Le Grand Hotel & Spa

The story of this corner of Gérardmer begins long before the first tourists arrived, when the town was little more than scattered mountain farms. Before 1833, the site hosted a simple coaching inn, a rustic stop for travelers navigating the rugged pass between Remiremont and the valley. Life was quiet until the local mayor laid out a straight road, opening the village to more travelers and horse-drawn carriages.

By 1840, under Félix Henry, the inn became the Auberge au Tilleul, or the Linden Tree Inn, a modest house with only a few rooms, shaded by the trees that still define the square today. The real transformation came in 1860 when Auguste Reiterhart purchased the inn, mortgaging it to build the Hôtel de la Poste and adding a small chalet at the back in the park. With the formation of the Comité des Promenades in 1875, the hotel grew to 30 rooms and added a hydrotherapy center, marking the start of Gérardmer’s wellness tradition.

The arrival of the railway in 1878 made the town a fashionable destination, and by 1888, the building had expanded into a 130-room complex, the Grand Hôtel et Hôtel de la Poste. The hotel witnessed turbulent times in 1914, when it became a hospital for wounded soldiers from the Alsace front, and in 1940, under German occupation, it served as a sanatorium and school. While much of Gérardmer was destroyed, the hotel remained intact.

The modern era began in 1963 under Henri Bragard and was later shaped by Claude and Fabienne Remy from 1985. Over the decades, Belle Époque apartments, restaurants, pools, and spa spaces were added. Today, under Pierre Remy, green roofs, renovated facades, and wellness spaces continue the story of nearly two centuries of hospitality on this site.

The Grand Hôtel & Spa presents a striking blend of classic elegance and thoughtful contemporary design, rooted in the rich architectural traditions of the Vosges region. The hotel’s Belle Époque-inspired façade reflects the period in which it rose to prominence in the late 1800s, with balanced proportions, refined rooflines, and decorative details.

Inside, the interiors feel both warm and refined. Across its 76 rooms and 14 suites, the design leans into spacious, elegant layouts that combine contemporary comfort with classic touches, using soft tones, quality finishes, and generous natural light to create an inviting atmosphere. The hotel also features a room specially designed for disabled guests, fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and inclusivity.

The standout Belle Époque Chalet annex brings a more intimate, traditional alpine lodge feel with wooden décor, large terraces overlooking the park, and high-standard comforts, including Jacuzzi bathtubs and private lounges. The hotel keeps its historic character alive while making sure guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay today.

The hotel offers a range of dining experiences designed to suit every palate and time of day. Guests can begin their morning with breakfast served in the elegant setting of Le Grand Cerf or enjoy the convenience of room service. For those seeking the heart of local flavors, L’Assiette du Coq à l’Ane provides a warm, bistro‑style atmosphere where creative regional dishes are served for both lunch and dinner. Here you might find Pièce de Boeuf à l’Échalote, Côtes d’Agneau Snakées au Beurre Persillé et Bayaldi de Légumes, or a classic Tartare de Boeuf Charolais, all dishes that reflect local ingredients and hearty French cooking.

For a more formal experience, Le Grand Cerf specializes in traditional French cuisine each evening. Meanwhile, Le Pavillon Pétrus serves as the hotel's premier gastronomic destination, offering a refined menu for those looking for a sophisticated culinary journey. To round out the experience, the Fritz Bar offers a cozy retreat for an aperitif or a cocktail, featuring a unique thematic decor that honors the legendary Bugatti brand.

Opening hours:
Le Grand Cerf: 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm (daily)
L’Assiette du Coq à l’Ane: 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm (daily)
Le Pavillon Pétrus: Thursday — Monday

Le Cavo de Philo

A hidden gem apart from the main restaurants and bar, Le Cavo de Philo is cherished by regulars for its intimate and cozy atmosphere. Recently refurbished, this private cellar is perfect for savoring fine wines and gourmet pairings in a serene, elegant setting. Guests can choose from curated tasting packages ranging from EUR 50 to 120  (USD 59 to 142), featuring carefully selected wines alongside platters of local cold meats, artisanal cheeses, smoked salmon toasts, scallop tartare, and other delicacies designed to elevate every sip.

This unique experience is available only by reservation, making it a truly exceptional and discreet destination for wine lovers.

Planning your wedding at the Grand Hôtel & Spa is all about creating a day that feels both personal and effortless. With seven different spaces to choose from, the hotel can easily host anything from a quiet, intimate ceremony to a large celebration with all your friends and family. The rooms are bright, air-conditioned, and designed to flow naturally from your vows to dinner and onto the dance floor.

The goal here is for you to actually enjoy your wedding rather than managing it. The events team takes care of the technical details like handling the setup and logistics, so you can stay present in the moment. With a mix of romantic decor and a team that genuinely cares about the little things, it’s a setting built for a day full of laughter and memories.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The landscapes of the Ballons des Vosges Natural Park offer activities for every season. For those who love being on the move, Gérardmer boasts over 350 kilometers (217 miles) of marked trails. You can explore these paths on foot or opt for one of the hotel’s latest-generation electric bikes, which allow you to reach breathtaking viewpoints with ease.

In the winter months, the town transforms into a hub for alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. To make getting to the slopes effortless, a snow shuttle runs directly from the hotel during the season. When the weather warms, the focus shifts to the nearby lake, where sailing and rowing provide a peaceful way to experience the water.

The Grand Hôtel & Spa is an ideal venue for all kinds of celebrations, from corporate gatherings to private parties. With seven modular event rooms, the hotel can host anything from business meetings and seminars to family reunions, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations. Equipped with screens, flipcharts, and video projectors, the rooms make it easy to organize presentations, conferences, or multimedia events. From professional gatherings to private dinners or lively family celebrations, the Grand Hôtel & Spa combines practical facilities with a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring every event is seamless and tailored to your needs.

The Grand Hôtel & Spa is a destination in itself, offering a wide range of onsite amenities to help guests relax, recharge, and enjoy their stay. One of the hotel’s standout features is its three swimming pools: a heated outdoor pool perfect for fresh-air swims and two indoor pools, one of which can be privatized for personal use, offering a rare touch of luxury. Guests can recharge in the counter-current pool, unwind in the sauna, or soak in the Jacuzzi after a day of skiing, hiking, or exploring the surrounding nature.

For deeper relaxation, Spa Les Chênes Blancs provides a deep wellness escape, open to both hotel guests and outside visitors. Its Heat Center spans 200 m² (2,153 ft²) and includes a sensory corridor, hammam, and water pool, while five themed treatment cabins, including a double cabin for couples. The relaxation area adds an extra layer of indulgence with a herbal tea room and a dedicated water bar, creating a serene retreat for reflection and calm. A fully equipped fitness room completes the onsite offerings, allowing guests to stay active at their own pace.