We just returned from a three-day stay at Guarda Val which turned out to be "just what the doctor ordered" for our stressed minds/souls/bodies! Everything was beautiful - the restaurants, the rooms, the spa cottage, the terrace - in perfect and simple style, nothing that doesn't match the area and the nature around. Fortunately, we booked a package (Bergecho), so our dinners were included in room prices. We ate twice in the Restaurant Guarda Val (since the other Restaurant was closed during the off-season) and were treated to two fantastic and very tasty 4-course gourmet dinners. There's also a truly amazing winelist (wine not included though...). All the staff of the hotel was was very skilled, helpful and friendly.
Don't go there if you need a lot of action/people/distractions. DO go there if you enjoy nature/peacefulness/simplicity (with a nice touch of luxury) and love good food/wine.

What a wonderful stay in Lenzerheide/Sporz we just had! We had been meaning to try this member of the Romantik Hotel Group for some time and decided on short notice to take advantage of their "Winterzauber" Offer (Pay 3 get 4 Nights, plus Ski Pass and 1/2 Board). We drove ˜3 hours from Munich (apparently only ˜2 hours from Zurich) and arrived at this charming hideaway. The hotel consists of several, often centuries old, rustic wooden buildings (all at one time livestock or hay barns) now renovated inside to meet the most modern of standards. The small village road and paths connect the reception, room complexes, spa buildings, restaurants/bar and underground car park. At night the paths are lit by lanterns, on clear winter nights, additionally by the breathtaking starry sky. The rooms combine charming original rough-hewn timbers with ultra modern design bath fixtures, furniture and amenities. We had the two-story Giebel Suite, which I would recommend to anyone with extra gear or who simply would like to spread out a bit. All rooms offered Wi-Fi, TV, Ipod charger/player, free mini-bar, tea or Nespresso coffee maker and pods and even a pitcher of fresh local spring water with colorful semi-precious stones at the bottom for health. There are two restaurants to choose from: "Crap Naros" is simpler, offering traditional regional specialties (how many ways can you serve cheese and dried beef?) and "Guarda Val" the much more creative, international one which touts one Michelin star and 16 Gault Millau points. The half-board arrangement includes dinner at the more basic of the two, but we recommend paying the additional fee to upgrade to the better restaurant, as we found it more interesting and varied. Although the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, the staff is professional and efficient. We especially enjoyed the 'greetings from the kitchen' which were meticulously prepared and exciting in their flavor combinations. One also has the rare chance to try lesser-known Swiss wines which we also found to be a plus point. The hotel offers a variety of activities for its guests including cow-milking (!), snow-shoeing, ice skating-trekking on a specially prepared forest path, horse sleigh rides and nighttime hiking and star viewing. A hotel shuttle bus makes getting to and from the various ski lifts and cross-country Loipen very convenient. The spa's longer opening hours make unwinding after a full day of strenuous activity easy. Although Lenzerheide offers plenty of activity and some shopping, we ventured to Arosa (about ˜1 hour's drive on very windy roads, but you might try taking the train from Chur for the wow-factor scenery) for the contrast. Although Arosa might be the better bet for serious skiers and snow-boarders and those in search of nightlife, Lenzerheide/Sporz suited us just fine. We enjoyed the authentic feel, the natural beauty and the slower pace and can't wait to come back in Summer to discover the same area and its secluded valleys in full 'wild-flowered', green splendor. (Our dog, by the way, was a welcome guest at the hotel. There were a plush blanket and water bowl set out for her in the room and wandering trails began right across from the hotel. In Summer, we understand, there are plenty of mountain lakes and streams to cool off in. Certainly a plus point for us.)

As we arrived at the place, we were first stunned by the gorgeous view. The hotel is located on a mountainside, with cows grazing all around, facing a beautiful narrow valley.
The rooms are divided into 5 categories. We checked three options - from medium rate to cheapest. The larger rooms were spacious, beautifully designed - a cozy bedroom and a lovely adjoining room. We opted for the cheapest room - bedroom and bathroom only - as the warm weather, and the spacious and comfortable lounge, meant we didn't need the extra sitting room. But even in wintertime, the smaller rooms are still a very good find.
The Staff were extremely friendly and welcoming. All were talking excellent English and were helpful and attentive.
The Gourmet restaurant (one Michelin star) is wonderful, serving creative and delicious food. The simpler restaurant next door, was also nice, serving regional food. If you stay two nights, try both. There are more places to eat in the next village, Lenzerheide, within a 10 minutes drive. Breakfast is included, and is one of the best I've had in Europe. Not only the variety and quality - but also the wonderful balcony with the mountain views...
The wellness area is superb. We didn't get to trying the massage etc, but enjoyed the gym, the sauna, and the beautiful "rest" area, with sofas, beds, swinging double bed (!) and the best of all - two large "cradles" (each the size of a double bed) filled with fragrant dry hay. The perfect place to relax.
There are many trails to walk around, from a relaxing stroll in the meadows to mountain hiking. In the summertime you also get a free pass to the cable cars around - highly recommended, as the view from the highest peak is breathtaking indeed.
We were so pleased with the place, that we extended our stay to three nights, and invited our friends from Zürich to join us for the rest of the holiday there.
Guarda Val was the best Swiss holiday resort we could dream of. Great food, great view, combining a rustic atmosphere with modern design.

Really enjoyed this recently refurbished hotel located in a an old village at more than 5500 feet elevation. Spacious and beautifully designed rooms will all modern amenities. Rustique appeal may not entice everybody, but we really enjoyed it. Excellent food and good service, however, the service in the Michelin star restaurant failed to match the quality of the food. Pricy, but worth it for a particular treat.