After three years of construction, The Mansard boutique hotel opened its doors to the public last Friday. According to co-owner Michel Wichman, interest was pleasingly high, which is exactly how it should always be.

Standing in the stairwell of The Mansard boutique hotel, you might think you were in an old Wilhelminian-era building. The wooden steps wind their way up the wall, and the earth-toned staircase exudes a tranquil atmosphere. This serene centrepiece marks the heart of the boutique hotel in the middle of Gstaad, which officially opened last Friday.

The Bear Remains

Former hosts Isabelle and Nagy Geadah, who managed the Hotel Christiania at this location until 2020, attended the open day. They and many other visitors enjoyed the blend of tradition, understated modernity, and warmth. Abundant wood and subdued lighting create a cosy atmosphere without feeling dark or dusty. With its brown awnings, the new building looks like it has stood for a century from the outside. The bronze bear, a fixture from the former Hotel Christiania, still greets visitors at the entrance. A team of 26 employees from diverse backgrounds ensures the hotel operates smoothly year-round.

Bringing It to Life

Guests have been able to book the 29 rooms since Saturday. The hotel offers everything needed without excessive luxury, which could have certainly driven up revenues given the location. However, this level of extravagance was unnecessary for co-owner and hotelier Michel Wichman. He and his partners quickly agreed that Gstaad did not need another five-star hotel. "Stars are one of many quality labels, but they say nothing about the soul of a hotel," Wichman believes. Their goal is to be a year-round establishment that attracts tourists and welcomes locals to the restaurant and roof terrace. "For us, everyone is equally important and welcome. This allows us to fill the building with life, which is very important in this location." The restaurant's name, MIRADI, cleverly incorporates the initials of the three owners. Michelin-starred chef Martin Bieri manages the business, while Michel Wichman offers guidance in the background.

The Roof Terrace

The roof terrace was a highlight on the opening day. "Can we go up on the roof for a moment?" was a frequent question from the visitors. Employees guided them to the top, where they were greeted with a drink, a small treat, and an unparalleled view. The outside corridor wraps around the building, leading past the large windows of the restaurant, VANE, which means weathervane.

Living in the Tower

Visitors could also tour the rooms on Friday. The accommodations feature functional and tasteful furnishings, ample natural light in the bathrooms, and fine views from skylights on the third floor and balconies on other floors. A small wellness area is located in the basement. The tower suite, named "One and Only," offers a unique hotel experience. With a bed under the tower roof, a free-standing bathtub, and a spacious bathroom with a steam bath, this suite adds a touch of luxury to the hotel.

Slight Delay

Construction planning and realisation occurred during the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which drove up construction costs and caused delivery issues. "We had actually expected to open earlier," Wichman admitted. But the final result was worth the wait, making the delay acceptable.

Based on AvS |  JENNY STERCHI (fotos)