Switzerland, May 2022: For the first time in its history, Grand Hotel Kronenhof (www.kronenhof.com) – established in 1848 – is to have one season, rather than the traditional two (summer and winter). This means that when the property re-opens on 23 June, it will remain open until early April 2023, allowing visitors to enjoy the Engadine Autumn in all its glory from October through to December.

October and November are magical months in the Engadine, as the stunning golden larches provide a colourful foil to the white of the freshly snow-capped peaks. With early season skiing at Diavolezza starting from late October/early November, it is possible to ski on Grand Hotel Kronenhof's “home slope” (just a 10-minute transfer away) in the morning and hike through the surrounding area or simply relax in the extensive Kronenhof Spa after lingering over lunch.

Walks in the Swiss National Park, just over a half drive from the hotel, are particularly breath-taking; part of the worldwide UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is home to stunning panoramas with regular sightings of  ibexes, chamois, marmots, bearded vultures and golden eagles, among other fauna. For those who prefer to stay closer to home, the routes that pass through the heavily-wooded valley, beside lakes with their own unique character or along the mountain ridges with a bird's eye view of the Engadine are well worth walking too. Especially at this time of year, when visitor numbers are down.

After the busy summer season, Autumn is also a good time to reset and recharge the batteries ahead of winter. The Kronenhof Spa, with its indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, multiple saunas and steam rooms, a Kneipp path and relaxation room with water beds on which to dream while gazing at the flickering flames of the fire or the majestic mountains, provides the perfect space for guests to completely switch off and re-balance before the nights draw in.

To add to the attraction of the region in Autumn, and to celebrate the launch of “one season”, Grand Hotel Kronenhof is offering considerably reduced rates. From 23 October to 6 December, a special dinner bed and breakfast rate of CHF395 (approx. £320) is valid for two people sharing a double room, only bookable on the hotel's website. This represents close to a 20% discount on summer room rates and a 30% discount on winter room rates.

Book online at www.kronenhof.com, email reservations@kronenhof.com or call +41 81 8303030.

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Notes for editors

Grand Hotel Kronenhof (www.kronenhof.com), located in Pontresina, six miles from St. Moritz, offers the best of both worlds: the chance to enjoy the glitz of St. Moritz, while staying in a peaceful mountain village. 

Grand Hotel Kronenhof has a rich and interesting history, having first opened its doors in the first half of the 19th century as a guesthouse. However, the main part of the current building, which is a registered historical landmark, was built at the very end of the 19th century in Neo-Baroque style. The latest wing, completed in November 2007 and costing CHF 35 million (approximately £24 million), consists of 28 new guest rooms and a stunning spa complex covering more than 2000 square metres.

More recently, the internationally-renowned interior architect Pierre-Yves Rochon has been renovating sections of the hotel year on year in his own inimitable style. Initially, a number of guest rooms were refurbished, then an elegant cigar lounge and adjoining billiards room were created, and – most recently, in 2021 – the “bel étage”, including the reception, lobby lounge, bar and reading room, were given a contemporary new look.

The spa is certainly one of the hotel's highlights; facilities include a 20m indoor infinity pool with counter-current system, a flotation pool with underwater music, a wide range of saunas and steam rooms, a luxurious private suite for couples to enjoy wraps and massages together, and – for the perfect final touch – a crackling log fire in the relaxation room.

Gourmet cuisine is also a specialty at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof; it has three restaurants (the formal Grand Restaurant in an elegant Neo-Baroque vaulted room, Gourmet Restaurant Kronenstübli serving Italian-Mediterranean cuisine with 16 GaultMillau points and the informal Le Pavillon for light lunches). In addition, the hotel features a 19th-century original bowling alley where Swiss raclette is served.

Finally, Grand Hotel Kronenhof is renowned for its extensive children's activities and facilities (a kids' playroom and Rondelle, a restaurant just for younger members of the family).

Recent awards for the Grand Hotel Kronenhof include:

2022      Travellers' Choice Award Best of the Best 2022

                Traveller's Choice Award 2022

2021      Bilanz Hotelier of the Year – Marc Eichenberger
                SonntagsZeitung named one of the best 15 winter hotels in Switzerland
                Falstaff Hotel Guide – received 94 points out of a possible 100

Condé Nast Traveler's 2021 Readers' Choice Award – 8th in the Top 15 Hotels in Central Europe

Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Award 2021

2020      TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Best of the Best Award
Swiss business magazine Bilanz named one of ten best holiday hotels in Switzerland
SonntagsZeitung named one of the best 15 holiday resorts in Switzerland

2019       TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Award (five years in a row) & TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards: 3rd in the Top 20 Hotels in Central Europe category, 10th in the Top 20 Hotels in Europe category & 25th in the Best Hotels in the World category
Swiss business magazine Bilanz named one of ten best holiday hotels in Switzerland

Both the Grand Hotel Kronenhof and its sister property Kulm Hotel St. Moritz are owned by the Niarchos family.

For more information, hi res images and to discuss a review visit, please contact:
Sue Heady
Heady Communications
T: 01608 651 692 / 078 5595 0705
E: sue@headycommunications.com