🇨🇭 Zermatt, Switzerland
Excelsior
📍 38, Hofmattstrasse, Zermatt, 3920
Photo: official website
Your stay — Excelsior
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Zermatt.
The Property — Excelsior
The Excelsior in Zermatt is a no-frills, family-run 3-star hotel that exudes a warm, traditional Swiss charm. Its lobby is modestly decorated with local artwork and dark wood accents, creating a snug atmosphere. The Excelsior is a great fit for budget-conscious families and outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of activities and amenities catering to their needs. Standing in the lobby, you'll get a sense of laid-back hospitality, as if you're staying with old friends.
Chronicles of Zermatt
Zermatt, nestled in the Swiss Alps, has its roots dating back to the 14th century as a small farming community. The village's architecture has evolved over the centuries, with traditional chalets and chalet-style hotels dominating the landscape. Zermatt's unique cultural identity is shaped by its strong farming and mountaineering traditions, which are still celebrated today through the annual Unspunnenfest festival. The village has also become a popular tourist destination, with a range of shops, restaurants, and museums showcasing its rich history and natural beauty. Zermatt's picturesque streets are lined with chalets, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Best Time to Visit
Full Zermatt guide →Best months
June and September are ideal months to visit Zermatt, offering pleasant temperatures (18-22°C) and manageable crowds. The summer months are perfect for hiking and mountain biking, while the shoulder season provides better value for money and fewer tourists.
Peak / festival surge
August is the peak month in Zermatt, driven by the Unspunnenfest festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. Hotel prices surge during this period, and it's not uncommon for rooms to be fully booked well in advance. The festival celebrates traditional Swiss culture, music, and cuisine, with a lively atmosphere that's not to be missed.
Budget shoulder season
April and October are the best budget shoulder months, with mild temperatures (10-15°C) and fewer tourists. Prices are significantly lower, making it an excellent time to visit for those on a budget. However, some amenities and facilities might be closed or operate on reduced hours during this period.
Weather & packing
Zermatt's climate is known for its unpredictable weather, with sudden rain showers and sunshine. Pack layers for your stay, including waterproof gear and sturdy hiking boots.
Live City Briefing — Zermatt
- The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn railway line has recently been upgraded, reducing travel times from Zurich to Zermatt to around 4 hours.
- A new mountain bike park has opened in the Matter Valley, offering world-class trails for all skill levels.
- The Zermatt Tourist Board has introduced a new 'Sustainable Zermatt' initiative, promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing waste in the village.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Excelsior, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above 5th) on the north side of the hotel (facing the mountain) for a quieter stay. These rooms tend to be less exposed to street noise from the Hofmattstrasse, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first and second floors, as they may be close to the service entrance and lift, potentially increasing noise levels from staff and guests.
Best views
Rooms on the north side of the hotel (facing the mountain) offer the best views of the surrounding mountains and the Matterhorn, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Quietest floors
Floors 5 and above are likely to be quieter, considering the hotel's layout and location.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's proximity to Hofmattstrasse means that rooms on the lower floors or those facing the street may experience some noise from passing pedestrians and occasional traffic.
Insider tips
Request a room with a balcony for a better view and some fresh mountain air. Also, consider arriving early for check-in, as the hotel may offer early check-in for guests who arrive before the official 3 pm check-in time.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Excelsior
free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, including the historic section
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) in guest rooms
check-in from 15:00, late check-out until 12:00 (CHF 50 fee after 12:00)
available at CHF 10 per day, per piece
step-free access, wheelchair accessible rooms, some rooms have limited mobility access
on-site parking available, CHF 25 per night, public car park 5 minutes away at CHF 10 per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CHF 3.50 per person, per night
Deposit & card hold: CHF 200 advance deposit, incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Kirche St. Mauritius (208 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Kapelle der Heiligen Familie (906 m · ~11 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Viktoria Center — 659 m · ~8 min walk
Matterhorn Museum — 233 m · ~3 min walk
Sportanlage obere Matten — 602 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 66 m · ~1 min walk
Internationale Apotheke — 442 m · ~6 min walk
Edelweiss Market — 39 m · ~1 min walk
Sunneggabahn Talstation — 610 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Swiss Franc, CHF
Use ATMs at the train station for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport or tourist offices which charge high fees.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels; contactless and Apple Pay/Google Pay work almost everywhere.
Tipping is not compulsory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated for good service in restaurants; taxis and hotel staff do not expect a tip.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Filter coffee or espresso from a bakery or supermarket cafe costs around CHF 4-5.
A slice of pizza, a sandwich from a bakery, or a bowl of soup from a self-service cafeteria costs about CHF 12-15.
A main course at a budget-friendly restaurant (pasta, rösti) is around CHF 20-25.
The main street (Bahnhofstrasse) has a few stands selling sausages and baked potatoes; the Coop supermarket also has a hot-food counter with affordable options.
Coop and Migros are the two main budget supermarket chains in this area.
Zermatt is a resort town with few high-street chains; for budget clothing you'd need to shop in larger towns like Visp or online.
The Zermatt village bus is free with any hotel card; otherwise a single ticket costs CHF 3-5. For getting to/from the airport, the cheapest way is a train from Geneva or Zurich (around CHF 100-130 one-way, 3-4 hours).
Buy groceries from Coop or Migros for picnic lunches; skip the cable car if the weather is bad (cloudy peaks aren't worth it); stay in a self-catering apartment to save on restaurant costs.
Good to know — Zermatt
Type C/J · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ CHF0.81 · CHF
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Zermatt, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Excelsior
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 66 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Internationale Apotheke — 442 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Zermatt Station (Bahnhofplatz) → Hotel Viscaria (Riedstrasse stop)
💡 Buy a 24h ZermattBus ticket (5 CHF) or use the ZermattMobil app for real-time stops. Get off at 'Riedstrasse' — walk 50m east.
Zermatt Station → Hotel Viscaria (Riedstrasse 40)
💡 The hotel is 800m from the station — walk if light luggage. Taxi is electric since no combustion engines allowed. Book 10 mins ahead in winter.
Zurich Airport → Zermatt (via Visp)
💡 Change at Visp to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn narrow-gauge train. Sit on the left for the best mountain views approaching Zermatt.
Täsch → Zermatt
💡 Cars are banned in Zermatt — park at Täsch (12 CHF/day) then take this shuttle. Buy a round-trip; it's cheaper than single tickets.
About Zermatt
Wikipedia ↗
Zermatt (German: [tsɛʁˈmat] , Swiss Standard German: [tsɛrˈmat]; Highest Alemannic: Zärmatt) is a municipality in the district of Visp in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a year-round population of about 5,800 and is classified as a town by the Swiss Federal...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Excelsior?
Request a room on the higher floors (above 5th) on the north side of the hotel (facing the mountain) for a quieter stay. These rooms tend to be less exposed to street noise from the Hofmattstrasse, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Which rooms should I avoid at Excelsior?
Avoid rooms on the first and second floors, as they may be close to the service entrance and lift, potentially increasing noise levels from staff and guests.
Is Excelsior noisy?
The hotel's proximity to Hofmattstrasse means that rooms on the lower floors or those facing the street may experience some noise from passing pedestrians and occasional traffic.
Which rooms have the best views at Excelsior?
Rooms on the north side of the hotel (facing the mountain) offer the best views of the surrounding mountains and the Matterhorn, especially during sunrise and sunset.
What are insider tips for staying at Excelsior?
Request a room with a balcony for a better view and some fresh mountain air. Also, consider arriving early for check-in, as the hotel may offer early check-in for guests who arrive before the official 3 pm check-in time.
What time is check-in at Excelsior?
Check-in at Excelsior is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Excelsior have Wi-Fi?
free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Excelsior?
CHF 3.50 per person, per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Excelsior?
A slice of pizza, a sandwich from a bakery, or a bowl of soup from a self-service cafeteria costs about CHF 12-15.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Excelsior?
The Zermatt village bus is free with any hotel card; otherwise a single ticket costs CHF 3-5. For getting to/from the airport, the cheapest way is a train from Geneva or Zurich (around CHF 100-130 one-way, 3-4 hours).
When is the best time to visit Zermatt?
June and September are ideal months to visit Zermatt, offering pleasant temperatures (18-22°C) and manageable crowds. The summer months are perfect for hiking and mountain biking, while the shoulder season provides better value for money and fewer tourists.
Top Attractions in Zermatt
💡 Look for the grave of guides from the 1865 disaster—names are etched in stone. Best light for photos is 3–4pm in summer.
💡 Best in late afternoon for golden light on the wood. Check the blackened beams inside—soot from open fires preserved them for 400+ years.
💡 Skip Grünsee if short on time—it's the least scenic. Pack a picnic and swim in Leisee (water is cold but clear in July–August). Allow 3–4 hours.
💡 Go early morning before 9am to catch still water and avoid crowds. The trail is well-marked and takes about 20 minutes from the station.
💡 The free audio guide in English is worth it—focus on the 'Crystal of Bort' section with historical climbing gear and diaries.