Press release
Stylish five-star-superior hotel in the heart of Switzerland: The new Kempinski Palace Engelberg – Titlis Swiss Alps opens on 25 June 2021
Engelberg, 4 May 2021 – Timeless elegance is brought to the Swiss Alps by Kempinski Hotels: with the new Kempinski Palace Engelberg (www.kempinski.com), opening its doors end of June 2021, a beautiful Belle Epoque-era property has been meticulously reinterpreted for the next generation. With an interplay of nature, history and modernity in a very special location, Kempinski Palace Engelberg is the first international five-star- superior hotel in the largest winter and summer holiday destination in Central Switzerland and a haven for all seasons. Promising exclusivity and luxury, this newest jewel of the Kempinski family guarantees a peaceful escape from fast-paced city life. In addition, the team of the Kempinski Palace Engelberg is also responsible for the management of the sister hotel Frutt Mountain Resort in Melchsee-Frutt.
“The urge for beautiful and high-class retreats has never been felt so much needed as now. Escaping from our frantic lifestyles has become crucial and we are very much looking forward to offering our guests a place to unwind and restore balance of both mind and body in a luxurious setting”, states Andreas Magnus, General Manager of the new palace. “Crafting bespoke experiences for people with impeccable taste and creating a remarkable sense of place is part of our Kempinski DNA.”
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Immediately after arrival, the historic building casts its spell over the guests. With inspiration from the mountains, carefully selected local materials such as wood and stone play a major role in the palace, mirroring in its design the subtle textures and colors of nature. High quality craftsmanship and traditional techniques have been used in a contemporary way while alpine motifs have been adopted and transformed. The successful Engelberg hotelier Eduard Cattani had his brother, the architect Arnold Cattani, realize the building in the late 19th century and made it known far beyond the borders of Switzerland at the time. Today, the new hotel building in conjunction with the heritage-listed former “Europäischer Hof”, which opened in 1904 as “Grandhotel Winterhaus”, form a harmonious architectural whole where guests may suspend time in luxury and style. Casual elegance meets effortlessness of being Starting from the large entrance hall, the historical features and proportions are engagingly preserved. There are hidden gems from the past to be rediscovered – tile mosaics and marble, hexagonal motifs, coffered ceilings, chandeliers, niches in the bedrooms of the Belle Epoque wing and the genuine crackling fire one hopes to find in the mountains. Hazy greys and more subdued colors contrast with the traditional, expressive marble and mosaic work. Unusual materials such as wool, wicker, wood grains, copper and antique brass contrast easefully with tactility. Elegant rooms and suites – all with a unique mountain view The 129 spacious rooms and suites are characterized by light colors and noble materials, such as brushed oak and sumptuous leather in warm shades of brown. Gentle shades of green and blue convey a feeling of fresh mountain air, playfully combining textures. This interplay of historical details, contemporary furnishings, such as box-spring beds from the Swiss manufacturer “Elite”, and spectacular panoramic views of the mountains ensure a feel-good ambience in a remarkable class of its own. Regional gastronomic highlights With a flair for elegant European style and a service infused with the essence of local culture, the “Cattani Restaurant” has a laid-back informality. Although large with 120 seats indoors and 70 on the summer terrace, its casual, modern furniture and stylish accessories make it feel familiar and snug. Always putting the focus on the unique view, the peaceful terrace invites guests to lose themselves in the moment. The menu features seasonal produce from local producers, carefully prepared by executive chef Michéle Müller, notably one of the few female chefs in a Swiss five-star-superior hotel, who constantly seeks out new culinary experiences to please and surprise guests. Historical décor and dark colors revive the Roaring Twenties at “The Palace Bar” and the “Cigar Lounge” – both places where people in the know gather to meet and relax, drawn by its charm and exclusive club atmosphere. Located directly adjacent to the lobby lies the bright “Wintergarden” with its own terrace: the perfect place for the traditional Afternoon Tea – a signature service of the hotel. A light-filled spa for all the senses On the top floor, “Kempinski The Spa” evokes the Alps. Stone, as smooth as a pebble or roughly carved, stands in contrast with graphic lines of wood. The inspiration from the mountain landscape is abstract, but always harmoniously combined with the incomparable panorama. An infinity pool with spacious lounging areas, a relaxation room with an open Himalayan salt-stone fireplace and carefully selected treatments provide the perfect place to unwind and allow to engage all senses.
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State-of-the-art meeting and event rooms with historic Kursaal* Nine conference rooms with plenty of natural light, covering an area of around 850 sq m await meeting and event participants. Hi-tech equipment guarantees a professional and smooth process. The ground-level location allows plenty of space for organization and facilitates a variety of events, such as car presentations. Another highlight: Thanks to the newly renovated historic Kursaal*, it is possible to hold events with up to 1,000 guests. Prime location in the center of Engelberg Kempinski Palace Engelberg is located in the center of the village, right next to the spa gardens and only a few minutes’ walk from the railway station. The famous Engelberg monastery and the funiculars are a 10-minute walk away. Engelberg is easy to reach by train and by car. Excellent national and international connections with short distances to the airports of Zurich and Basel as well as a direct train from Lucerne ensure that the guest’s journey will be a memorable one. “Luxury hospitality is about people and their talent for creating warm and sophisticated environments for guests to enjoy”, adds Andreas Magnus. “It requires specialist knowledge, artistry and skill and above all, it demands constant attention to detail. Each guest is an individual who expects their stay to be tailored to their needs and wishes. Our team of authentic individuals, educated to entertain and dedicated to please, is more than ready to open that new chapter of luxury here in the Swiss Alps of Engelberg.”
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*The Kursaal is managed by Kursaal AG Engelberg www.kursaalengelberg.ch. This company is not part of the Kempinski Palace Engelberg - Titlis Swiss Alps.
About Kempinski Palace Engelberg – Titlis Swiss Alps: “Embrace Swissness” - On June 25, 2021, Kempinski Palace Engelberg will be the first international five-star-superior hotel to open in central Switzerland's largest winter and summer holiday destination. The successful Engelberg hotelier Eduard Cattani (1841 – 1908) had his brother, the architect Arnold Cattani (1846 – 1921), design and build the historic building, which was known far beyond the borders of Switzerland at the time. Together with the new six-storey hotel building, the listed hotel, which opened in 1904 as the “Grandhotel Winterhaus” now forms a consummate architectural unit. The 129 rooms and suites offer state-of-the-art facilities as well as a unique view of the breathtaking mountain landscape. Culinary variety is provided by the signature “Cattani restaurant” featuring also a large summer terrace, “The Palace Bar” with “Cigar Lounge” and the “Wintergarden” with regional and seasonal products. A unique 880 sq m rooftop spa with infinity pool and views over the mountain panorama, as well as a modern event area with nine conference rooms and the listed Kursaal* for up to 1,000 guests round off the diverse range of facilities. The hotel is conveniently and easily accessible all year round by car, train or in around 75 minutes by car via Zurich airport.
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About Kempinski Hotels: Founded in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is the oldest luxury hotel group in Europe. Kempinski offers its guests first-class hospitality and personal service worldwide, complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of the respective resorts. Kempinski currently operates a total of 78 five-star hotels and residences in 34 countries. This range is continually extended by the addition of new hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Each reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio includes historic grand hotels, superb city hotels, outstanding resorts and superior residences. Kempinski is also a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. kempinski.com/engelberg · kempinski.com · discoveryloyalty.com
Media contacts: Alexandra Ellerkamp · Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications Kempinski Palace Engelberg – Titlis Swiss Alps Dorfstrasse 40 · 6390 Engelberg · Switzerland T +41 41 556 40 57· [email protected]
Tina Thommen PR/TICULAR Forchstrasse 55 · 8032 Zürich · Switzerland M +41 78 860 64 49 · [email protected]
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