Kempinski gets ready to open in St. Moritz

7 August 2002

Kempinski Hotels & Resorts' 20 year lease agreement for its first property in Switzerland, gives the luxury European hotel group a presence in the exclusive resort of St. Moritz. 

The former Parkhotel Kurhaus was a privately owned four star hotel which will reopen after an investment of over SFR 55 million in extensive renovations, under Kempinski`s management, as the deluxe five star `Kempinski Grand Hôtel des Bains`. In 1366 BC the first mineral springs in the world were discovered on the site - a fact which has made St. Moritz popular since the Middle Ages. 

The Kempinski hotel will open on December 15 2002, in time for the winter season 2002/2003 and the Skiing World Championship 2003. 

The hotel is spacious, built in a low-rise style with two towers, which will house the top suites. It is located in St Moritz Bad, close to the lake and is surrounded by forest, with the start of the cross-country ski tracks on one side and one of the town's main cable cars on the other. 

The designer is Strabag AG from Vienna, Austria. Rooms will be classically elegant using a colour scheme of terracotta, gold and green along with cherry wood to enhance the light spacious feel. 

Art deco touches reflect the glorious hey-day of St Moritz with hand-made chrome fixtures in the bathrooms and streamlined light fittings. Large public rooms will be lavishly furnished with antiques as well as newly designed pieces - again with an art-deco theme. 

The Medallion Room is located in the main building on the lobby level, next to the "Library", facing the park. It is a rectangular room with four columns. The room has natural daylight and features historic wall paneling and ceiling paintings. It is considered by many to be the most classic and attractive room in all of St. Moritz. 

The hotel, situated walking distance from the picturesque lake, will have 169 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a wellness centre, medical clinic and state of the art spa. The medical clinic will also carry out minor operations and cosmetic surgery. Indoor and outdoor tennis courts and the public swimming pool are within the grounds, rendering the Kempinski's the most extensive leisure facilities in town. The new casino is adjacent to the hotel and Kempinski guests will receive priority VIP membership during their stay. 

The food and beverage emphasis will be on luxury with a grand dining room open for lavish buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. There will also be a gourmet restaurant for a more intimate experience. 

St. Moritz is the world`s most famous ski resort and was the pioneer of Alpine winter holidays in 1864. Home to the Winter Olympics of 1928 and 1948, it also boasts the legendary Cresta Run. 

Kempinski Hotels & Resorts` portfolio comprises over 30 distinctive properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Asia and Australasia. Each offers superior standards of service combined with a style reflecting the individuality of the property and it's location. Landmark properties include the Çiragan Palace Hotel Kempinski in Istanbul and Hotel Adlon in Berlin.