Popular with walkers, climbers and skiers, this small chalet-style hotel is in the upper part of the Lötschental, a beautiful and unspoilt area and UNESCO heritage site, and is the oldest in the region (it dates from 1866). ‘Well appointed, clean, comfortable, and attractively decorated with mountaineering appurtenances’, it is run by its owners, Esther Bellwald and Laurent Hubert. He is the chef, and has earned 13 Gault Millau points for his Valais specailties, including game in season. ‘The food is excellent’: there is a five-course table d’hôte dinner, an à la carte menu with ‘adequate choice, a good selection of wines from the Valais. Light dishes are available all day. ‘Splendid breakfast buffet: perfect fruit, home-made muesli, cold meats, etc.’ The postbus from Goppenstein railway station stops at the door.