Editors' Picks

Grand Hotel Kronenhof

Best for summer visitors or cross country skiers

Via Maistra 130, ., Pontresina 07504

(41) 81-830-3030

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At a Glance

Located in Pontresina, a lovely village near the Roseg Valley, the Kronenhof is the elegant sister hotel of the Kulm, with a beautiful spa and direct access to one of the valley's best cross-country skiing runs.

Indagare Loves

  • The lovely small sitting rooms with views towards the Bernina Glacier
  • The large, glass-enclosed spa and wellness center
  • The direct access to a multi-mile cross-country ski run
  • The proximity to some of the Engadin’s best hiking in the summer

Review

While many first-time visitors prefer staying in St. Moritz Town, the village of Pontresina offers a draw for return guests, especially in the summertime thanks to its proximity to some excellent hiking. Pontresina is also home to some of the region’s most storied hotels, like the Walther, which has been in the same family since 1907. The best and most updated of the bunch is the elegant Kronenhof, the sister hotel of the Kulm, with a beautiful spa and expansive grounds.

Built in the late 19th century, the U-shaped building has a beautiful, Belle Epoque façade, complete with turrets and a crowned dome in the center. The historic interiors include sitting rooms that boast original frescoes, roaring fireplaces, ceiling moldings and heavy glass chandeliers. The large lobby lounge, especially, is a wonderful spot for an afternoon coffee with massive floor-to-ceiling windows and mountain panoramas.

Unlike some of the other historic hotels in the valley, the Kronenhof, which is owned by the Greek Niarchos family offers a good mix between classic and contemporary, which can be seen in the 112 guest rooms and suites. Design schemes vary but all feature light-wood paneling, pretty fabrics and marble bathrooms. Like most of the hotels in the valley, the Kronenhof tackles renovations and updates during the off-season, so ask to be placed in a recently tweaked room. Some of the best are located near the gorgeous spa, and a few of these come with small patios and direct access to the hotel’s expansive grounds.

In fact, the spa and wellness center here is a draw for many outside guests as well. Housed in a contemporary, glass-clad addition that sits beneath the historic building, it has incredible, uninterrupted views of the valley and mountains. A relatively recent addition, the spa/wellness center was designed with the a well-traveled family in mind: there are light-wood-clad relaxation rooms, a massive pool, a children’s pool complete with a water slide and a host of other water features. It’s a great spot for relaxing after an active skiing and hiking day.

Despite the old world decor, the dress code in the formal dining room and the serious spa, the Kronenhof is decidedly family friendly. There is a great kid’s club, complete with an elaborate crafts corner, a climbing wall and games galore for children of all ages, including teens. A trained kindergarten teacher supervises the little ones, and the basement of the hotel holds another surprise: an old-school bowling alley, which is, admittedly, popular amongst the adult guests as well.

The bowling alley restaurant specializes in Raclette and other Swiss specialties. More upscale is the acclaimed Kronenstübli, whose beautiful dining room, paneled in antique larch wood, would not feel out of place in a much more stylish resort destination, like Megève. The menu is an inspired mix of French and Italian cuisine but the setting is the epitome of cozy Alpine chic.

To stay or not to stay in Pontresina depends on personal preference: guests definitely need a car to get around (to reach the valley’s best restaurants, the different ski areas and other activities), so if the idea of driving here is daunting, visitors should book elsewhere. Pontresina is a charming town (larger than Bever and Zuoz), with some excellent restaurants and a more local, less touristy scene than St. Moritz, which will appeal to many. The Kronenhof concierge team can help arrange a host of activities, from golf and mountain climbing to a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride into the Roseg Valley. But know that you are a bit off-the-beaten path here.

**Indagare Tip: **Even if you are not staying at the Kronenhof, make a lunch reservation at Le Pavillon, the hotel’s unique dining concept, which includes a restaurant serving local specialties and a double-decker wooden terrace lined with loungers for sunbathing (in summer or winter).

Who Should Stay

Return visitors to the Engadin, particularly in the summer, who enjoy being based in a more authentic, local village than St. Moritz Town and who like the proximity to some great hiking and cross-country skiing.

Written by Simone Girner

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