MARCH 2019 businesstraveller.comGRAND DESIGNS
As far as the five-star hotels are concerned, whether by
accident or design, each offers a very different experience.
Perhaps the most striking architecturally, with its soaring
turrets and green tiled, steeply pitched roofs, is Badrutt’s
Palace. It isn’t the oldest – that’s the nearby Kulm, of
which the original Badrutt was the owner – but it does
have a venerable air to it, with a lobby of stone statuary,
intricately carved wooden panels, stained glass doors
and vast crystal chandeliers. The centre of attention
is the giant picture window overlooking the lake. You
could spend all week sipping tea or something stronger
gazing at the view.
The hotel also owns a must-visit restaurant across the
road – Chesa Veglia, an old farmhouse dating from 1736,
the wooden walls and floors of which are imbued with the
smell of a million fondues. It comprises three restaurants
and two bars: the Pizzeria Heuboden, the elegant Grill
Chadafo for classic French cuisine, and the Patrizier
Stuben for Swiss and international specialities. On
Thursdays there’s a “Swiss” evening, featuring a set menu
of local dishes and a traditional band playing accordion
and double bass. The immaculately dressed waiters are
professional yet warm and friendly.
It’s not all history, though. The Palace Wellness centre is
ultra-modern, blasted out of rock in the basement, creating
a cave-like entrance, and extending out to the lawns with
a large glass-fronted swimming pool. The indoor pool
connectstoaheatedoutdoorpoolwithabaratoneend.
Inside, there’s a spa bath nestled in a cave, plus steam, mist
and ice rooms, an experience shower and sauna.
The hotel focuses on keeping itself relevant. Last
year it created a summer package in partnership with
Rapha, guiding guests on scenic road rides that include
bicycle hire, a welcome pack of Rapha goodies, Rapha
Travel Guide cycle routes and dinner for two.INTIMATE LUXURY
So what about the nearby Kulm? Well, it’s very different- set near the top of the town and offering views across
the roofs, including those of Badrutt’s and the Carlton
ABOVE AND LEFT: The Kulm
and its captivating views
BELOW AND BOTTOM LEFT/RIGHT:
Grand Hotel KronenhofDESTINATIONS
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