1900 to today
we are proud of our history
Our company can look back on a long history spanning several generations.
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1900 – 1948: The Grand Hotel Belvedere
A beautiful hotel at the foot of the majestic Blümlisalp
The imposing Grand Hotel Belvedere was built by the Loosli-Egger family at the beginning of the 20th century, at the height of the Belle Epoque. Spurred by the construction of the railway, pioneering tourism, and the predominantly British guests, this magnificent building was constructed with faith in the emerging and flourishing economy. With the outbreak of World War I, the "Glorious Era" came to an abrupt end. Difficult times for a hotel of this size. The recovery before World War II was short-lived, and resources were scarce. These lean decades eroded the hotel's substance, and the tourism landscape changed dramatically. Thus, this beautiful building was demolished in 1949 due to the danger of collapse. It faded into history with a swirl of noise and smoke as the most beautiful hotel at the foot of the Blümlisalp.
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1948 – 1982: The first generation, Philipp & Agnes Klara Schwitter-Schleiss
The children: Agnes, Monika, Barbara & Philipp Schwitter
After World War II, Philipp Schwitter Senior "landed" in Kandersteg. He knew the place because, as a soldier, he had to repair a delousing machine at the Grand Hotel Belvedere.
The former goatherd from Pfäfers, St. Gallen, dreamed of self-employment, a dream he realized in a former pigsty. With great pioneering spirit, even greater zeal, and drive,
he laid the foundation for a business that has now been run by three generations. With the selfless help of "his angel on the mountain," his wife Agnes Klara from Engelberg, the following business was built with great dedication over the next 35 years:
– 1 garage operation
– 1 gas station
– 1 taxi service
– 1 bus travel company
– 1 discotheque
– 1 motel - later became 1 hotel
When Schwitter died in 2002, several Kandersteg residents at his funeral said, "Here goes one of Kandersteg's last pioneers." "Shoemaker, stick to your last" was certainly not Grossatt's life motto. Throughout his life, he was driven by entrepreneurship. Not everything was meant to last, not everything was built on solid foundations, but he was always inspired by the desire to lay the foundation for the future generations of his family.
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1982 – 2013: The second generation, Agnes Klara & Peter Seiler-Schwitter
The children: Michèle & Nicolas Seiler
As early as 1976, the eldest Schwitter daughter, Agnes, returned to her parents' business and leased the hotel. That same year, the restaurant opened, and after several renovations, the motel continued to operate as a full-service hotel. The former guesthouse continued to be invested in to meet the demands of the tourism market.
Created with incredible commitment and great risk-taking:– various extensions
– Room capacity increased to 32 rooms (total 64 beds)
– major improvements in comfort
– the indoor pool with fitness room and sauna
– the hotel bar and the High Moon Pub
– a renowned gastronomy
– a staff house with management apartment
– Hotel Alfa Soleil AG
The second generation achieved incredible things: with tireless effort and always limited resources, they managed to transform Philipp's simple motel into a respectable 3*** hotel. -
Since 2013: The third generation, Nicolas & Romy Seiler-Von Gunten
The children: Dario, Mia-Clara, Nea-Lina
This is us! We took over the hotel business from Agnes & Peter in 2013.
Romy has been fully involved in the hotel business since 2001 and Nico since 2006.
As gastronomy specialists, we have successfully given the restaurant a facelift. The repositioning as a gourmet and seminar hotel is also our responsibility, and we are confident that we will be able to successfully manage the Hotel Alfa Soleil in the future.
We feel a deep connection to the tradition and tremendous dedication of our "ancestors" and have great respect and gratitude for this extraordinary achievement. These were, not least, the decisive factors in acquiring this company in all its facets.
We have the most wonderful and varied profession in the world! Hospitality and a keen sense of tourism were instilled in us from birth.
We are grateful to be able to take on this legacy and look forward to welcoming you soon to the UNESCO village in our unique and historic house!
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2021 – 2022: We have rebuilt
New classification: 3* Superior
After long preparations for investment and planning, we can finally get started in spring 2021 and completely renovate the house.
In 4 stages:
– 20 renovated guest rooms
– 1 new SPA facility with 2 saunas and 1 steam bath
– 1 panoramic lift1 panoramic relaxation room
– 2 new roofs
–1 solar system
–1 disposal station
The hotel's comfort level will be significantly increased. This commitment is recognized by Hotelleriesuisse, and the hotel will be
reclassified as a 3-star superior hotel in spring 2023. -
2023: Seiler's Vintage Hotel
In autumn 2023, we continue our story.
After 71 years, the Alfa Soleil retires.
The hotel receives a new name and shines in new splendor.
