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Hotel Meisser, Guarda

Engadine – where winter is truly magical
 
Offering wonderful hospitality, this historic 3-star superior hotel sits in the idyllic village of Guarda. With paths from the door, it makes a delightful base for a week of winter walking and snowshoeing in glorious scenery. Snowshoe hire and a local travel pass are included.
Hotel Meisser, Guarda. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Hotel Meisser, Guarda. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A winter holiday in Guarda –

perfect for non-skiers
The sunny Engadine Valley in eastern Switzerland is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. It is a place where winter is truly magical, with quintessentially Alpine scenery and picture-book villages whose streets transport you back in time as you walk amid the distinctive stone houses decorated with pastel murals.

High on the mountain slopes perches the most charming village of them all, Guarda, silently watching over the valley from its panoramic location. From here the winter walking opportunities are truly fantastic, but this is not the only activity that Guarda has to offer. Snowshoeing is another very rewarding way to explore this beautiful valley, or you could enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the tranquil landscape. For a change of scene, visit the spa town of Scuol or take the train to St Moritz, the glamorous resort where the concept of winter tourism in Switzerland became popular in the mid-19th century.
Right at the heart of Guarda lies the Hotel Meisser, a fittingly romantic hotel with a refined and relaxed atmosphere that earns consistently high levels of praise from Inntravel guests. Its old-world charm will quickly seduce you, making it one of those special places that you will never want to leave. This is escapism at its very best!

Switzerland without the skiing
"If you crave snowy walks with long views but no clattering crowds, choose a Swiss trip without the skiing," says Libby Purves in the Mail on Sunday.
Read her full article here >
 

Our expert says

“Everything is stunning about the Meisser: the hospitality, the stylish interiors, the village setting, the food. This unspoiled corner of Switzerland is perfect for a holiday without skis, with a good variety of winter walking trails both high up and down in the valley.”
Rebecca Bruce, Inntravel snow holiday expert
 
Gallery
 

Winter activities

There’s no fixed itinerary, so take your pick of the trails as the mood takes you. 
  • 136km in the valley
    Situated midway along the Lower Engadine, Guarda is a perfect base for winter walking. There is a choice of walks to neighbouring villages direct from the hotel door, whilst further trails can be reached by bus or train, use of which is free in the local area with the guest card that you will be given on arrival.

    All trails are well signed, and the snow specially flattened to facilitate walking. In the detailed documentation we provide, we give an overview of our five favourite options, including the following three routes:

    Guarda to Lavin: 4km (8km with optional extension)
    This is the perfect first walk, not only because of its length and the fact that it’s mostly downhill, but also because it affords sweeping views across the valley. You could time it so that you arrive in Lavin for lunch (there are two restaurants, plus an excellent family-run bakery). You then have the choice of taking the train and bus back from Lavin or, for a longer walk, of continuing through the valley along the forested banks of the River Inn to Guarda station, from where it is just a short bus ride to the village itself.

    Motta Naluns to Ftan: 2km (6km with optional extension)
    This superb high-level route from the top of the Motta Naluns gondola to Ftan is a real highlight – the views over the surrounding peaks and Tarasp Castle are breathtaking. From Ftan – a great spot for lunch or Kaffe und Kuchen – you have three choices for the descent: on foot, by chairlift or by toboggan.

    Tarasp circuit: 4km
    Built on a 100-metre-high rock, Tarasp Castle is an impressive sight. This enjoyable walk leads around the base of the rock, giving you the chance to see the castle up close.
    Beautiful views
    Motta Naluns route
  • Snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides & more

    Snowshoeing
    Snowshoeing is a great way to explore this enchanting valley. There are a number of options easily accessible from the village, and you can borrow equipment from the hotel free of charge. One route leads uphill from Guarda through meadows and forest. Your target is a mountain hut at 2,120 metres (6km) but, since you return via the same route, you can turn back at any point. Another route (8km) winds through forest from Lavin to Zeznina.

    Horse-drawn sleigh rides
    This is a relaxing way to appreciate the tranquil Engadine Valley. Your hosts will be happy to arrange this on your behalf.

    Tobogganing
    There are several toboggan runs in the area, including a 2-kilometre run above Guarda itself. Toboggans can be borrowed free of charge from the hotel.

    Ice-skating
    Rather than a conventional ice rink, the Engadine boasts a 3-kilometre ‘ice path’ along the forested banks of the River Inn near Scuol.

    Cross-country skiing – suitable for all levels
    The Lower Engadine boasts 77km of trails for both classic and skating skiers. An enjoyable route runs along the valley floor between Guarda and S-chanf. If you are feeling energetic, you can ski to S-chanf and get the train back. Otherwise, take the train to S-chanf and ski back – it is mostly gently downhill in this direction.
    Horse-drawn sleigh ride
    Snowshoeing
  • Scuol, Muottas Muragl & St Moritz

    Scuol
    Scuol’s main draw is the Bogn Engadine Spa, where you can relax in the saunas, steam baths and heated outdoor swimming pool. For added relaxation, take your pick of the treatments on offer, which include an unusual Roman-Irish bath combining steam and dry, hot air.

    Muottas Muragl
    The main reason to visit Muottas Muragl is the view – located at almost 2,500 metres above sea level, this high mountain plateau in the Upper Engadine commands superb vistas of the surrounding peaks and lakes. You could simply enjoy a leisurely lunch at the panoramic restaurant, but there are also several walking options – including a philosophy-themed path – and a couple of snowshoe hikes if you wish to take in more of the scenery.

    St Moritz
    The glitz and glamour of St Moritz – a good choice for a day of people-watching – is 90 minutes away by train. As well as boasting 5-star hotels and chic boutiques, the resort is home to the Olympia Bob Run (the oldest bobsleigh run in the world) and the famous Cresta Run. 
    View from Muottas Muragl
    St Moritz © Filip Zuan St Moritz Engadin Tourismus
  • Special events
    Christmas is marked by a special dinner on 24 December. New Year celebrations feature a gala dinner, live music and dancing, followed by a big brunch on New Year's Day.
 

Where you stay

Widely considered to be the Engadine’s best preserved village, tranquil Guarda (altitude: 1645m) perches high on the slopes of this idyllic valley, affording broad views down to the valley floor and across to the jagged peaks on the other side. The ancient cobbled streets transport you back in time, lined as they are with typical Engadine houses built of stone, with deep-set windows and delicate pastel murals. The village is renowned for being a haven for artists and there is a number of workshops, plus a small supermarket.
Hotel Meisser
  • 3-star superior

Bedrooms

 

Extend your stay

 
Prices & travel
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 7 nights: 23 December 2023 - 10 March 2024 & 21 December 2024 - 09 March 2025

    Start varies according to travel method* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Adults
    23 Dec - 24 Dec 2023 £1980
    30 Dec - 31 Dec 2023 £2270
    06 Jan - 27 Feb 2024 # £1805
    28 Feb - 03 Mar 2024 £1750

    Includes all elements of the holiday itself (accommodation, meals and any additional elements as described), plus flights (usually from London) and onward travel as described.

    * Start days: up to 3 Jan Saturday/Sunday; all other dates any day

    # Supplements apply on 10, 11, 17 & 18 Feb 2024; 8, 9, 15 & 16 Feb 2025; please contact us for details

    Included travel: British Airways or Swiss Heathrow-Zürich (1h45) (hold luggage included; timings vary, please call for details), connecting journey by rail & bus from Zürich Airport (3h)

    A supplement is payable for a single room – see 'Additional prices' below

    Prices are subject to availability and flight supplements may apply. Book early for Christmas, New Year and school holidays. We can also book different flight routes (see flight section below). Please contact us to discuss any pricing implications.

    7 nights: 23 December 2023 - 10 March 2024 & 21 December 2024 - 09 March 2025

    Start varies according to travel method* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Adults
    23 Dec - 24 Dec 2023 £1920
    30 Dec - 31 Dec 2023 £2210
    06 Jan - 27 Feb 2024 £1865
    28 Feb - 03 Mar 2024 £1805

    Includes all elements of the holiday itself (accommodation, meals and any additional elements as described), plus Eurostar and onward rail services from London St Pancras, plus any transfer to the hotel as described below (see 'Rail option from London' section).

    *Start days: Monday to Saturday (to arrive Sunday requires Saturday night in Zurich; please contact us for details)

    A supplement is payable for a single room – see 'Additional prices' below

    Prices are subject to availability and supplements may apply. Book early for Christmas, New Year and school holidays.

  • Room upgrades (supplement in £ per room per night)

    Hotel Meisser, Guarda
    'Engadiner Arvensuite' suite in Chasa Pepina: 23 Dec - 29 Dec 2023 £42
    'Engadiner Arvensuite' suite in Chasa Pepina: 30 Dec - 05 Jan 2024 £76
    'Engadiner Arvensuite' suite in Chasa Pepina: 06 Jan - 10 Mar 2024 £42
    Double with Balcony (no twins): 23 Dec - 29 Dec 2023 £54
    Double with Balcony (no twins): 30 Dec - 05 Jan 2024 £76
    Double with Balcony (no twins): 06 Jan - 10 Mar 2024 £54
    Single room: 23 Dec - 29 Dec 2023 £18
    Single room: 30 Dec - 05 Jan 2024 £30
    Single room: 06 Jan - 10 Mar 2024 £12
    Suite 'Piz Pisoc': 23 Dec - 29 Dec 2023 £158
    Suite 'Piz Pisoc': 30 Dec - 05 Jan 2024 £186
    Suite 'Piz Pisoc': 06 Jan - 10 Mar 2024 £140
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Zürich (latest flight arrival time: 1530; earliest flight departure time: 1300)

    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Zürich. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book onward flights and connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Zurich Swiss 
    Birmingham - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Zurich Swiss 
    Bristol - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Zurich Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Zurich easyJet,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Zurich easyJet,  Vueling 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Zurich Lufthansa,  Swiss 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Zürich. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of alternative flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated above, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice if you would prefer to fly via a different route to the one included in our standard arrangements. A supplement may be payable for other flights.

  • Combining high-speed Eurostar and TGV with the clockwork efficiency of Swiss railways, this is relaxed independent travel at its finest. You’ll be in the Engadine Valley in time for dinner. 

    However, the best views are kept for the last part of the journey, so in fact we recommend breaking your journey in Zürich, otherwise the passing lakes and mountains will be shrouded in darkness. After a night of traditional Swiss hospitality, take a comfortable Swiss Intercity following the shores of Lake Zürich and Walensee. After just one change onto a local train you pass through a tunnel into the idyllic Engadine Valley. There is no price difference, other than the cost of your overnight accommodation in Zürich.

    If you would prefer an alternative route, our rail specialists can tailor the arrangements to suit you and provide a quotation.

    > Travelling by train to Switzerland: what to expect
    > More about 'by rail' prices

    Route on which prices are based

    Outward journey Departure time
    from London     		Arrival time
    at hotel
    St Pancras–Paris–Zürich–Guarda (Eurostar, TGV, regional rail & postbus, 10h30), walk from Guarda bus stop (100 metres) approx 0755 Mon-Sat (it is not possible to travel from London on Sun) approx 1925
    Homeward journey Departure time
    from hotel     		Arrival time
    in London
    Walk to bus stop (100 metres), postbus to Guarda station (0h10), Guarda–Zürich–Paris–St Pancras (regional rail, TGV & Eurostar, 12h15) approx 0930 approx 2045
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 7 dinners
    7 breakfasts
  • snowshoe and toboggan hire
  • travel pass for local buses and trains
  • detailed information about the area
  • rail travel or flights from London (regional flights available)
  • rail and bus from/to Zürich Airport (if flying)
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 8 reviews
  • Ms J Fifoot
    Tarporley
    01 March 2023

    The peace and tranquility of Guarda, the spectacular views and the excellent hospitality at Hotel Meisser beat any spa experience I've ever had! This holiday was just perfect for those seeking a quiet setting, jaw dropping scenery, spectacular winter walks in the mountains and amazing food. And Swiss travel is just so easy and slick. A really excellent holiday.

  • Anon
    London
    27 February 2023

    We had a wonderful holiday, thank you! We loved Guarda and the surrounding villages. Hotel Meisser was excellent, with super friendly and helpful staff. As there wasn't much snow around Guarda, we very much enjoyed our higher-altitude trips to Motta Naluns and Muottas Muragi.

  • Mrs C Maguire
    Broadstone
    24 February 2023

    This was our sixth visit to the Hotel Meisser and Guarda.  All aspects of the hotel are excellent.  We really appreciate the friendly welcome and helpfulness of the staff.  The village is charming and we are still discovering new walking possibilites in the area.  Being there on the Chalandamarz was a bonus!

  • Pat & Alan, Pembrokeshire
    07 February 2023

    Hotel Meisser in Guarda is beautifully situated high up overlooking a steep valley. The village is fascinating with its picturesque old buildings and cobbled streets, with Alpine choughs flying around the rooftops in the early mornings, cattle overwintering in barns and the occasional herd of sheep or goats .

    The local transport system is excellent- half hourly post buses connect the village to the railway station, where there are frequent, punctual trains in the direction of Landquart or St Moritz (Pontresina), giving easy access to all the walks suggested by Inntravel. The station is unmanned, but has a small warm waiting room and a well maintained toilet, open from very early to around midnight.

    Although there was a highly unusual lack of snow on the sunny side of the valley whilst we were there (melting fast due to sunny days and no recent snowfall), we completed a snowy walk every day - as the week progressed and snow melted, we sought the shady side of the valley around Tarasp, the lower "riverside" walk from Guarda station to Lavin and along the high path from Motta Naluns gondola. All these walks were very attractive and contrasting in character. The recommended Muottas Muragl walk, accessed by funicular railway from the Punt Muragl railway station was a real highlight, especially as were blessed with blue sky and sunshine - spectacular views of surrounding peaks and easy walking on well prepared paths...well worth the eye-watering cost of the funicular train up the mountain!

    Hotel Meisser provided a comfortable spacious room with a settee and small balcony, large en-suite bath/shower room (we requested both), tasty wholesome evening meals and helpful, friendly and efficient staff. It was immaculately clean with a relaxing ambience. The buffet breakfast consisted of local bread, croissants, ham, cheese, yogurts, fruit, cereals, hot drinks and juices,  jams, honey, with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on Sunday. A massive juicing machine enabled you also to concoct your own juice from a selection of apple, carrot, root ginger and cooked beetroot - great fun!

    The Lower Engadin is very scenic, with lots of opportunities for quiet attractive walks, perfect for walkers of all abilities and for keen photographers...we recommend it!

  • Mrs L Walton
    Leeds
    05 February 2023

    We thoroughly enjoyed our week in Guarda. We had a room with a balcony, and were delighted to find we had plenty of space to store our clothes etc. The sewing box available in the corridor was very useful because I had forgotten to bring mine. All staff members were friendly and jolly. We were also pleased to find the village shop is a very well stocked mini store. We thought it might be a nuisance having to get a bus to the station, but it worked very well. 

  • Sue & Paul, Menston
    30 January 2023

    The Lower Engadine Valley is a stunning location for a winter walking holiday. The travel infrastructure of narrow gauge, mountain railway and Post Bus must be the envy of every county in Europe and beyond. It was a pleasure to make use of the excellent bus and train services, especially with the free travel cards included with the holiday. We did experience a delay on the train on our return journey but not only were we kept informed of the situation but we were informed of all the major connections available as we arrived at the tranfer station!

    We found more opportunities for coffees and lunches since our previous visit in 2018 and quality was never an issue. We were unaware that a new museum has opended in Susch along with a cafe-bistro. Unfortunately we did not find this out until the last day of our stay!

    The winter walking paths are great and offer a wide  to explore up and down the valley and beyond. The "village flock" of Alpine Choughs inspired us on a day-to-day basis. Spiritually uplifting. The weather and snow cover were fantastic!

  • Lord J Dyson
    Northwood
    17 January 2023

    Wonderful walks. Interesting museum in Susch worth a mention

  • Dales Girl
    23 December 2022

    Traditional, idyliic - a truly extraordinary location which the brochure does not fully do justice to. A luxury hideaway to escape the daily grind but also an ideal starting point for walking and exploring the alps and villages of the Engadine Valley. The hotel is magical and the area untouristy. The Swiss trains are wonderful and the free passes included made all our journeys easy and accessible. 
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • In the Alps, most hotels have a vegetarian menu. Please contact us for specific information about this particular hotel.
  • Living far from the capital ourselves, we know better than most that flying from London can be a bind, so we are very flexible with our travel arrangements. Call or email us, and one of the team will be happy to list the different options available to you, and any price implications.
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Switzerland, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • The official languages are German, spoken in the majority of the country; French, spoken in the south-west; Italian, spoken in the south-east; and Romansch, mostly limited to the Engadine valley. The currency is the Franc. Swiss time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
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