Timeless elegance is brought to the Swiss Alps by Kempinski Hotels with the new Kempinski Palace Engelberg, opening its doors on June 25, 2021.

The hotel is a beautiful Belle Epoque-era property, 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.”

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, realise 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”, forms a harmonious architectural whole where guests may suspend time in luxury and style.

Casual elegance meets effortlessness

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 characterised by light colours 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 ambiance 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.

State-of-the-art meeting and event rooms

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

Kempinski Palace Engelberg is located in the centre 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.”