Fodor's Expert Review Gstaad Palace Hotel

Towering above tiny Gstaad, this fantasyland castle is as costly as it looks. Although it cozily refers to itself as a family "pension" (albeit the largest in Switzerland), it has a splendid spa, tennis and squash courts, chauffeured Rolls-Royces, and other amenities. There's a gorgeous indoor-outdoor pool, with a glass floor that's placed on top for dancing on winter nights. Conscientious travelers worried about missing out on the local experience, rest assured: the guest rooms have rustic touches such as heavy curtains and padded headboards, though you could almost play hockey in the sprawling tiled baths. The kitchen serves four lavish restaurants, with renowned guest chefs conducting internationally themed cuisine weeks.