Davos Luxury: Unforgettable Hotel Ochsen Stay (Mountain Hotels)
Davos Luxury: Ochsen Stay - More Than Just Mountains and Money (A Review That Actually Means Something)
Okay, folks, buckle in. This isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is honest – warts and all – about the Ochsen in Davos. I've just clawed my way out of a long weekend there, and my brain is still processing the sheer altitude of the experience. And trust me, it was a lot.
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- Keywords: Davos Luxury Hotel, Ochsen Davos, Mountain Hotel Switzerland, Accessible Hotel Davos, Spa Davos, Wellness Hotel Switzerland, Ski Davos, Luxury Ski Hotel, Family-friendly Davos, Restaurant Davos, Best Hotel Davos, Swiss Alps Hotels, Ochsen Review, Davos Review [Added more and tweaked existing ones]
- Meta Description: Unforgettable stay at the Ochsen in Davos! Review of accessibility, dining, spa, and everything in between. Honest impressions, quirky observations, and the lowdown on this iconic Swiss mountain hotel. Is it worth the price tag? Read on!
First Impressions: Altitude Sickness…and Affluence?
The Ochsen. Let's be honest, the name alone screams old-money Swiss charm. And from the moment I stepped inside, it lived up to the billing. Think polished wood, roaring fires (yes, real ones!), and the quiet, almost suffocating elegance that suggests you're one wrong move away from a stern talking-to. The air felt thinner, not just from the altitude but from the sheer… sophistication.
Accessibility: The Real Test
Now, I’m normally a shambling mess, not exactly needing accessibility features, but I always appreciate a hotel that thinks about it. [Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Facilities for disabled guests]. The Ochsen gets points for effort. Getting around the public areas seemed pretty straightforward - elevators were readily available, and the pathways were wide. I didn't spot any obvious glaring errors like ridiculously steep ramps. Although, and this is a tiny gripe, the hallways were a little dark, making it hard to read signs, kind of, especially at night.
The Rooms: Cosy Caves of Comfort
My room? Glorious. [Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens]. Seriously, I sunk into that bed like it was a cloud. The blackout curtains were essential after a day of skiing (and post-skiing Glühwein, let's not lie). The robes were fluffy, the slippers… divine. And the complimentary tea? Never underestimate the power of free tea after braving a Swiss winter. The only thing missing was a butler to pour it. Oh, wait…
Internet: Finally, Free Wi-Fi That Actually Works! [Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas]
Okay, I'm a digital nomad by trade – I need Wi-Fi like I need oxygen. And the Ochsen, thank the Alps, delivered. Free Wi-Fi in the room, strong signal, no annoying passwords you have to type in every five minutes. Bliss. And the LAN connection was quick too.
Dining: A Culinary Avalanche… In a Good Way [Dining, drinking, and snacking]
This is where the Ochsen truly shines. The restaurants! My stomach is still rumbling. [A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant]
- Breakfast (Buffet…and Beyond): The buffet was, quite frankly, epic. It's like they raided every bakery, butcher, and cheese shop in Switzerland and dumped it all in one room. The pastries were criminal. The cheese board, a work of art. The sheer abundance nearly paralyzed me with indecision. And the option to order in-room breakfast? Absolute decadence.
- Dinner Dilemmas: With so many restaurant options, my family and I were utterly torn. You could go international, tucking into Asian delicacies or a hefty steak. One night, we decided to sample an Asian restaurant, it was amazing. My wife ordered the soup every time, and it made her happy, but I really wanted to go for something light, and they weren't very good at alternatives, I remember the waitress getting somewhat annoyed when I asked for a basic salad, with olive oil.
- The Bar(s): Let's be honest, the bar is my second home during a ski trip, with this one, I didn't disappoint, they have all the classic with a small pool bar, a perfect way to end the evening after a long day on the slopes. [Poolside bar].
Relaxation Station: Spa-rific & More! [Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]]
Okay, the spa. This is where the Ochsen really earns its luxury stripes. Imagine this: After a day of carving down the mountain, you stumble into the spa, tired, achy, and generally… in need of some serious TLC. [Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Fitness center, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath]
I opted for a massage (because, duh). The masseuse was a magician, kneading away all the knots and tension like they were mere annoyances. The sauna? Steamy perfection. The pool? Overlooking the mountains, a proper panoramic view. One afternoon, I spend at the pool. The view was spectacular, and I was at ease. It was quite the experience.
Cleanliness and Safety: No Germs Allowed! [Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment]
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was kinda important. The Ochsen was immaculate. Everywhere. Hand sanitizer dispensers at every turn. Staff diligently wiping down surfaces. They've clearly put in the work.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference [Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center]
The concierge was incredibly helpful, sorting out ski rentals and suggesting restaurants (though be warned, they’re used to dealing with high-rollers, so don’t be surprised if they throw a name like "Gstaad" around casually). The daily housekeeping was discreet and efficient. The elevator—a lifesaver after a day of hiking.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, But… [For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal]
While it's definitely family-friendly, the Ochsen felt more geared towards sophisticated families. The kids facilities I saw were nice, but if you’re looking for a place exclusively focused on keeping the little ones entertained, this might not be it. Still, they have options and the kids meals were a hit.
The Quirks (And My Emotional Verdict):
Okay, the bad: The price tag. Oof.
Santa Rosa Getaway: Unbeatable Hampton Inn Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't a brochure, it's a diary entry waiting to happen. My trip to Hotel Ochsen in Davos, Switzerland, is about to unfold, and trust me, it's probably going to be as chaotic and beautiful as a cowbell concert in a blizzard.
Day 1: Arrival and Alpine Amnesia (Davos, Swiss Bliss or Tourist Trap?)
- Morning (7:00 AM, Flight from… Somewhere. I’ve lost track of airports): Dear Diary, I’m pretty sure I saw a squirrel in the airport security line. Or maybe I'm just hallucinating from pre-flight coffee overload. The flight was a blur of screaming babies, dry airplane air, and me Googling "Alpine cheese fondue near me?" I. Am. Hungry.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM, Davos Arrival, Taxi Trauma): Landed in Zurich. The train to Davos was picturesque, I'll give it that. Rolling hills, cows with comically large bells… it's all very "Heidi." Until I tried to hail a taxi from the station. Apparently, speaking in broken German and waving my arms like a deranged swan isn’t a universal language. Eventually, a VERY grumpy driver with a tiny, hyperactive dog grudgingly agreed to take me. The dog, by the way, seemed to be judging my luggage choices.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM, Ochsen Check-In, Room Revelation): Hotel Ochsen! It's… charming. In a "grandma's attic meets ski lodge" kind of way. The room is SMALL. Like, I’m pretty sure I could touch all four walls simultaneously while sneezing. But the view from the balcony? HOLY SWISS CHOCOLATE! Mountains everywhere. Makes even the tiny-room woes fade. I'm already picturing myself, snuggled in a fleece blanket, hot cocoa in hand, gazing at the stars (if the weather decides to cooperate… which I suspect is a big "if" in the Alps).
- Early Evening (5:00 PM, First Impressions and the Peril of the Pretzels): wandered around the hotel a bit, the architecture and surroundings are beautiful, and there's some incredible mountain views through the windows. Also, I came across the snack bar. God help my waistline. They have these gigantic pretzels. I’m pretty sure I could use one as a flotation device. I had to try one. Now I'm full from it. It's a real commitment, this pretzel thing.
- Evening (7:00 PM, Alpine Ambitions vs. Existential Angst, Dinner): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The choices were overwhelming! I'm having to make some serious decisions, and I hate making decisions when I'm hungry. I wanted to try everything. And I got a salad, with far too much dressing, and some rather tough meat. But, even the slightly-overcooked meal was fine, because the atmosphere was amazing, I just didn't want to be too long here. After that, I went back to the room to rest. Now, I am ready for a fun day ahead!
Day 2: Skiing Shenanigans and Fondue Failures (Or, How I Became a Human Snowplow)
- Morning (8:00 AM, Alarm Clock of Doom, then a scramble for breakfast): The alarm went off, which means I went out of my coma. The breakfast buffet at Ochsen is seriously dangerous. There's so much temptation… croissants, fruit, cheese, meats… I started strong. I almost made it to the egg station, but then I saw the pastries, and all good intentions went the way of a melted snowman. The buffet was actually very crowded, I had to sit where I could.
- Morning (10:00 AM, Snowsports… Attempt): The main event! Skiing! I've skied before, but "skiing" is a generous term; "occasionally sliding downhill while mostly horizontal" is perhaps more accurate. I rented gear, which was also difficult (I'm tall, apparently, and finding boots that fit is a quest akin to finding the Holy Grail). The slopes are unbelievably stunning though, this is such an amazing experience.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM, Lunchbreak and a brief moment of triumph): The lift ride was terrifying at first. The view, though, was spectacular. I finally made it to the top of a relatively gentle slope, took a deep breath, and actually managed a few decent turns! Victory! Then I hit a patch of ice and almost kissed the snow. Note to self: speed control is key. Lunch was at a mountainside restaurant. The food was, unsurprisingly, expensive, but the view was worth it.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM, Fondue Fiasco): The hotel has a fondue night on Tuesdays. I got all prepared as I like cheese. My expectations were high. Then, the cheese arrived. First of all, the waiter put my bread in my cheese, instead of the correct way to serve this meal. It all went downhill from there, literally. I can’t believe I wasted a perfectly good evening on this. I'm not a fondue person, and would skip the fondue experience if I could.
- Evening (7:00 PM, Soaking Sorrows and a Plan for Redemption): After that fondue disaster, I went back to my room. A long hot bath will solve all my problems, right?
Day 3: Hiking Highs and Chocolate (Maybe?)
- Morning (9:00 AM, A Breath of Fresh Air… Literally): Today, a hike! Maybe I'll actually do well on this. I'm taking some water and snacks, prepared for the best!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM, Chocolate, Cheese, and… Regret?): Well, I went walking, and it was a good day. Even if I was slightly lost on the way back to the hotel, but overall I'm really glad I went. I bought a small Swiss chocolate for my trip back, and for my family.
Day 4: Departure and Daydreaming ( Until Next Time, Switzerland!)
- Morning (9:00 AM, Final Breakfast, farewell to the pretzels): One last breakfast at Ochsen. I bravely avoided the temptation of the pretzel this time. Packing my bags, feeling surprisingly melancholy. Davos has grown on me.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM, Journey Home, Already Planning a Comeback): Goodbye, Davos! Until we meet again, and I promise to master the fondue (or at least learn to tolerate it).
- Evening (En route, the Aftermath): I am looking forward to my trip back home. I am glad that the weather was clear for me to explore this amazing place. And I am grateful for the new experiences!
Okay, so, this "Hotel Ochsen" – is it *really* worth the hype? (Because, Swiss prices, am I right?)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. Worth the hype? Look, anything in Davos is gonna sting your wallet. Seriously. I once bought a single, *mediocre* croissant there for the price of a small car payment. So, yes, Hotel Ochsen? It's expensive. But…it's a *different* expensive. It's not just ripping you off expensive. It's like, "Wow, they actually put thought and love into this expensive." Think of it less as "rip-off" and more as "investment in pure, unadulterated mountain bliss."
I went last winter and, honestly, the first *five* minutes was me internally screaming. "This carpet! This view! This... heated towel rack?!" – I nearly hyperventilated. But after a while, you chill out. You *have* to. They have that effect on you.
The rooms… what’s the *vibe*? Is it all stark minimalist coldness or cozy chalet charm?
Cozy chalet charm with a side of "whoa, this is fancier than my dream house." (And my dream house is a castle, FYI). Think roaring fireplaces, but with really, *really* good wood, and maybe a strategically placed sheepskin rug. I wasn't expecting the sheepskin, but I'm not complaining.
It's not overly fussy, thankfully. No doilies. No fussy floral arrangements. Just... comfort. Like, the kind of comfort that makes you want to curl up with a book (they have a GREAT library, by the way, and it's stocked with stuff you actually *want* to read, not just dusty old tomes). Oh! And the bathrooms. The bathrooms are pure magic. So spacious, so spotless... I may have spent an extended amount of time in the tub contemplating the meaning of life with a glass of champagne. Don't judge.
Let's talk food. Is it, you know, *good* food? Or just expensive food?
Oh, the food. The food is… well, it's the kind of food that makes you question your life choices up until that point. Like, "Have I *ever* truly tasted food before?" (Dramatic, I know, but the truffle pasta... I still dream about it).
It's not just expensive; it's *an experience.* The breakfast buffet alone could keep me happy for a week. The croissants, the fresh fruit, the mountain honey… seriously, the honey could've been a religion.
I'm a bit of a picky eater, I'll admit. But EVERY SINGLE meal, I just moaned with pleasure. The presentation, the service… the sommelier actually *listened* to me, instead of just trying to upsell me on the most expensive wine. This is VERY important.
Side note: I once saw a guy trying to sneakily take a second plate of the cheese. He got caught by a waiter who just smiled and brought him *three* more plates. Perfection.
Activities! Besides eating, what's there *to do*? Is it all just skiing?
Okay, so, yeah… Davos is *famous* for skiing. And the Ochsen is perfectly positioned for that. Literally, you can practically ski from the front door. Kinda. Okay, you have to walk a *teeny* bit. But close enough! But wait! There's more!
If skiing is your jam, go for it. If you’re like me, a bit of a wobbly novice on skis (I once face-planted directly into a snowdrift. Glamorous, I know), don't panic. They have other stuff.
They have a spa. A glorious, glorious spa. I spent a solid afternoon there melting into a massage table. They do offer a lot of different treatments, like, full body mud wraps (yes, seriously) or hot stone massages, but the best thing I did was to float in the huge, indoor pool, and stare up at the sky.
They organize excursions too if you get tired of your room! I went dog sledding. Pure, unadulterated joy. Although, I'm telling you, holding on is harder than it looks.
Okay, sound good. But… any downsides? Anything I *shouldn’t* expect?
Alright, let's get real. No place is perfect. Not even the Ochsen (though it comes *damn* close).
1. **The Price:** Yeah, I mentioned it. It’s high. Like, really high. Factor in flights, travel… it’s a commitment to your bank account. But I honestly think the experience justifies it
2. **Getting There:** Davos is up in the mountains. You’ll likely fly to Zurich and then… get ready for a train journey/private car ride. Which isn’t awful, but it takes a bit of time. It’s worth it, in my opinion. But be prepared.
3. **Potential for Snobbery:** Let’s be honest, Davos attracts a certain… clientele. You *might* encounter some pretense. But the Ochsen itself is pretty chill. The staff are helpful, really kind, and down-to-earth, which immediately relaxed me and made me realize this wasn't just a bunch of people trying to out-fancy each other. The actual guests were *generally* nice people. Except for one guy who kept hogging the best spot in the jacuzzi. But you get that everywhere, right?
So, overall… would you go back? Seriously, what's the verdict?
Absolutely. No hesitation. Yes. A thousand times yes. I would sell a kidney (metaphorically! I'm not *that* desperate... yet) to go back.
Look, it's an investment. It's not just a hotel stay; it's an *experience*. It's a chance to unplug, to breathe fresh mountain air, to eat food that makes your taste buds sing, and to feel utterly pampered. Is it perfect? Nope. Is it worth it? In my (very slightly biased, champagne-loving) opinion… absolutely.
Just… start saving now. And maybe practice your "oohing" and "aahing" for the truffle pasta. Seriously. You'll need it.
