Romantik Saentis

A great stay starts with great hospitality, and Hotel Säntis certainly delivered. Despite being more than 100 years old, the hotel has been beautifully maintained. It retains plenty of historic character, especially its elegant façade overlooking the Landsgemeindeplatz, yet the rooms and public areas feel fresh, comfortable and far from dated. Its location couldn’t be better. Right in the heart of Appenzell’s charming old town, next to the tourist information office and only about a 550-metre walk from the train station, it was the perfect base for exploring the town and surrounding attractions. We stayed in a Junior Suite and were pleasantly surprised by how spacious it was. The room was cozy, tastefully decorated in a charming country style, and filled with natural light thanks to the many windows. Even in the middle of summer, the room stayed pleasantly cool without needing air conditioning. Breakfast was another highlight. The selection was generous, with plenty of fresh local products, and I particularly appreciated being able to order an omelette made to my choice of ingredients. What truly sets this hotel apart, however, is its people. Every member of the team was genuinely warm, friendly and eager to help. A special thank you to Christine in the breakfast restaurant for her cheerful hospitality each morning, and Ani W. at reception for her kindness and helpful recommendations. Their sincere service made us feel genuinely welcome throughout our stay. Another wonderful bonus was the complimentary Appenzeller Holiday Card, which turned out to be incredibly valuable. It includes free local public transport, complimentary rides on selected cable cars, admission to museums, and even a number of free gifts, making it easy to explore the region while saving a considerable amount. Room rates can be on the expensive side during the peak summer season, but considering the outstanding location, spacious rooms, excellent breakfast, thoughtful extras, and exceptional service, I felt it was money well spent. I would happily stay here again and highly recommend Hotel Säntis to anyone looking for a memorable stay in the heart of Appenzell.

A very centrally located hotel with a lot of history and an almost historical ambiance. Despite its advanced age, the building is in very good condition and conveys a well-maintained and pleasant atmosphere. The rooms are comfortable, although air conditioning would be a desirable addition, especially in the warmer months. Particularly worthy of mention are the employees: All encounters were characterized by great friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. The restaurants are also impressive – the quality of the food is very good and the cuisine can be recommended without reservation. However, at a hotel of this category, one also expects certain small amenities. The welcome with an Appenzeller Biberli in the room was a nice gesture, but remained the only surprise. A small bedtime treat or another personal touch would have rounded off the stay even more. Also somewhat strange are the very high prices for water bottles in the room, both with and without carbonation. Even at departure, a complimentary water for the onward journey would have been a nice and hospitable gesture. Overall, a charming traditional hotel with excellent service and very good gastronomy. With a few small improvements in the area of hospitality, the experience could become even more perfect.

Great welcome, varied menus, highly recommended.