Luxury in the Alps
Hand-crafted, luxury experiences curated by our team—speak to our concierge to learn more
As you approach the majestic Grand Hotel Kronenhof, you could be mistaken for entering the set of The Grand Budapest Hotel. Its a 5-star superior hotel that delivers on the wow factor even from a distance.
Except you are not in Budapest, but in the scenic, tranquil alpine escape that is Pontresina. Think neighbouring St Moritz but without the Prada shop pretensions. This is a mountain village lined with iconic Belle Epoque hotels and authentic Engadine stone houses with ornate facades.
This grande dame of Engadine hotels is the heart and soul of the village and has been welcoming guests since 1848. The personalised service means they've been getting repeat guests for decades; some came as children and then returned with their children. They've had an extensive renovation in 2021 with the award-winning French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. The reception, lobby lounge, bar and reading room have all been rejuvenated to tranquil shades of blue that reflect the Engadine sky during various times of the day. You have to applaud their attention to every minutia as even the coffee table books are in hues of blue. The focal point here isn't the regal chandelier or the antique furniture, it's the lush majestic mountains of the Engadine Alps that take centre stage through the almost floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
There is no such thing as a bad room or suite at Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Even standard rooms offer a vista into the St. Moritz mountain range or the immaculately manicured forecourt. All their rates include the half-board package (more on the dining options later) and access to their world-renowned 2,000 sq m Kronenhof Spa and the fitness centre. Some rooms have been completely redesigned by Pierre-Yves Rochon. The rooms deliver on understated elegance and generally have a clear muted colour palette, which doesn't detract from the Alpine scenery which is why most tourist travel to this region. The rooms are particularly family-friendly, as most rooms can be interconnected and the price includes the use of the natural ice skate rink in the winter and tennis courts in the summer.
The luxury bathrooms include double vanities with polished, pristine marble tiling. The well-sized sunken bathtub offers views into the bedroom space and hence also to the natural surroundings. Luxury amenities with plush bathrobes are a given at such an esteemed establishment. Whilst a pillow menu is on offer to ensure any jetlag is tackled with consummate ease. Most junior suites have a balcony or terrace space and most visitors prefer to sit outdoors to absorb the magnificent scenery.
A star attraction of Grand Hotel Kronenhof is the guest's dining experience. Their 'casual dining' restaurant is actually in the regal Grand Restaurant, which used to be the hotel's ballroom. The evening dinner is included as part of your booking but given the historic surroundings, you won't be surprised to find a jacket is required. The ceiling frescoes captivatingly depict the four seasons in the local area. The ceiling has been painstakingly cleaned and restored in recent times, but they have left a small darkened square in one part to show what it looked like back in the times when smoking was still allowed indoors. The daily changing menu embraces Swiss classics as well as international offerings but also focuses on using local produce. They have a particularly strong focus on dietary requirements and offer a completely separate vegetarian menu.
They also offer a fine dining experience at Kronenstübli, even though the dress code is noticeably more relaxed than in the main dining hall. The culinary masterpieces here have that additional je ne sais quoi. The exquisite red prawn tartare is from Mazara del Vallo, where the finest Sicilian red prawns are from. For a showstopping experience, you must order the French classic that is "Duck Rouen style" which is duck 2-ways for a minimum of 2 people and includes the Rouen duck served with Champagne cabbage, potato dumplings and wild figs in Port wine.
There is a multitude of activities to partake in at the hotel. Chief among them is getting a massage treatment at their spa. The signature 5 senses massage is highly recommended. It stimulates all 5 senses based on the 5 elements. You have to pick an element, which is assigned with a colour and an associated aromatic essence. Being in the Swiss Alps, it was unsurprising that I went for the wood element which involved aromas of Swiss pine; it was a harmonising massage. Beyond that, the spa will keep you busy with a heated swimming pool, Finnish sauna, saltwater grotto and steam room and plenty more.
The hotel itself is a walking museum with a bowling alley that dates back to the 1930s, a cigar room that recalls the Sean Connery James Bond era and the original reception area of the hotel back in the 19th century (a much smaller structure to the left as you pass the gated entrance) has been well-maintained. The hotel staff will happily take you on a guided tour of the hotel.
Skiing is undoubtedly a key attraction to visiting this region but it is genuinely an all-year-round destination. They have jaw-dropping picturesque hiking trails which cater to all levels of expertise, even for people like myself who are acrophobic. Autumn is a particularly great time to visit with the region being less crowded with tourists and you can observe the autumnal changes in the alpine forest.
Grand Hotel Kronenhof
Via Maistra 130
7504 Pontresina / St. Moritz · Schweiz
Share this Article
You Might Also Like
-
Airalo: Your Gateway to Hassle-Free International SIM Connectivity
Airalo is changing the game for travellers who want reliable, affordable connectivity wherever they go.
-
Women Who Launch: Sophie Galvagnon of Selar
Galvagnon’s Arctic cruise is bringing the spirit of adventure back to polar tourism.
-
Alpiana Resort — Living The High Life In Italy's South Tyrol
Lana in South Tyrol has often been described as the perfect starting point to embrace the natural beauty of the region.
-
The Most Luxurious New Hotels Set To Open In 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, the global hospitality landscape is set to welcome an array of breathtaking new hotels, each offering unique experiences in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
-
Mallorca’s Hotel El Llorenç Is A Design Lover's Dream
This adults-only oasis resides on prime real estate in Palma. Come for the first class service and stay for the infinity pool.
-
Dublin’s Beacon Of Luxury: The Shelbourne
The Shelbourne, a landmark of Dublin, has been an icon of luxury hospitality since it opened its doors in 1824. Celebrating its bicentenary this year, The Shelbourne continues to exude Irish grandeur from its position in the heart of Dublin.
-
First-Class Design
Meet Landmass, the leading design and property development company behind some of the world’s most visually arresting properties.
-
August: The Future Of Luxury Holiday Property Ownership
The Sybarite sits down with August Co-Founder and CEO Mélie Dunod to learn more about the pioneering luxury lifestyle and real estate company.
-
Historic Garden Tours of England's Secret Stately Homes
Explore the verdant beauty and hidden histories of England's lesser-known stately homes through their exquisite gardens.
-
Five Minutes With Celebrated Interior Designer, Rayman Boozer
With a flair for the colourful and a background in commercial and residential projects, Rayman Boozer has established himself as one to watch in the interior design world.
-
Featuring 15 Best Luxury Couples Retreats in 2024
We all know that setting time aside to clear your mind and recharge is good for your mental health and wellbeing.
-
In Conversation: Brendan OConnor, General Manager of Adare Manor
For Brendan OConnor, Adare Manor is more than a job; its a passion intertwined with the very essence of Irish hospitality, and as he reveals the secrets behind the historic estates unique blend of grandeur, sustainability, and personalised service, youre invited into a world where every stay feels like a cherished homecoming.
-
Women Who Launch: Jen Fuller from Etta Loves
It’s not often that the idea for your next big venture comes from the smallest of business consultants.
-
The Best Destinations For Winter Sun
As winter sets in and the chill creeps across the UK, many travellers are dreaming of sun-soaked escapes to warmer destinations.
-
Portella Palma: A Mediterranean Haven of Elegance and Tranquillity
Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, Portella Palma is a destination that defines understated luxury.
-
Zulal Wellness Resort —The Pinnacle Of Health and Family
Situated as a pioneering wellness destination in the Middle East, Zulal Wellness Resort offers a rare blend of holistic health and luxury, curated by the renowned Chiva-Som group.
-
Featuring Christmas Markets In The UK That You Have To Visit This Month
Now that the Christmas season is officially underway, we have curated a list of the best Christmas markets in the country.
-
Discovering the Unique Charms of 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai embodies the grandeur and historical charm of Thailand’s colonial era. Built in 1889, this distinguished property originally served as the residence of Louis Leonowen. Nestled in the heart of Chiang Mai, 137 Pillars House presents a distinctive blend of heritage, luxury, and local culture, making it an exceptional choice for traveler's.