All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Le Grand Hall at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is much more than a dining venue. It is the beating heart of this legendary luxury hotel and a symbol of St. Moritz’s timeless glamour. Known as the “living room of St. Moritz”, this grand space captures the essence of opulence with its soaring ceilings, refined décor, and awe-inspiring mountain views.
Indulge in afternoon tea, savour signature dishes, or simply soak in the ambience. A visit to Le Grand Hall is an experience steeped in elegance and the easy sophistication for which St. Moritz is famed.
A Fusion of Luxury and Comfort
Le Grand Hall embodies Alpine refinement with a strong sense of occasion. Architectural details, plush seating, and expansive windows create a bright and inviting setting that looks out over Lake St. Moritz and the Engadin peaks. A central fireplace brings its own warmth, flickering softly against the polished stone and rich textures of the room, particularly atmospheric during the winter months when snow blankets the valley outside.
As the day unfolds, the ambience evolves gently. A live pianist contributes a graceful soundtrack in the afternoons and evenings, introducing a rhythm that nudges leisurely drinks into unhurried conversations. There is always a sense of life and anticipation here, a feeling that something delightful could unfold at any moment.
Lunch with a View: Le Grand Hall Terrace
During the summer, the experience flows outdoors. The terrace becomes an airy extension of the Hall, dressed in crisp linens and framed by fresh Alpine breezes. Guests settle into the sunlight for crisp salads, refined classics, and patisserie favourites, all while watching the shimmer of Lake St. Moritz shift with the afternoon light. The setting is unpretentious in spirit yet naturally indulgent, the kind of lunch that encourages a second glass of wine and a slower schedule.
Culinary Offerings: A Symphony of Flavours
Menus here are crafted for flexibility, allowing guests to enjoy refined dining without formality. Whether it is a gourmet midday pause after hitting the slopes or a spontaneous dessert before the day continues, every plate reflects the hotel’s culinary heritage and focus on premium ingredients.
The patisserie counter deserves special attention: intricately layered cakes, jewel-toned tartlets, and glossy chocolates invite a moment of indulgence. Many guests come here just for something sweet, and it’s easy to understand why.
Signature Dishes and Afternoon Delights
- Palace Club Sandwich: A luxurious take on the classic, layered with slow-cooked turkey, crispy bacon, egg, and Boston lettuce; comforting, but never ordinary.
- Caesar Salad: Elegant and balanced, with the choice of tender chicken or lightly grilled shrimps to add substance without weight.
- Palace Burger: Dry-aged Black Angus beef, Gruyère cheese, and port-glazed onions make this a true signature — robust, rich, and deeply satisfying.
- Beyond Meat Burger: A standout option for plant-forward dining, vibrant with avocado, coleslaw, fresh greens, and tangy relish.
Then there is Afternoon Tea, a cherished daily ritual. Silver trays arrive with finger sandwiches, pastries as pretty as they are delicious, and warm scones with clotted cream and jam. It is a gentle pause in the day that feels refreshingly indulgent, with the pianist nearby adding an almost cinematic touch.
Drinks Menu
Drinks are as thoughtfully curated as the food. A prestigious Champagne selection — including houses like Krug — enriches every toast. The wine list balances Old World classics with unexpected discoveries, perfect for lingering into the evening.
The seasonal cocktail programme brings storytelling to the forefront. For winter, the “Winter Letters” collection draws inspiration from memories and emotions tied to the Palace — The Traveller, The Muse, The Skier, The Solitary. Each creation blends refined technique with a sense of nostalgia; cocktails that feel elegant yet delightfully personal, as though written for the one who orders them.
Non-alcoholic options are equally pampering, with artful zero-proof cocktails that never feel like a compromise. And for comfort seekers, an excellently brewed coffee or rich Swiss hot chocolate is always within reach.
The Live Piano Experience at Le Grand Hall
Music is an integral part of the Grand Hall’s character. A live pianist performs most afternoons and evenings, providing a graceful score to everything from quiet reading in a corner armchair to champagne with friends before dinner. The repertoire spans familiar classics and softer contemporary pieces, always calibrated to the mood of the room rather than overpowering it.
The effect is subtle but memorable. Drinks feel a little more celebratory, conversations linger a little longer, and time in the Hall acquires that rare quality of feeling unhurried, even when the hotel is at its most lively.
A Space for Every Occasion
From late-morning cappuccinos to leisurely lunches and stylish pre-dinner drinks, Le Grand Hall shifts gracefully through each part of the day. It is a place to gather before stepping into the energy of St. Moritz, or to retreat when the slopes have done their work. Guests often linger longer than planned – the mark of a setting that balances warmth, elegance, and quiet theatre.
Some of the most memorable moments here are not booked or scheduled. They simply unfold: a familiar face, a perfect drink, a few favourite bars of a piano piece, and a view that catches the light just so.
A Must-Visit in St. Moritz
Le Grand Hall at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel remains one of the most iconic spaces in the Alps. Its sweeping views, rich culinary offerings, and magnetic ambience ensure that each visit feels distinct and unforgettable. Whether stopping by for afternoon tea, a celebratory glass of champagne, or a leisurely evening set to live piano, this is Alpine luxury expressed with confidence and charm – and always worth returning to.
