화이트포드(Whitepod Original)

Came to Whitepod to celebrate our wedding anniversary and had a fabulous time. As an eco-luxury hotel, we were expecting something comfortable and well organized - and even a bit indulgent - but also expected it to have some elements that were rough-around-the-edges. We didn’t find any of those. Online check in was smooth and easy, and Najma provided great orientation, when we got there. Through her, we also booked meals and arranged activities. All of the staff at Whitepod were friendly and professional, going through extra mile to ensure we had a good time (eg, leaving us cake, even when we kissed afternoon tea because we were out in the mountains). Helpful to know ahead of time, if you’re thinking of visiting (our advice is re a summer 2022 visit): 1) part of the magic of Whitepod is how immersed in nature you are. Be prepared that you’ll be walking from reception up to your pod, and down again if you want to eat in the gastronomic restaurant. I would not recommend it if you have trouble walking up a steep or uneven path 2) as you would imagine at high altitude, dining options are limited. The gastronomic restaurant Cheniere is excellent - but menu selection is understandably small (everything is sourced locally). Gaia is an outstanding member of the team, there And, also on the dining front, hike-able (30-45 mins) Auberge de Chindonne has a gorgeous view, friendly team, and delicious food (including BBQ!) Finally, daily breakfast is super yummy. Not the biggest selection, but delicious and with fresh baked bread, fantastic cappuccinos and even a juicer. Ah, and of course, fire-grilled Rosti! Big call out to Roxanne who manages the whole Podhouse scene. Overall, a really enjoyable place to get into the mountains, slow down, chill on the deck of your pod, and do as many or as few activities as you like!

Everything about this place looks perfect on paper and on the website but once you get there things don't turn out being as great as you'd expect. Starting with the reservation - I got a voucher for my birthday for one night at the cozy pod. I called to ask about the conditions of the voucher and I was told my voucher was worth 695CHF and I could reserve a higher or lower rate accommodation and pay/receive the difference. Well it turned out when I finally made the booking the manager in charge said the rules had changed and I had been misinformed - my voucher was worth 1 night independent of the rate for the night I booked which in my case was less than 695CHF - they just keep the difference to themselves. This would not shock me if they would use an average yearly rate for the voucher but they don't - they use the highest of the year so they always win. Secondly, getting to and out of the pods is not an easy task in winter time. The resort is north facing - we were there for one night late Dec and got less than 1h of sunlight in the day. The weather was beautiful on the other side of the mountain but the area where the pods are is dark, icy and dangerously slippery - make sure you have proper gear or you'll end up getting injured. Thirdly good luck trying to figure out the right temperature inside the pod. Everything is supposed to be digital (including the fireplace - yes the fireplace). You're meant to regulate the temperature of the room (including how strong the fireplace blows the air) on a tiny screen in the fireplace. You will never get it right and you'll either be too cold or too hot not to mention the light coming out from the fireplace at night. Stayed up the whole night either too cold or blinded by the light of the fireplace (not to mention the noise of that thingie blowing off full power). On a positive note, the landscape and the mountain views were amazing, we could see the sky full of stars at night. The food and the staff at the restaurant are very nice and they have all the gear you need available if you know beforehand what you will need (they dont advise you at check-in). In summary for me was a poor experience - my expectations were so high and they fell short of being nearly met. I gave feedback at check-out and the manager had a chance to course-correct things and make me feel good. She chose not to, which was an even bigger disappointment. I encourage the management to re-think their business/policies and start focusing more on customer experience. The views and the pod structure will give you initial curious customers willing to try it like me but wont guarantee they will stay loyal, recommend it and come back .

We spent a night as a couple in one of the cozy pods on a Sunday night recently and would only rate the overall experience as below average The pods are large tent on stilt structures about 15/20 min walk uphill on a dirt track from the reception/restaurant area and while spacious are not really luxury ( after all they are tents!) Given the warm weather, the heat inside was stifling and while they have a plastic front to admire the scenery, the key issue is only a small zipped opening at the backside which doesn't help ventilation. The heating/cooling is centrally controlled to keep the temp at 21oC, but it doesn't really work and you are either too hot by day or too cold by night - in addition heating is by a pellet stove which is loud/disturbing when it kick in automatically during the night We had booked dinner in the central restaurant which meant a 15/20 min walk downhill, and a more difficult walk back up in the dark - make sure you have suitable footwear! Dinner itself was a mess, while seated quickly, we waited 20 mins for a first drink and again to order the food - service was amateurish and not inline with a restaurant that charges premium prices. When the food eventually came, it was partially cold and we had to get a replacement, without even an apology - it seems the restaurant survives on having a captive audience staying as there are no other options to eat nearby Breakfast next morning was a repeat of the same experience as dinner the night before, albeit with slightly better service but the buffet choice was fairly humdrum and nothing special We gave feedback to the lady on checkout, who brushed it aside and didn't seem to care or wanted to engage on how it could be rectified, which seemed to be the overall service level we met In summary, we found the experience well below our expectations, while the concept is neat, the execution is poor and certainly not 'luxury' meriting the high prices charged

The whole stay was a great and new experience. We are in the middle of nature yet we still can have such a luxurious pod with private sauna. The view is breathtaking even though there's no more snow. on the way up to the pod by little hike, we even saw a baby dear and at night the sky is full of stars. we like the small presentation at the reception when check-in. they also provide us with the survival backpack. The restaurant is nice and truffle fondue was delicious. Must try. Most important thing, the staff are very friendly and helpful.

Our stay was simply wonderful. The comfort and privacy of the rooms allowed us to truly relax. The homemade food, especially the breakfast and the afternoon snack, was delicious and added a delightful family touch. The hotel's natural surroundings, combined with the luxury of the facilities, made our stay memorable. We highly recommend this hotel, whether for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. We can't wait to return, perhaps even in winter to enjoy the magic of the snow!

We had a very pleasant stay in an unusual place with an incredible view. The staff is very pleasant, the pods are very well equipped, the decoration is perfect. The breakfast is varied and very good. We will come back with great pleasure with our family !

Wonderful experience in the heart of nature. The pods was 5 star. Everything was organised and clean. Helpful staff. Grate options for breakfast. Many activists to do. Reception area is very beautiful and the lady on reception is very friendly and helpful. They transferred our luggage to the pods while we walking to the pods.

The pods are very hot when the sun is shining and there is no way to ventilate them in order to cool them down. The access roads are muddy and unmaintained, and boots are needed to access some pods when it rains. Very noisy, with the noise of the nearby highway, helicopters and tourist planes, and vehicles carrying suitcases and clients.

Enjoyed two nights (a recommended minimum to be there!) with wife and baby. Amazing place, would definitely go again for the Swiss Pod. Excellent breakfast: not a huge choice, but superb quality of local food. This is exactly my taste. Roxane at breakfast and tea time did a great job, the same as the (apparently new) GM Jonas, who looks after every guests. If you hesitate to book: just book and enjoy!