Most of our readers would have stayed at a Kempinski at one time or another and some may well be brand devotees.
A global chain, it has nevertheless made a point of not stamping its properties with an identikit look and feel but rather, strives to preserve the cultural identity of each hotel’s location.
The Kempinski St Moritz reflects the spirit of the most famous ski resort in the world in ways that are both obvious and subtle.
The opulence that defines the destination and its clientele; the seamless service; the cocooning of the guests; the breath-taking Alpine views; the spa… these are all expected and delivered as a matter of course.
Accommodation
We stayed in a pretty suite with its sitting/work area. Guests are offered a glass of Prosecco on arrival which rather sets the tone to festive.
The beds are Swiss-comfortable and the walls nicely decorated with stylish retro photographs of early Alpine travel. Another great touch that every grand hotel ought to adopt is the discreet unpacking and laying out of our clothes and various bits and pieces.
The suites
These are massive spaces designed in a contemporary, clean and spare style, with lots of leather, wood and cow hides. Ranging from 100 m2 to 440m2 and sporting their own balconies and all seasons tennis/squash courts, the suites are fantastic for large families or
friends sharing and in fact, at the time of our visit, were all booked up.
Dining
Dinner on our first night was at the Asian Sra Bua restaurant, one of 4 eateries at the Kempinski. The German chef has created an interesting interpretation of the traditional sushi menu that is a must for Japanese food aficionados.
We started conventionally enough with a vast platter of traditional sushi and sashimi that would have been quite sufficient. The piece de resistence followed in the shape of 4 degustation platters of sushi combinations that were as different from anything we’ve ever tasted before as they were interestingly named – the ‘crouching tiger‘, for instance. My personal favourites contained exotic fruits as well as crabmeat.
This culinary extravaganza was washed down with a light and fruity, regional Swiss Pinot Noir.
Our other memorable dinner at the Kempinski was an indulgence of serious proportions. The Seasons restaurant draws gourmets who appreciate the authentic Kobe Japanese Wagyu steaks, cooked to absolute perfection. We opted for a Turf and Surf menu, adding a grilled yellow fin tuna steak to the Wagyu.
A great beef deserves a great wine and so we chose a 2008 Pauillac, Chateau Haut Bages, whose great nose of red flower bouquet was accompanied by firm but velvety tannins. An outstanding meal all round!
Other restaurants include the Michelin-starred Cà d’Oro restaurant, with strong Italian influences or the Restaurant Enoteca, the healthy, ‘lifestyle’ restaurant at the hotel.
The breakfast…
….takes place in the Seasons restaurant and consists of a gargantuan buffet. Best of all, it is open till 11 am, which makes it possible to have brunch rather than just breakfast if you are that way inclined.
Naturally, there are the skiers who breakfast early and the lazy bones who linger on till almost midday, having a coffee and a newspaper browse. Different types of Swiss muesli sit alongside cured meats and smoked fish; there is an a la carte menu for cooked as per your
order breakfast and an “egg chef” creating your egg dish to your specifications!
We loved the vast selection of freshly made juices and smoothies. Best of all, a mini version of the buffet breakfast can be enjoyed till even later at the lobby bar.
Most highly recommended is the green smoothie which was popular with all the guests and one that I will miss.
Conclusion: this is a hotel for those who prefer a less stuffy/more relaxed atmosphere, without the intimidating long-term staff associated with some more formal establishments. Nor is the Kempinski in the business of imposing hotel tradition/lofty history on its guests – it allows them the space to create their own experience, dispensing with rigid conformity.
Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains
Via Mezdi 27, 7500 St. Moritz
+41 81 838 3838
http://www.kempinski.com/en/st-moritz/grand-hotel-des-bains/overview/
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