Most guests tell us the same thing after their first stay: they wish they'd known a few things before arriving. Here's what the team would tell you if you called us right now.
When you arrive, you’ll be met at the front desk by one of the team — not a queue, not a kiosk.
Getting Here
The easiest way to reach Alphaus is by train from Geneva or Zurich — both routes are straightforward, scenic, and frankly better than driving once you factor in winter road conditions. From Geneva Cornavin, take the direct regional train toward Martigny and change at Sion. The total journey is about two hours and fifteen minutes, and the last stretch through the valley is worth the window seat.
If you’re flying into Zurich, the journey is closer to two hours forty-five. We recommend the 10:42 departure from Zurich HB on most days — it connects cleanly at Visp without a long wait.
Practical tip: Book your train tickets at least a few days ahead in winter. The mountain routes fill up faster than people expect, especially on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
We offer a private transfer from both airports if you’d prefer — just send us your flight details at least 48 hours before arrival and we’ll arrange everything. The transfer from Geneva is about two hours by road, Zurich is closer to two hours forty-five. Our drivers know the roads well, including the winter conditions.
Arrival & Check-In
Check-in is from 3:00 pm. If your train arrives earlier — which it often does from Geneva — your bags can be left with the front desk from noon and we’ll have them in your room by the time you’re ready. The breakfast room and The Refuge bar are both open from noon, so there’s no reason to wait outside.
When you arrive, you’ll be met at the front desk by one of the team — not a queue, not a kiosk. We’ll go through your room, the key things you might want to know about the hotel, and what’s on in the valley while you’re here. This takes about ten minutes. We’ve learned not to overload people when they’ve just come off a train.
What to have ready: your booking confirmation (a name is fine), and any dietary notes or special requests you haven’t already sent through. Better late than never.
Your First Evening
Our honest recommendation: don’t over-plan the first night. A lot of guests book The Stube for their first evening and find they’re still tired from travel. The Refuge is open until 11:00 pm and serves food all day — the cheese board and a glass of something local is a perfectly good dinner, especially with the fireplace going.
If you do want The Stube on your first night, reserve in advance. Tables go quickly, and hotel guests get priority — mention your room when you book.
What We Provide (So You Don’t Pack It)
We get a lot of questions about what’s in the rooms. Here’s the short version:
Robes and slippers in every room
Nespresso machine with capsules (we restock daily)
Minibar refreshed each morning
Branded toiletries — shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion
Hairdryer, safe, and umbrella
Extra blankets and pillows on request — just call the front desk
What we don’t provide: a television (intentionally — you’re in the Alps), a gym (La Pierre Spa has a treatment room and the mountain is outside), or room service after 10:00 pm. We mention this not as a warning but because some guests find it useful to know before they arrive.
The One Thing We’d Tell Every First-Time Guest
Wake up early on your first morning. The valley light between 7:00 and 8:30 am — before the cloud comes in — is the kind of thing people mention years later. The breakfast room opens at 7:30. Get there while the windows are still clear.
If you have questions before your stay, the team is always reachable at stay@alphaus.com or +41 27 555 0148. We check both every morning, including weekends.
