Gstaad Palace: Andrea Scherz Celebrates 30 Years at the Hotel

It was in the summer of 1996 when Andrea Scherz officially became part of the Palace family. Returning from Hawaii and Sardinia, the newly trained hotelier's son began his career at his grandparents' and parents’ hotel at the reception, in an environment familiar to him since childhood. It was more like a big family reunion for him than the start at a new workplace. Five years later – at the beginning of 2001 – he took on his current role as General Manager. 'In those early years, I learned how important it is to manage the hotel transparently and consistently and to continue developing it steadily, coupled with the aim to secure the quality and sustainability of our family business. This is a challenging undertaking, as every franc we reinvest must first be earned,' explains Andrea Scherz, who runs Gstaad Palace in the third generation. Milestones of his tenure include the redesign and extensive expansion of the spa area to 1,800 square meters in 2007 and the hotel's 100th anniversary in 2013. Currently, new restaurant concepts are being implemented, as well as a major investment in staff accommodations.

As one of the few remaining family-run hotels in Switzerland, Gstaad Palace remains a vibrant place with history, character, and responsibility towards future generations. 'Our hotel thrives on emotions and the people who, for over 40 years and more, make the Palace a second home for our guests from all over the world, something that can hardly be found elsewhere,' Scherz describes the secret of 'his' hotel on Oberbort.

The Honest Look Behind the Scenes

This very theme was also the focus of the three-part documentary series 'Inside Gstaad Palace' by Swiss Television last December. It was a major cinematic event that provided insights into the world of luxury hospitality that one does not simply get. The traditional hotel showcased the demanding seasonal work of the Palace staff up close. 'We gave the TV producers free rein and are very pleased with the result. We could not have dreamed of the massive interest. The predominantly positive feedback shows that our hotel still has great appeal,' explains Andrea Scherz.

A Successful Winter Season – Good Prospects for Summer

Once again, the overnight numbers in the 2025/26 winter season surpassed those of the previous year – another historic record with over 6,530 overnight stays and an occupancy rate of 84.37%. 'The winter went positively across the entire Gstaad destination. With snowfall from December onwards, the season started pleasantly. We also recorded exceptionally good occupancy rates in January. A positive development for the entire Saanenland – away from the classic January slump,' reports Andrea Scherz, whose focus is already set forward: 'The advance bookings for this summer are once again very encouraging. The myth of Gstaad Palace lives on.'

Media Contact Gstaad Palace

Anna Siroka, Executive Assistant Manager Sales & Marketing
Tel: +41 33 748 54 01
E-Mail: pr@palace.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Gstaad Palace