The historic hotel had fallen on hard times and was known as the Schandfleck—eyesore—of Saanen. The hotel closed in 2001 and passed into the hands of new owners. Various renovation and construction projects failed, and the site continued to degrade.

When the property is torn down shortly, another factor for health and safety concerns will be addressed—asbestos. A popular choice of building material in Switzerland until it was outlawed for the carcinogenic effect of its dust in 1989, asbestos requires a special removal process.

"An asbestos removal will be performed before the demolition work,” informed the co-owner Daniel Matti of Chalet Matti AG.

In place of the hotel, a new project featuring three chalets will be constructed over a period of 20 months. These chalets will consist of three condominiums for residents, three second homes, business spaces, an office, and a school hotel.

"During this time, the portion of Märetgässli adjacent to the construction will be closed,” explained Matti. “In addition, it is there may be difficulties on Hindergässli due to the diversion of business lines.”

Residents who are inconvenienced by the work may inform the company directly.