A grand entrance space suitably graced by staff who enjoy their jobs

The floor to ceiling windows in the bedrooms create a terrific feeling of space and it is just a pity that automatic controls have not been included for the curtains so that one could lie in bed and open the drapes to see the fantastic views across the peaks beyond the glass without having to leap out of the bed to open them manually. Virtually all of the 25 suites and 100+ other rooms have mountain views, some having windows on three sides, whilst the 80 standard rooms have fireplaces in them too, so that in winter one could lie in bed with a fire and the curtains open to look at a snow-covered landscape beyond – truly a romantic environment.

At least it ought to be a romantic environment, but there is somehow a formality built in that works against this. The Mountain Spa has treatment rooms where couples can enjoy treatments together, one with a two seater bath, whilst the pool has ‘four poster’ canopied loungers allowing some privacy for couples; yet there is no fun Jacuzzis for couples to enjoy together, nor is there any sense of privacy in the large airy dining rooms, where the view dominates and a sense of a private shared dining experience is difficult to achieve. The hotel is great on the grand gesture, the theatrical space, but smaller more intimate areas are missing, except where due reverence is needed as in the specialist wine area.

Quality of materials continues throughout the spaces, but in some areas there is also a quirky sense of humour. Rollover for another stylish space in an unexpected place, the Gents toilets Luggage rack is recessed in between 'his'n'her' wardrobes, backed by the full length mirror in a visually sharp installation

Equally the bar and library areas are open plan around a central fireplace, but as the spaces are open to view from all the other public areas there is no sense of privacy or cosiness to be had. With the fireplace opposite the main automatic entrance doors a blast of cold air blows across to the hearth. This somewhat spoils the effect of a wonderful log fire that fills the downstairs areas with the aroma of wood smoke, despite the forced draught used to draw it up into cheerful flame.

The bedrooms are large and spacious with design detailing of the very highest quality. Whilst they are primarily finished in timber and painted plaster, with marble and timber flooring as well as carpet there is no lack of visual or tactile warmth in the rooms, the overall effect being of comfort and luxury. I have only been in one other hotel that has given me a real kick at the quality of the design and finishes and that was the Méridien in Vienna (see an earlier Review) and this hotel has the same effect. As with Vienna, there is no disillusionment with use either, the room being well designed, with a kettle allowing tea and coffee making and an ironing centre available and plenty of drawer and wardrobe space, appropriate for a resort hotel. The functional errors that often are relatively minor, but mar the enjoyment of an otherwise well designed bedroom, are missing here. In this well thought out environment, that makes for an enjoyable longer term stay.

The TV’s are fitted into an alcove made by bringing the face of the wall forward, leaving a recess used to house the flat screen and its heavy duty hinging mechanism whilst also recessing the contrasting skirting. The TV hinges through up to 90°, and as part of the evening turn-down service the set is switched on and turned so that it can be seen from the bed – an obvious service trick to show guests that what appears a flat alcove mounted set can be robustly moved to suit the viewer, who might otherwise be afraid to pull too hard to move the set.