Samih Sawiris’ Swiss Chedi Andermatt to Accept Cryptocurrencies

With the rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and - for pete’s sake - Dogecoin, institutions around the world are opting into an increasingly cyberpunk future by incorporating these digital currencies into their payment systems. Now, the Chedi Andermatt - a luxury hotel perched among the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps - is accepting Bitcoin and Ethereum as payment. The hotel, owned by Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris, considered accepting cryptocurrencies four years ago but waited until the risk of price fluctuations decreased.

To this end, the five-star Chedi Andermatt is partnering with payment-service provider Worldline and Swiss Bitcoin Suisse. All cryptocurrency payments will be instantly converted into Swiss francs once confirmed.

The Chedi first opened its doors amongst the picturesque ski chalets of Andermatt, an idyllic town owned by Sawiris’s Orascom Development about 110 kilometres from Zurich, in 2013. The upscale hotel's 123 rooms are adorned with warm woods and natural stone, complemented by a spa and wellness centre, sports boutique, hydrothermal baths, all framed by the striking outdoor Alpine landscape.

Rooms and suites at the Swiss hotel range from $800 to $2,725 per room per night. If you are not vaccinated against COVID-19  or are unable to present proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or a rapid antigen test not older than 48 hours is required for all travellers flying into Switzerland. If you are in possession of a COVID-19 certificate that shows you are vaccinated and is recognised by Switzerland, you will be exempt from many health-related measures at the border. For more information and to see which vaccines are valid for travel into Switzerland, visit bag.admin.ch.