History

And it was way back in 1853 that Alexander Seiler first rented Doctor Lauber’s wooden chalet.

The first two Zermatt summers were highly successful for  Alexander – and already at the end of the second business year he acquired the chalet, increased the former number of 6 beds to 35 and reopened the establishment under the new name  “Monte Rosa“  on 24 July, 1855.
The cornerstone of our story was thus laid – and history begins! 

The Dufourspitze of the Monte Rosa was also won-over for the very first time on July 11 of the same year – although whether our name is bound to intentions or coincidence escapes our knowledge.  

Visitor books of the Seiler Hotels, and shelves of alpine literature, bear witness to the fact that practically every mountain pioneer was a returning visitor to Zermatt.  And most of the time, returning visitors with a preference for a good night’s slumber at the Hotel Monte Rosa – the shared  and popular accommodation quarters and meeting place for mountaineers! 

According to entries in the collection of visitor books, Edward Whymper also whiled away time at the Monte Rosa for the first time between the 8th and 13th of August 1860  - and years later on 13th July 1865 headed a journey  and first ascent of the  Matterhorn, accompanied by a party of seven. Following a tragic accident on the return – leading to the death of four party members - the names Zermatt, Whymper and Seiler soon became known in the whole world.

1868 the Monte Rosa underwent extension work on the north side resulting in accommodation with 60 beds – and in 1890 yet again endured further extension work. This time with the construction of a fourth floor and attic room, after which the number of available guest beds rose to 110.

Edward Whymper made his last visit to Zermatt in 1911, before his death on September 16, in Chamonix.

1960 the Monte Rosa was suitably furnished for guests during the winter – and carried out its first winter season during 1960/61.
It was in 1970 that the commemorative plaque in honor of Edward Whymper was installed and inaugurated in festive manner.

The delightful Monte Rosa has undergone a number of additional renovations during the past years, but not one single facelift has deprived it of any of its original character and charm.

Citation of Edward Whymper:
«M. Seiler understood the art of in-keeping. He knew how to welcome the coming and to speed the parting guest; and admirably seconded by his estimable wife, he soon made a name for the Monte Rosa. There was no need to advertise the house by the ordinary methods, for it was advertised sufficiently by its clientele. If anyone inquired what is the best hotel in Zermatt? Or where shall we go? The answer was “go to the Monte Rosa” or “go to the Seiler’s”.»