Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Latvia are home to some of Europe’s most prestigious and historic hotels, and Kempinski Hotels is redefining luxury across these countries by transforming iconic landmarks into breathtaking symbols of modern elegance. With a perfect blend of rich heritage and contemporary design, Kempinski has meticulously restored and reimagined palatial residences, alpine retreats, and royal estates, creating unique, world-class destinations that offer guests an unparalleled experience of history, opulence, and sophistication. Each property stands as a testament to Kempinski’s commitment to delivering luxury that transcends time, seamlessly fusing the past with the present for the ultimate in refined travel.
As the oldest European luxury hotel group, Kempinski Hotels has curated a collection of refined and storied properties that bridge the past and present through masterful design, cultural authenticity, and world-class hospitality. Whether it’s a Bavarian royal palace, a Swiss alpine retreat, or an Ottoman imperial residence, each Kempinski property tells a compelling story rooted in tradition yet elevated by contemporary elegance.
A Dresden Icon Reimagined
Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski in Dresden (Germany) stands proudly as a majestic homage to the regal legacy of Saxony. Originally commissioned in 1705 by Augustus II the Strong for his beloved mistress, the palace was decimated during World War II and remained dormant for decades. Its rebirth in 1995 as Saxony’s premier luxury hotel heralded a new era of grandeur, a legacy carried forward through its complete renovation and reopening in 2024. With interiors designed by Berlin’s Markus Hilzinger, the hotel now radiates opulence through Baroque inspiration, from its 380-square-meter Royal Suite to intricate hand-knotted carpets and parquet de Versailles floors. This architectural renaissance honors the palace’s rich history while embracing modern luxury.
Berlin’s Crown Jewel
Few hotels carry the gravitas of Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, located steps from the Brandenburg Gate. Founded in 1907 under the patronage of Emperor Wilhelm II, the hotel was a marvel of early 20th-century innovation. It hosted luminaries such as Greta Garbo and Albert Einstein, and today, it continues its legacy of excellence with 385 meticulously appointed rooms and the majestic 185-square-meter Royal Suite. At Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Berlin, an extraordinary culinary journey awaits, featuring the award-winning Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, the stylish Brasserie Quarré, and the timeless elegance of Bel Etage—each offering a dining experience that captures the essence of the city’s refined and illustrious character.
Alpine Charm in Engelberg
Tucked away in the picturesque Swiss Alps, Kempinski Palace Engelberg offers a harmonious fusion of classic sophistication and tranquil alpine charm. Once the Grand Hotel Winterhaus (est. 1904), it became Switzerland’s first centrally heated hotel and pioneered alpine winter tourism. Following a five-year restoration project, the hotel reopened in 2021, meticulously preserving its Belle Époque grandeur while integrating a new architectural wing. Today, it stands as a luxurious haven for wellness travelers, surrounded by the beauty of alpine meadows and mineral springs that have attracted visitors for over a century.
St. Moritz’s Healing Heritage
The Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski in St. Moritz is built upon a spring that has drawn health seekers since the Bronze Age. Dating back to 1864, the hotel continues to embrace this wellness legacy through its 2,800-square-meter Alpine Spa, where guests can still experience the therapeutic waters of the Mauritius spring. Architectural updates over the years include neo-Baroque and neo-Gothic elements, with the latest additions offering refined modernity. Culinary excellence thrives here too—Ristorante Da Adriano and the recently launched Billionaire St. Moritz deliver indulgent dining within a sophisticated setting, blending luxury with history.
Istanbul’s Ottoman Treasure
Gazing out over the sparkling Bosphorus, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul exudes imperial elegance, capturing the splendor and rich legacy of the Ottoman Empire. Originally a royal palace, the hotel reopened in 1991 under Kempinski’s stewardship and underwent a major redesign in 2023 led by designer Serdar Gülgün. Embracing Ottoman motifs, traditional inlays, and lavish fabrics, the hotel now offers a revitalized experience befitting its imperial past. Dining at Tuğra Restaurant transports guests to a bygone era of sultans and empires, where velvet curtains, gilded ceilings, and curated artwork frame an unforgettable culinary journey through Turkish and Ottoman cuisines.
Majesty in the Mountains
Tucked high in Slovakia’s High Tatras, the Grand Hotel Kempinski offers a mountain escape with fairytale ambiance. Situated by Lake Štrbské Pleso, this historic 1894 property invites guests to experience the romance of the Carpathians. The resort features 98 distinctive rooms and suites across interconnected historical buildings, all with panoramic alpine views. The Zion Spa Luxury, with its pool overlooking the lake, and the Grand Restaurant offering modern European cuisine, complete this idyllic retreat. Its location near castles, UNESCO churches, and traditional Slovak villages adds a cultural depth to the scenic setting.
Bavarian Royalty Revived
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich is a symbol of aristocratic opulence, built in 1858 by King Maximilian II. Located in Munich’s cultural heart, the hotel fuses Bavarian grandeur with subtle elegance. The Maximilian and Ludwig Suites, redesigned by Colin Finnegan, pay homage to Munich’s royal heritage, offering bespoke furnishings, art-inspired interiors, and sweeping city views. The Ludwig Suite, one of Europe’s most exclusive presidential accommodations, celebrates the legacy of King Ludwig II in 220 square meters of splendor. Blending innovation with tradition, Schwarzreiter Restaurant offers a modern twist on Bavarian cuisine, while the legendary Jahreszeiten Bar remains a cherished emblem of Munich’s enduring charm and sophistication.
Adriatic Elegance in Portorož
Set within a tranquil heritage park on Slovenia’s Istrian coastline, Kempinski Palace Portorož enjoys a prime location with sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Originally opened in 1910, the hotel has retained its Habsburg-era elegance while embracing contemporary wellness and culinary trends. The 230-square-meter Presidential Suite anchors the property’s 182 rooms and suites, while its spa and fine-dining venues offer indulgence at every turn. Highlights include Restaurant Sophia, recommended by the Michelin Guide, the contemporary Fleur de Sel, and the grand Crystal Hall—an opulent ballroom that evokes the golden age of European leisure.
Revival of Riga’s Iconic Address
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga occupies a site steeped in history, beginning as Hotel Rome in 1878. From pioneering electric lights and telephones to housing the Soviet Union’s first cocktail bar, the property has witnessed centuries of transformation. Its recent rebirth as a Kempinski hotel uncovered historical gems, such as a Cold War-era listening room. With 141 rooms and the majestic 278-square-meter Presidential Suite, the hotel now sits adjacent to the Latvian National Opera House. Stage22, a Michelin-recommended Asian fusion restaurant, and the historic Cigar Lounge complete the property’s luxurious offerings.
Royal Exclusivity at Nymphenburg
For guests seeking unparalleled privacy, the Kempinski Royal Residence Nymphenburg in Munich offers an ultra-luxurious experience within the grounds of the famed palace. Housed in a former courtier’s Chevalier house, the 836-square-meter residence features four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and exquisite décor sourced from the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory and artists like Damien Hirst. Ideal for exclusive gatherings, the villa includes a banquet room, private garden, and majolica-tiled terrace perfect for summer events of up to 100 guests—blending regal history with Kempinski’s refined hospitality.
Kempinski is redefining luxury in Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Latvia by transforming historic landmarks into timeless icons of modern elegance, blending heritage with contemporary sophistication.
Conclusion
From snow-capped peaks to riverside palaces and Adriatic coastlines, Kempinski’s legacy is one of storytelling through architecture, culture, and service. With each revitalized heritage site and every newly imagined suite, the group continues to redefine what it means to stay in a palace—making every guest feel like royalty in the 21st century.
