To mark its 175th anniversary, we had the honour of interviewing Daniel Stauch, the Guest relations manager of the Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina.

This historic gem is nestled in the stunning village of Pontresina, perched at an altitude of 1,805 meters above sea level. Located just a brief 10-minute drive from the luxurious town of St. Moritz, Pontresina offers proximity to the majestic Bernina Massif, home to the famed peaks Piz Palü and Piz Bernina in the Engadin region.

Q: What is the hotel's philosophy?

I believe that our hotel's philosophy is well encapsulated in our motto, "Engadin Elegance - directed by nature since 1848". This philosophy emphasises well providing understated, discreet, and traditional Swiss mountain hospitality within an elegant and authentic environment. The Grand Hotel Kronenhof takes pride in its historical significance as one of the most important grand hotels of the 19th century, particularly renowned for its architectural excellence.

Q: Could you please provide our readers with some interesting historical facts or significant moments from the hotel's past?
The Grand Hotel Kronenhof has a rich history marked by several noteworthy moments. In 1848, the Gredig family acquired Guesthouse Rössli, which was initially a modest five-room dwelling with charmingly squeaky floors, aged wood panelling, and a tiny staircase leading to a small bedroom. After a thoughtful renovation, they transformed it into Gasthaus zur Krone-Post, which operated a Veltliner wine shop and stabled horses for grape transportation.

As Swiss mountain stays gained popularity in the late 19th century, the guesthouse expanded, featuring a Neo-Baroque rebuild that provided a light and airy ambience with stunning panoramic views. By the early 20th century, it had over 350 guest beds and welcomed wealthy guests from around the world during the Belle Epoque era.

When it comes to the history of our hotel, what I find truly remarkable is that Kronenhof Hotel has remained in family hands for over 140 years. That's quite an impressive amount of time, and it's played a significant role in shaping our unique style of hospitality and attracting a loyal group of guests. Today, it continues to be a beloved tradition for many families who value the warm mountain hospitality, the genuine recognition we offer, and the elegant atmosphere we maintain. Hosting these families each year is a true honour for us.

Q: As the only 5-star superior hotel in Pontresina, how does Grand Hotel Kronenhof maintain its reputation for luxury and exceptional service year after year?

Every year, we strive to give our best, and naturally, we must align ourselves with the specific criteria that apply to us as members of the Swiss Deluxe group. Furthermore, our hotel's management is committed to ongoing investments in renovations, ensuring that there's always something fresh for our valued guests. This year, we're delighted to introduce the renovation of ten rooms and suites, which we're excited to offer our guests. These refurbishments are meticulously overseen by the renowned French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, who has guided our interiors since 2016.

It's essential to emphasise that we take great care to strike a harmonious balance between modern renovations and the traditional charm of our historic hotel. Our history holds a special place in our hearts. The Grand Hotel Kronenhof doesn't rest on its laurels, even as the only 5-star hotel in Pontresi- na. Instead, we are honoured to carry our legacy for the next 175 years, seamlessly blending tradition and contemporary luxury for our cherished guests.

What are the unique facilities and services provided by the Spa to promote the physical and mental wellness of its guests?

The Spa at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof offers a range of unique facilities and services dedicated to promoting its guests' physical and mental wellness. These include signature massages delivered by a trained and highly educated staff. Additionally, guests can participate in various wellness courses, such as Aqua Gym, Yoga, Pilates, and personalised training with a personal trainer.

One standout feature in our Spa is the outdoor yoga platforms, which provide a stunning backdrop of the Engadin landscape, including the river and majestic mountain panorama. These platforms offer a serene environment for yoga practice, connecting guests with nature.

Furthermore, the hotel organises special Tibetan meditation and yoga retreats at various times throughout the year. These retreats allow guests to slow down, take a deep breath, and immerse themselves in relaxation, aligning with the hotel's focus on nature and well-being.

Q: How does the hotel cater to guests with different dining preferences?

We understand the importance of accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions. In all our restaurants, we offer a wide range of options, including vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, and gluten-free dishes. This ensures that all our guests can find meals tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, our chefs prioritise the use of local ingredients whenever possible. This not only supports local producers but also ensures that our dishes are made with the freshest and finest ingredients.

In our quest to be directed by nature, we recently relocated the herb garden of our Head Chef, Mr. Piantanida, to a more prominent location accessible to our guests. This initiative allows our guests to witness firsthand the source of ingredients, fostering a deeper connection to the origins of their meals.

Q: Do your dining establishments offer children's menus?

Yes, all our dining establishments do offer children's menus. We take pride in being a family-friendly destination, with dedicated children's programs, facilities, and a special menu available in all our restaurants to cater to the needs and preferences of our younger guests.

Q: Can you provide information on the availability of facilities for children, such as a designated pool area where they can swim safely?
Certainly, we are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for our young guests, and we offer a range of facilities and services designed with children in mind. We understand the importance of providing children a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. That's why we have a designated children's pool at our Spa. This pool area is specifically designed to cater to the needs of young swimmers, with shallow water and appropriate safety measures in place. Additionally, swimming lessons are available, and our professional lifeguards are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all swimmers, including children.

We also have the 'Krönchen Kids Club', a dedicated space where children can engage in various fun and educational activities. What sets our club apart is that our Nannies are highly qualified, with backgrounds as primary school teachers. This means that children not only have a great time but also benefit from enriching experiences that promote learning and development in a safe and supervised environment. In our historic bowling alley children and adults can play together and enjoy the afternoon or evening together in a relaxed atmosphere, even including a traditional Swiss Cheese Dinner.

When it comes to skiing near our hotel, you have some excellent options to choose from, catering to different skill levels:
For those seeking a more adventurous skiing experience, the Diavolezza and Corviglia mountains are fantastic choices. These mountains offer a variety of challenging slopes and stunning alpine landscapes, making them a paradise for intermediate and advanced skiers. If you're new to skiing or prefer a gentler slope, our hotel is conveniently located near a beginner slope in Pontresina. This slope is ideal for those taking their first steps in skiing or looking for a relaxed, family-friendly skiing experience. It's just a short walk away, ensuring easy access for all our guests.

Q: Do you provide a shuttle to the slopes for guests?

Yes, we offer a shuttle service to the slopes for our guests during the winter season. Our shuttles operate daily to both main skiing areas of Diavolezza and Corviglia, with specific times scheduled, and we can also accommodate additional shuttle requests upon guest request as well as to the beginner slope in Pontresina.

Q: Are there any new initiatives or facilities you will launch this season that you are particularly excited about?
We have several exciting initiatives and facilities that we're thrilled to introduce this season, making the stay even more memorable. First, we're delighted to introduce our brand-new suites and rooms, meticulously designed with your comfort and luxury in mind. Renowned French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon ensures that every detail meets the highest standards of excellence.

This season holds particular significance for us as we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Grand Hotel Kronenhof. We've planned various special activities and celebrations throughout the year to mark this momentous occasion. From exclusive events to festive gatherings, we invite you to join us in creating history together.

For wine enthusiasts, we have something special as well. We'll host a series of wine events that offer the perfect opportunity to savour exquisite wines, engage with knowledgeable sommeliers, and enjoy the ideal pairings with our culinary offerings.

And if you're an early bird skier - starting at the end of October, we're offering early bird skiing during the autumn period. It's a great chance to experience the thrill of skiing before the full winter season arrives.

All these initiatives and facilities reflect our unwavering commitment to providing our guests with an exceptional experience. Whether you're here to enjoy our new accommodations, partake in our anniversary celebrations, indulge in our wine events, or hit the slopes for some early skiing adventures, we're eagerly looking forward to ensuring your stay with us is both relaxing and memorable.

The Grand Hotel Kronenhof stands as a testament to timeless elegance and Swiss hospitality. Nestled in the heart of Pontresina, its 175-year legacy, rich history, and commitment to unparalleled service make it more than just a hotel—it's an experience. As it gracefully bridges its storied past with modern innovations, guests are invited to create memories amidst the scenic beauty of the Engadin region. The Grand Hotel Kronenhof is where tradition meets luxury, and every stay becomes a cherished memory.

Whether you are drawn by the allure of historical charm, the promise of luxurious comfort, or the desire to partake in unique celebrations and activities, the Grand Hotel Kronenhof invites you to be a part of its remarkable legacy. Book your stay to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Engadin region, where every moment at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof becomes a part of your own cherished history. Join us in commemorating 175 years of unparalleled hospitality and create your own unforgettable memories in the heart of Pontresina.

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