By Charmaine Hibbert

As we walk the five minutes it takes from Andermatt station to the Radisson Blu hotel, my mind is still trying to process the fact I had four train changes from Zurich Airport to Andermatt and each train arrived on time – which also means I arrived here on time. Now try telling anyone from the UK they have to change trains four times and not one train will be late or cancelled and you will arrive exactly as scheduled and they will be calling men in white coats to come and pick you up!

Entering the hotel from the square where a stage is erected for weekend entertainment, there’s a welcoming glow from the circular fire and bar in the foyer and friendly staff who make checking in very swift. Coming out of the lift the lights come on as I make my way down the corridor to my room, but I am already impressed by the lighting and colour scheme designs and entering my room has me smiling, especially at the extra large black and white photo of a polar bear hanging above the bed.



The obligatory face dive onto the bed reveals a nice firm bed and crisp duvet cover and pillow cases, the simple modern design with a splash of orange is perfect. Heading into the bathroom, it’s a modern, elegant and clean design with walk-in glass shower and sumptuous towelling bathrobes.

Facilities

While I head to chill out in the steam room - they do have a Finnish sauna and sanarium as well – the 25m pool is always set at 29°C where you can take in the amazing mountain scenery as you work out. The wellness and treatments rooms are designed with Alpine-chic in mind and as well as a full menu of treatments there are also couples treatment rooms that have their own private sauna.

James has headed for the gym and informs me that they have everything he needs and apart from using the cross-trainer, bikes and treadmill, there was also various weight machines and a large area set aside for yoga, pilates, stretching and any mat work that people wanted to use for floor exercises.



Restaurant

While we didn’t have any main meals in the restaurant – you can have lunch and dinner inspired by chef Gerd Rentz whose style has Italian and French influences – we did go there for breakfast and my eyes pop as I see all the beautiful pastries on display as I walk in. I start with the fresh fruit and of course the egg station for omelette and crispy bacon but you can choose from all the usual, fried, poached eggs, bacon, sausages, beans.

For me, when you are away on business or pleasure breakfast isn’t complete without patisseries and coffee. It’s an indulgence... but then there is that 25m pool or gym I can go and look at!!

Radisson Blu Reussen
Bärengasse 1, 6490
Andermatt, Switzerland

T: +41 41 888 11 11
W: radissonhotels.com