Six Senses Crans-Montana

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.

I live in the city and was a very regular customer (almost every day of the week) at six senses’ Ora bar, Wild cabin restaurant and Byakko restaurant. At first my friends and I were very pleased with the service, however, with time the staff became extremely rude and disregarding. There have been multiple situations after which our desire to come to Six Senses has completely disappeared. For example, I arrived with my friends and we had some younger people with us, we asked them to get a table at Wild Cabin for dinner while we use the restroom and they got told the restaurant was full. However, another friend of mine called the restaurant and asked for a booking, to which they said there is availability. We were told multiple times that we will ‘not be served’ or ‘have access to the hotel’ if we are seen using electronic cigarettes- when we weren’t the ones smoking. Additionally, after we decided to give the Wild Cabin restaurant another chance, we were disappointed once again. The waiters were rude to our face as behind our backs- pointing fingers and whispering. Overall our experience in Six Senses Crans Montana went from being great to absolutely horrible. We felt unwelcome and mocked.

This is a new build that just opened in March. It is in a very convenient location next to a ski run/bike road (so it is ski-in ski-out and bike-in bike-out). It is also just above and an easy walk to the Cry d’Er Gondola and Crans. It appears (I don’t know) that there were design challenges fitting it into its location, which may account for some of the comments below. The facilities are obviously quite new and modern. The lobby, restaurants, and rooms are open and airy - very modern combined with mountain traditional and outdoor themes. The rooms are large, comfortable and well-equipped. The bathroom is large (although the tub being in the center looks cool it is a bit in the way). Our room (and the rooms on our side of the hotel over a number of floors) have large terraces and full window walls. The views aren’t great, though - overlooking the ski run/gravel road and the side of a hill. It appears for a view you need to stay in one of the residences (there is a rental program) or perhaps a suite on the top floors. The staff is outstanding (though they seem a bit inexperienced, as to be expected for a new hotel). They were very friendly and helpful all through the hotel. The Guest experience Manager (GEM) greeted us upon arrival and helped with any arrangements. The activity staff (downstairs at the ski/bike area) were incredibly helpful in discussing activities and directing us how to get where we wanted to go (such as the easy access from the hotel to the Bisse du Ro hiking trail - an absolute must-do). The hotel provides lift ticket cards at a much lower cost than the ticket window rack rate, which is very convenient. The spa staff was excellent, including the massage therapists The spa facilities are huge, with an indoor/outdoor pool, relaxation areas, a variety of saunas, steam, etc., both coed as well as individual ones in each of the locker rooms. The indoor/outdoor pool is integral to the spa facilities ; the only drawback is that it is below grade so the outdoor potion of the pool is only semi-outdoor (there are no views - if you are looking for a great view of the mountains ala Hotel Mont Blanc in Chamonix, you will be sorely disappointed). There is a separate outdoor pool on the 5th (lobby) floor which is not connected to the spa. It’s location seems a bit odd other than that may have been the only place they could put it. There is free transportation to he Violette gondola in Montana, from where you can ride to the base of the tram to the top and to the glacier. From Violette there is also a free bus to reach the Bisse du Tsittoret trailhead - another great hike with waterfalls (the free bus runs all through Crans-Montana, to the Cry d’Er as well). Be warned - there is no AC (in the interest of sustainability I guess) or other air circulation system (or ceiling fan) and it was in the mid to high 80’s while we were there. The room was very hot (the window walls which face west didn’t help) and sleeping was very difficult. W

The place is great and has an amazing view. The staff were great and accommodating. And the services they provide were good as well. It’s a great place to get away from the busy cities and they are very environmentally conscious. However, I think the best time to visit will be during the winter season.