Words by Kriti Saraswat-Satpathy
The mesmerising beauty of the Swiss Alps has long allured travellers and still manages to draw millions of tourists from all around the world every year to Switzerland. While some seek the thrill of adventure activities like skiing, others look for tranquillity in its natural beauty. From glacial lakes and green pastures to snow-covered peaks and tiny hamlets, the country is a tourist’s paradise in all seasons.
Engelberg, in particular, is a lovely alpine town in central Switzerland which is famous as a mountain resort surrounded by breath-taking views of Titlis. Here, a hotel that leaves a lasting impression is the Kempinski Palace Engelberg, a property originally built in 1904. Today, it is the first and only five-star hotel in the region, making it a sought-after stay for those looking for utmost luxury in the lap of nature.
Hotel
What started as the Grand Hotel Winterhaus in 1904 by the Cattani brothers (architect Arnold Cattani designed it and hotelier Eduard Cattani managed it), is today the Kempinski Palace Engelberg. After five years of intense renovation work, the revamped hotel reopened its doors to the public in June 2021, with a new six-storey hotel building in addition to the historic one. Together, they form a complete architectural unit, combining the classic Belle Epoque features with contemporary design.
Motion sensor-enabled double doors automatically swing open, welcoming you to the new lobby that is swathed in neutral hues. The staff in bright red uniforms create a pleasant contrast whilst also retaining the Swiss charm. With ample seating available, the check-in process became a breeze, but what really caught my attention was the hotel’s proximity to the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
A walk through with cluster director of marketing and communications Alexandra Ellerkamp, revealed the hotel’s additional amenities including a large swimming pool on the top floor with glass walls that open up to views of the Alps. There’s also a gym, meeting rooms, banquet halls and gift shop on the premises.
As I walked from one section to the other, I learnt about the history and layout of the building along with the design challenges endured for the new additions. The slick modernity of clean lines and modern fixtures are seamlessly blended with little nuggets of old-world charm that have been retained in the form of mosaic flooring, chandeliers and paintings.
Room
Offering a selection of 129 rooms and suites with modern Swiss flair and spectacular views of the beautiful alpine surroundings, the hotel offers various categories of stay.
There are five room types and four suite types to pick from, each one opening out to splendid vistas. All of them offer free Wi-Fi, luxurious bath spaces, Nespresso machine, TV, and similar interiors of light wood furniture, textured furnishings and sleek light fixtures. Through balconies and large windows, one can enjoy the beauty of the mountains without leaving their rooms.
Food and drink
Named after the family that started this hotel, the main dining place is the Cattani Restaurant where you can also find a drawing of their family tree at the entrance. Serving a European fare with a flair for all things Swiss, the restaurant boasts a farm-to-table concept with everything from cheese, honey, butter, meat and fresh produce sourced locally.
Wash it down with a drink from the extensive wine list, and don’t miss their fresh smoothies and juice blends at breakfast. Through its double-height windows you can take in the views without stepping out on a cold, wintery day. In the summers, however, an al fresco setup right outside the restaurant is ideal for soaking up some sun.
If light bites and heady concoctions are on your mind, The Palace Bar is for you. Built in 1905, it retains its charm with the crackling fireplace and a large bar. It is also a pet-friendly zone and is reminiscent of old gentlemen’s clubs is the Habanos Cigar Lounge, where one can find an exquisite selection of cigars and cigarillos, whisky, rum and cognac that you can enjoy over smooth jazz on a vinyl record.
The hotel also has Wintergarden, the perfect spot for afternoon tea, complete with home-made cakes and freshly baked pastries, exquisite coffee and famous tea specialities like scones, finger sandwiches and more.
Spa and wellness
The top floor that houses the pool is also home to the hotel’s spa where undulating mountain views instantly create a calming setting. Coupled with massages, facials and other treatments, it pampers one to the fullest, leaving them completely rejuvenated. Also on offer are saunas and steam rooms to relax and reinvigorate within.
To do
Being a year-round destination, Engelberg and Titlis are favourites in all seasons. Walk around the small town where you can find tourist shops selling Swiss souvenirs, head to a local pub, visit the park outside the hotel where you can even catch a live performance, or simply admire the natural beauty.
If you are feeling adventurous, go hiking, climbing and even paragliding in the summer. In winter, skiing is one of the main activities to try whether you are a novice or skilled skier. Head to Titlis (the hotel provides pickup and drop to its parking lot) where you can spend a full day doing a cliff walk, taking gondola rides, walking inside a glacier cave, being in the world’s first revolving cable car, and making merry in the snow park.
In a nutshell
A mountain lover’s paradise, the alpine region is a must-visit for all kinds of travellers, but for the discerning ones who like tastefully-appointed rooms with luxe amenities and a stay that’s equal parts charming and pampering, Kempinski Palace Engelberg is a fitting choice.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from approximately £440 per night.
Address: Dorfstrasse 40, Engelberg, 6390, Switzerland
Phone: +41 41 639 7575
Email: info.engelberg@kempinski.com
Website: kempinski.com
Getting there: Kempinski Palace Engelberg is only 100 metres away from the Engelberg train station and the hotel provides complimentary pick-up and drop-off service from here. If you are taking a flight, Zurich airport has the most connectivity to major flight operators. From here, you can take a train to Engelberg with a change at Lucerne.
There’s also a heliport just 300 metres from the hotel, and Buochs airport for private jets is 20km away. By car, follow the A2 motorway and take the Stans-Süd exit before continuing on the main road to Engelberg.
Photography courtesy of Kempinski Palace Engelberg.
