Friday 15 February 2013 Page 5
LOCAL NEWS
The local newspaper stated two years ago that the Sporthotel Rütti should be replaced with a new building. Meanwhile, the property has twice exchanged hands. The new owners are Byron Baciocchi, Jean-Michel Barbey and Max-Hervé George. “The authorized project will be realized by architect Gottfried Hauswirth,” says Jean-Michel Barbey. Originally from the Frenchspeaking part of Switzerland, he owns a chalet in Gstaad for many years and is deeply rooted in Saanenland. Amongst other things, the former President of the ice-hockey club Genf-Servette, has donated the match clock to the ice rink in Gstaad. 15 Suites and 6 apartments The hotel with 30 beds has 15 suites, of which the largest one is 200 square meters. Additionally, six luxury apartments belong to the hotel. The new building is to be financed by the owners. Due to good connections in Italy and France, they have many interested buyers. “We hope that we can sell two or three apartments before the construction starts. Two are already reserved after the presentation in The Alpina Gstaad at the end of December.” On February 13, another project presentation will take place in the Gstaad Palace (by invitation only).
In springtime the excavation work will start for the new hotel “Ultima Gstaad – Resort Spa & Residence”. The hotel complex will consist of three buildings in the regional chalet-style. The interior will be a mix of modern and traditional, wood and bronze will dominate. Three restaurants open to the public are planned, including a gourmet restaurant and a brasserie with Italian specialities. Furthermore, a cigar lounge in the lower ground floor and a smoking lounge in the ground floor are also planned. Jean-Michael Barbey’s hobby will be integrated, whereas an ice rink will be part of the Swiss restaurant, located in the lower ground floor. “Like this, children can have fun on the ice whilst their parents can enjoy a fondue,” said Barbey. In summer, the area will be converted into a conference room. Barbey, which is also Vice-president of the Golf Club Bonmont, has an idea of a special offer for golfers, but this has still to be decided upon.” 5-Star service In the lower ground floor, a 400 square meter wellness and spa area
Picture: Robine Public Relations Gstaad
A new hotel with fifteen suites and six luxury apartments, three restaurants and a spacious wellness and spa area with indoor swimming pool, is to be built at the location of Sporthotel Rütti in Gstaad. In one of the restaurants, an ice rink will be the winter’s main attraction. In summer, this area will be converted into a conference room.
Picture: zvg
Excavation work for new hotel starts in April
The owners of the hotel (from left): Byron Baciocchi, Jean-Michel Barbey and Max-Hervé George. is planned, including a gym and indoor swimmingpool. The project also consists of an underground parking area. “The category of the hotel has not been decided on yet,” said Barbey. “Stars are not important, but the service is,” he said. “And this has to be at least a 5-star service.” Barbey sees the location as an advantage. “The hotel is central. The Wispile, Eggli and the village can be reached within minutes. The apart-
ments and rooms offer a view of the nature, Gstaad Palace or The Alpina Gstaad.” Compared with the current hotel, the new construction is set back six meters. The current building will be demolished in April and immediately thereafter construction will start. The apartments are planned to be finished in 2014 and the opening is planned for December 2014. TRANSLATED AND ADAPTED FROM THE ARTICLE BY ANITA MOSER AVS 15.01.2012