This was our first visit to a Six Senses Property. I am not certain we will return. Positive features: 1. The room was stunning and the facilities (spa, fitness center, etc.) are top notch. 2. Dinner at Byakko our first night was lovely. Issues during our stay: We used the six senses app for most communication. This was generally good but things were challenging on our last day. 1. We went to the outdoor pool in the afternoon but no one came to bring towels or check on us. 2. We went to dinner and were surprised no one turned down the room despite having the housekeeping sign on. 3. We asked for a ride home after dinner but got no response and ended up walking back. None of these issues are dealbreakers but at this price point I do not expect issues.

Our visit was during the February half term when ski resorts are packed and we are in Switzerland so probably highest priced week of the year so excuse me if I comment on this in the context of price a little too often… Pros: Location is beautiful and easy walking distance from the beautiful village. Crans Montana is lovely Hotel is truly ski-in, ski-out and the ski room/area/staff is first class Rooms in the hotel are great, new, well laid out and (for the most part, see below) very quiet Cons: Too many service items which are taken from granted at other high-end hotels missing (see below) Conclusion: for the price, this should be a perfect stay but it had frustrations. I would rate on the service alone that this was comparable at about 50% of the price (still an expensive holiday) but maybe that’s the Swiss/half term premium. We are a family of four booked in to a Terrace Suite (King Bed) connecting to a Deluxe Terrace Room (configured as a twin). My stock questions to start were to make sure all the facilities in the hotel would be open, there was no work happening in the hotel which might disturb us and that the rooms we would be choosing would be quiet. All confirmed. Ahead of time, it was pretty smooth sailing and we arranged a pick up from the airport which was seamless, comfortable door-to-door and while no doubt more expensive than getting the train, didn’t require changes with suitcases etc. Because we booked late, we had limited choice of ski instructor times but that was our bad - the hotel helped get this organised and we were v happy with the result. Only one comment on the pre-arrival: my wife was intrigued by the biohacking program on offer but the pressure to book - including offers to call her the morning we were departing - just became too intense and created more stress than anything so although she would have done it, the process of getting it organised turned her off. We’ve been to many nice places with Spas and never experienced this level of pressure so although the hotel’s fear of her missing out if she didn’t book was obviously high (and I’m sure some guests are more demanding if they don’t get what they want), the way it was communicated was not ideal. On arriving, the rooms were as described and v nice; the resort opened recently so it still feels quite new. Wood panelling throughout - note that as it’s new, a couple of us suffered splinters but I am sure over the years, those sharp edges will wear off (sorry for all those in future who help with that process as we did LOL!). We had a large terrace off the Suite where we would happily sit any time of year as it is bathed in sun and has great views over the piste directly below and Alps all around. A good range of furniture options to eat, work and relax on the terrace. This is a great space. However, as we discovered on Day 1, the first surprise (!) for us and no doubt all those in the suites above and below us, was that at sometime between 3-4pm, directly outside the terrace, there was some apres-ski entertainment involving a saxophone player (and sometimes a drummer) performing to a backing track from then until sometime between 6-7pm at a volume which can only be described as loud (very)? Not wishing to show my years, this is either your thing (pounding bass and amplified saxophone/drums) or it’s not. Having asked for a quiet room, I was not expecting this - the Rooms Manager I spoke to emphasised that this was not happening at night but it rendered the terrace unusable during those hours. The room was very well glazed but even with the windows shut, you could not read or even have a TV on without the noise disturbing you. Given the very small number of people at the Wild Cabin for which this music was being used to “pull in the punters”, I have to question if upsetting hotel guests paying $$$$s a day was worth it. The Rooms Manager offered to move us but for 3-4hrs in the afternoon, we felt it was too disruptive to pack up as the room setup was otherwise great. I could have pursued his offer so not complaining, maybe just check if this could be an issue for you. Sticking with the rooms. Minor/Not so minor but notable frustrations: - we had two rooms with an outer door which allowed us to keep it shut and the inner doors open however, it soon became clear that the outer door communication lights (for housekeeping or DND) were not connected to the inner doors. This was solved on day 4 but up until then, housekeeping were struggling to know if we wanted them to come or did not want to be disturbed. - Sorry for this one: the rooms have Japanese-style toilets. On the first day, I took the remote control off the wall only to find it covered in greasy (sun-cream I hope?) finger marks. Yuk! It is now Day 5 and I have asked 3 times, including when I was on the phone about the apres-ski noise to the Rooms Manager, to have them cleaned and although he insisted that like the TV remote controls, these are carefully disinfected, I can tell you our experience is that they are not. - There is a DND switch by the bed which, when on, casts such a bright light into the room , it is like a light is on. Not bright but definitely bright enough to mess with your ability to sleep if you are a light sleeper. I could not sleep without my emergency Manta mask on. Whoever designed this control panel by the bed with this light …. - Toilets were not very well cleaned generally and one of the 3 toilets we had one day had clearly not been cleaned by the time housekeeping had left. Mirrors not cleaned,etc In addition, we ran out of shower gel in 2 bathrooms - these really should be topped up daily. - There was a laundry form in each room but no laundry bag. When we needed to use laundry the first time, we had to call for one and it took about 40 mins to arrive. We get it some ppl might like to use these as free souvenirs of a hotel stay but the knock on effects of waiting 40mins to meet a 10am laundry deadline which then delays your breakfast ahead of a 10am yoga class is a first world problem too far!! Joking aside, an annoying detail. PS - laundry just returned so that’s a 4hr turnaround for normal service! Moving to the food. The food was pretty good but as many other travellers have noted the breakfast is a little disappointing. Loads of bread products - the usual pastries you’d expect. A salad station (small) a very limited fruit selection (really quite disappointing: today just orange segments and a single which said “kiwis” but there were no kiwi fruits (or lovely NZers) in sight), etc and then order off a menu of hot items. OK I don’t expect a Gleneagles (King of Breakfasts) or 4S Koh Samui (my death=row breakfast) but it is underwhelming for a resort where many people might be heading out on the slopes all day. The execution was mixed too and when the chef asked me this morning how my son’s sausages were (he asked and we were told they’d be available “tomorrow” for the first 3 days, they finally arrived this morning), I added that the Rosti had been cold in places (particularly in the middle and on the bottom) for the past 3 mornings. C’mon, we are in Switzerland - the rosti should be epic not a lukewarm mashed potato patty…. Apologies if I have been spoiled by the Rosti at the Storchen in Zurich: that is epic Rosti! This one not so. We also noted that the cold meat/smoked fish station and some of the salad items looked decidedly shrivelled and dried each morning. Usually, you see smoked salmon glistening and fresh looking, same for the dried beef but in both cases, they looked dried out and leathery as they sat on the counter-top by the cooking kitchen like they’d been put out hours before. Even taking the 6S ethos of sustainability and running out to grab some fresh snow off the slopes would have helped keep them cool and fresh but not so and it just looked a little tired. Anyway, at these prices, you just expect more/better. I get it that there will be an emphasis on reducing waste but that should not be to the point that you really notice it. The gym and yoga facilities are great and my wife, who is a bona fide Pilates/yoga aficionado loved the yoga lessons and teacher. The gym was decent although not if you are looking for loads of free-weights but definitely enough to get in a good workout at most levels. The spa also looked good although at time of typing, we have not had any treatments but we have used the spa pool, sauna and ice-bath. The spa pool needs a bit of maturing though as when outside, you feel a bit like you are in a concrete box. More greenery, trees, etc will help with the ambiance. One frustration, i did raise, was the other pool (on 4th I think): I headed up there one day to find it steaming (so heated) but all the cushions turned over. In the hunt for a towel, I went to the shower room to see if there were any there to find it clearly hadn’t been swept /cleaned for a while and was also doubling as a storage area for seat cushions. I asked the Room Manager (when he called) to confirm if the pool was actually open and he confirmed it was but it had an air of being closed and not maintained. I really think that at this class of hotel, assuming that something is open, it should be ready to go and look welcoming even if nobody is using it: you are paying for everything that is open to be ready and waiting for you so that you don’t have to wait or feel like you are putting someone out to get it ready for you. So to summarise, this is a beautiful location, a wonderfully well built and laid out hotel with potential it has yet to reach. It is expensive but I (particularly) want to hope that that limits the chance for downside and maximises the chance of a good rest and experience for the family in our precious times together. Would we come back? Maybe at a cheaper rate once some of the imperfections are ironed out. I can see this being a great location year round for various outdoor pursuits but at peak ski-season, the premium is not matched by a flawless experience. At breakfast this morning, three of four of us said we’d go back to the Arlberg in Lech over here for skiing and I’m guessing that the yoga/gym facilties and that she is not such a big skier, together with the variety in the village are what won it for the other. We loved our first stay in 6S in Ibiza a couple of summers ago and would go back there in a shot - a great brand with a great philosophy for those who can afford it. I appreciate we are very fortunate to be able to experience and enjoy this. I hope this is taken constructively and helps you make your choice. Special shout out to Bart in the ski centre. How many languages does he speak??? And he seemed to know everything.

I have waited a few days after my checkout to do this review in order to give time to the hotel management and see if there has been any formal attempt to rectify my terrible stay in Six Senses Crans Montana. The only reason i gave this rating because the fit-out and building of the hotel is amazing. However when it comes to basic service it is appalling and not up or even close to a 5 star hotel. 1st Encounter was with the in-room dining upon arrival - since i was informed all the restaurants in the hotel are closed at 3:00pm which i found out later on it was not the case as they serve apres ski and food in the wild cabin at that time. I have made clear instructions when taking my order that i have a dietary restriction of pork this was also noted during my stay preferences - however they disregarded that and delivered my food with pork - which had to be redone again. I cant imagine what will happen if it was a person with a fatal allergic reaction and the hotel disregarded these restrictions such as my case 2nd encounter when i went downstairs to the cigar lounge around 10:00PM , the lounge was full as it only had 4 chairs and a table so i requested to be seated outside in the heated area. I was informed that the bar is closing - however this is not correct as the bar closes at 11-11:30 PM depending on the guests. I did not feel welcomed as a guest and decided to go back to my room and have my cigar session in my cold balcony. 3rd Encounter was on the second day during turndown service , they had not replenished the basic amenities such as water and have not even replaced the empty tissue box in the washroom. This has been reported in the application and the response was - “ we will pass it on to the team Tommorow” Third day - the tissues and amenities have not been replenished even after housekeeping service - i have informed the hotel and the house keeping supervisor came to deliver the amenities and specifically asked for the turndown service time - i have informed him 8:30-9pm - which is the same which i noted on my preferences. However the turn down was not done. Upon checkout - i have called the concierge to assist with my luggage and have made it clear that i have 3 bags that need to be out in my car. However upon inspecting the luggage before i leave - they forgot to bring the third bag - which might have potentially ruined my trip if i did not find out. The front desk manager apologized during checkout how ever we felt this is not enough since we were paying over 1,300 CHF per night

The hotel is located right inside a ski slope, making it extremely convenient for those who like to ski. In fact, it is possible to leave the hotel directly on skis and reach the ski lift. The architecture is well integrated into the context, lots of wood and natural materials. The structure of the hotel itself is peculiar, the entrance to the parking lots leads to a first reception desk underground, here the car is parked by a valet, and you are greeted with initial explanations and a fun experiment with bells inspired just by the "six senses." Shortly thereafter, we were escorted to the main reception where we did the check-in paperwork. The hotel maintains its style and stands out in many details that we will see in a moment. Each guest is provided with a GEM member - Guest Experience Management. These people are also available via the Six Senses App to answer guest inquiries. We found a young and friendly team. Even though the room was a simple double, we found it quite spacious and well finished. Lots of wood and stone, virtually no plastic, and more than enough amenities. The toilet has a bidet built in and operated by remote control, a great little bonus is the heated board. The shower is standard, a bit small but not to be a problem. During our inspection, however, we found two hairs. The first in the bathtub, the second on top of a brochure near the coffee machine. Truly a shame because it is these small mishaps that greatly affect the first impact. The hotel has both a spa and a gym, this one is obviously as new as the whole hotel and well equipped. The environment entices one to work out, and there is dried and fresh fruit available. Before leaving for dinner, we again requested Memory Foam pillows as they were not delivered as requested during the reservation. Upon our return we find a small gift on the bed, but much to our regret, we find that the previously requested pillows are still not there. After writing for the third time, they were finally delivered to us. The breakfast buffet is not huge, but it is still quite varied and mainly offers quality products. Again, however, we must note some flaws: the fish is placed right above the meat, this can unintentionally create contamination for those who are allergic to fish. This possibility is not so remote, as the tongs for picking up the food are rather uncomfortable and large for some foods, for example, smoked trout. The second counter focuses on beverages and yogurt. The selection of vegetable milk and fresh juices is also excellent. The à la Carte menu is not extraordinary, but still appreciable. In our room package, we had a massage included. We experienced better treatment; we expected more considering that the hotel has multi-day spa and relaxation-related packages. We explored the spa a bit. We discover that the only hot tub is outside, but this is not a problem at all because the pool is directly connected to the indoor one and is heated. This is undoubtedly a point we appreciate so much. Less appreciable, however, is the presence of children, fortunately not many, but in high season it could become a problem. The spa is divided into two floors, the lower part being women on one side and men on the other, no whirlpool or pool. The upper part, on the other hand, is where the pool is located and the mixed area for Sauna and Turkish bath, unfortunately the latter was not working. Overall a good stay but with some points for improvement. Cleanliness should be a paradigm, a simple request for a pillow should work immediately already during the reservation, certainly should not force the guest to repeat the same thing 3 times. Considering the location, the price is almost totally justified, that is as long as the problems mentioned earlier are fixed. At this level, certain shortcomings cannot be tolerated. If you want to watch our full video review, find us on YouTube travelwithpassionandstyle

Lovely hotel with gorgeous facilities but was very shocked to find that the Japanese restaurant in the hotel turns into a night club until 1am. We feel like we should have been warned about this excessive noise- especially when the whole ethos of the hotel revolves around relaxation & well being. You can even pay for packages to enhance your sleep- yet we have three awful nights sleep whilst staying there with the loud music playing until late. We did bring this up with the staff at the hotel but little was done to help in any way. If you’re thinking of staying at this hotel - check before booking if this night club is open. Especially if you are looking for a relaxed stay- which is what the hotel markets itself as.