dish. The food was outstanding, and as someone with a sweet tooth, I couldn’t resist the desserts – they were simply divine. In fact, we dined at The Zermama Bistro twice just so I could indulge in all the desserts I had my eye on.
The hospitality from the team was exceptional, and it was a real pleasure to meet them and hear their stories about how they ended up working at Hotel Zermama. As well as the team, meeting and chatting with other guests was so special. We met people from all over the world, and our dog, Moose, often served as the perfect ice breaker. Many guests commented on how lovely it was to see Moose around the hotel and expressed how they wished they could have brought their own dogs on the trip.
I nearly forgot to mention the famous fondue experience at Hotel Zermama! Fondue is a quintessential Swiss tradition, and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to indulge in it on our balcony watching the sunset over the Matterhorn. The fondue set was already in our suite, and the wine and cheese were kept chilled in the minibar. All we had to do was call room service, and they promptly brought up a selection of fresh bread, vegetables, and fruits to complete the experience. We waited for the cheese to melt into a creamy blend with the white wine over the hot burner, then once ready, we dipped the warm bread and vegetables into the bubbling cheese, savouring its rich, gooey goodness. Thank you Hotel Zermama for giving us our first taste of this cherished Swiss tradition.
Things to do During your Stay at Hotel Zermama
Hotel Zermama boasts an incredible location at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, placing you right in the heart of Zermatt’s vibrant activities year-round. Whether you’re visiting in summer, spring, winter, or autumn, Hotel Zermama provides easy access to a plethora of activities right on its doorstep – enough to probably warrant its own dedicated blog post!
If you’re in Zermatt, I’d be surprised if you didn’t tell me a trip to the mountain wasn’t on your bucket list. The Sunnegga Railway is 2 minutes walk away from Hotel Zermama and during the warmer months, is a gateway to some of the most epic hiking experiences and eye level views of the Matterhorn. During one of our days in Zermatt, we embarked on a breathtaking hike from Sunnegga back down to Zermatt, a journey that took us about 2 hours. We couldn’t help but pause frequently to capture photos and marvel at the stunning scenery along the way.
Alternatively, you may want to conquer the summit of the Gornergrat, the station again is only a few minutes away. Or why not experience both? Both options promise spectacular views and, depending on the season, a variety of trails for skiers, hikers and mountain bikers. Be sure to check trail conditions, though; some routes we hoped to take were closed due to late snowfall during our visit. Surprisingly, we spotted skiers and snowboarders in action – in June! If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and thrive on adrenaline, Hotel Zermama partners with a company offering paragliding experiences around the Matterhorn – though not our cup of tea, we’re just throwing it out there.
If you’re seeking a breather from sporting pursuits, another favourite activity of mine was taking a leisurely stroll through Zermatt’s historic old town. Hinterdorfstrasse, once the village’s centre, is a short walk from Hotel Zermama and offers a glimpse into Zermatt’s storied past. In winter, it’s said that only the rooftops are visible. Or, there’s the Bahnhofstrasse, Zermatt’s iconic Main Street that beckons with its array of bars, restaurants, boutiques, and shops brimming with Swiss delights like cakes, chocolates, and souvenirs – I was in heaven.
Hotel Zermama’s and Her Dog-Friendliness
At Hotel Zermama, Moose had the time of his life. There’s dog friendly and there’s dog friendly! Even before our arrival, I knew we were in for something special when looking at their pet policy. Their response was delightful: “When we say pet, we mean dogs. If you happen to have other feathered or furry friends, Mama will do her best to accommodate them. Giraffes and elephants might be a challenge, but who knows… p.s. Turtles stay for free as they have no hair.” There is an additional charge of 25 CHF per day per dog, which is standard practice in hotels across Switzerland.
Throughout our visit, there were so many moments that made me smile. From Moose being greeted by a furry member of the team (Ronnie, my apologies for Moose stealing your treat), to receiving endless attention from the staff, who all knew him by name by the end of our stay, Moose, just like us, felt right at home. Our suite was thoughtfully equipped with doggy food and water bowls and a cosy blanket where he would curl up after a day exploring the mountains and snore contentedly. What impressed us most was how Moose was welcomed everywhere in the hotel. Already, Moose is barking about when we can make a return visit to Hotel Zermama.
In conclusion, our stay at Hotel Zermama exceeded all expectations, and sharing it with our dog Moose made it all the more special. Hotel Zermama served as the perfect dog-friendly getaway, offering warm hospitality, cosy amenities and luxurious accommodations for all travellers. From their culinary offerings to breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and an array of activities on their doorstep, every moment was truly unforgettable.
As Moose eagerly looks forward to our next visit to Hotel Zermama, we hope our experiences inspire you to consider bringing your dog along on your next adventure, knowing they’ll be as welcomed and pampered as Moose was at Hotel Zermama.
