Kempinski Palace Engelberg

The Kempinski Palace Engelberg in Engelberg, Switzerland, a distinguished Michelin Key One-Key property, consistently garners high praise for its blend of historic Belle Époque grandeur and contemporary Alpine luxury. Opened in 1905 and significantly renovated in 2020, it is celebrated as the region's first and only five-star superior hotel, offering an exceptional guest experience amidst breathtaking Swiss Alps scenery.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Kempinski Palace Engelberg is overwhelmingly positive, with an "Exceptional" rating of 9.4 on Agoda and 10/10 on Hotels.com. Guests frequently describe it as "perfect," "the best hotel we've stayed," and a "world-class resort," highlighting an "unreal" level of luxury and comfort. It's considered a "truly the most perfect luxurious Alpine getaway."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Kempinski Palace Engelberg:

• Service & Staff: Praised for "exceptional service" and "warmth and kindness" from staff, many describing them as "amazing professionals" who go "above and beyond".
• Spa & Wellness: The rooftop "spa was outstanding," featuring a spacious indoor pool with panoramic views of the Alps, a 24-hour gym, and various saunas (Finnish, bio, vivarium) and steam baths, offering a serene "wellness oasis".
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel seamlessly blends its original Belle Époque architecture with slick modern design elements, incorporating a new wing during its 2020 renovation while retaining old-world charm through mosaic flooring and chandeliers.
• Rooms: Characterized as "spacious and modern," "clean and new," and offering "amazing views" of the surrounding mountains, often with large balconies.
• Location: Its "perfect location" in the heart of Engelberg provides easy access to public transport and nearby attractions, making it ideal for both winter and summer activities.
• Amenities: A free breakfast buffet, adjacent golf course, a terrace, indoor and children's pools, free Wi-Fi, ski shuttle, ski storage, and a variety of dining options are highly valued.

3. Room Quality

The 129 rooms and suites are celebrated for their luxury, comfort, and modern Swiss flair. They are described as "spacious and modern," "clean and new," and "big, airy, modern" with generous balconies designed for year-round use, often overlooking stunning mountain vistas. Rooms feature premium bedding, pillow menus, laptop-compatible safes, bathrobes, and modern Dyson appliances. Bathrooms are designed as a "private wellness sanctuary," with heated floors, rainfall showers, separate tubs, and double vanities, sporting a sleek slate grey and white palette. Custom box-spring beds from Swiss manufacturer Elite contribute to excellent sleep quality.

4. Dining Experience

The culinary offerings at Kempinski Palace Engelberg are a significant highlight:

• Cattani Restaurant: The hotel's main modern restaurant, named after the original founders, offers European cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a "farm-to-table philosophy," including Swiss specialties and ample vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. It is renowned for its "world-class" head chef and features an "icicle chandelier" resembling Mount Titlis.
• Breakfast: The highly-rated breakfast buffet is a "can't-miss ritual," featuring champagne, local specialties, fresh pastries, gravlax, local cheeses, fresh juices, and daily wellness shots.
• Afternoon Tea: Served in the elegant Wintergarden, it offers a delightful experience, including a "Beauty and the Beast" themed tea set for children and three-tiered platters for adults with a selection of sandwiches and freshly baked scones.
• The Palace Bar: Located in the historic Belle Époque wing, it provides a cozy ambiance with a fireplace, serving exquisite wines and cocktails, including Swiss gins and vermouth.
• Chalet Ruinart: Offers a casual, convivial setting for local dining, particularly known for fondue.
• Habanos Cigar Lounge: Provides a classic "London gentlemen's club" atmosphere for post-prandial relaxation.

5. Service & Staff

The hotel consistently receives accolades for its "exceptional" and "high-end" service. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "very polite and helpful," "warmth and kindness," and "amazing professionals" who ensure a valued guest experience. An Activity Concierge is available to assist with planning excursions, enhancing the stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Kempinski Palace Engelberg boasts a prime and "perfect location" in the picturesque town of Engelberg. It's centrally situated next to the village park and the Engelberg train station, offering "easy access to several public transport stations". The hotel is just a 12-minute walk from the Titlis Rotair Cable Car and a 10-minute walk to the Titlis Valley Station, making mountain excursions highly convenient. It is easily accessible by car, being only 40 minutes from Lucerne and an hour from Zurich, or by Zentralbahn rail. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for golf, hiking, skiing, and visiting the historic Engelberg Abbey.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury property, the Kempinski Palace Engelberg offers "excellent value for money" according to some guests, scoring an impressive 8.5 in this category. The average room price is approximately $721 USD (CHF 650), which is higher than the average hotel in Engelberg ($524), reflecting the "exceptional quality and world-class amenities" provided. The hotel is also part of programs like GHA Discovery and American Express Fine Hotel and Resorts, which may offer additional perks and value to members.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some guests have noted minor issues:

• Internet Charges: Some guests found it "insulting" to be charged extra for "high speed" internet.
• Inconsistent Staff Service: A few reviews mentioned instances of "less competent staff" or "junior front desk staff" who showed "0 interest in being helpful," and a specific negative interaction with a spa staff member.
• Breakfast Organization: There were isolated criticisms regarding breakfast organization, such as main dishes not being refilled 30 minutes before closing.

Sources

1. luxurylifestylemag.co.uk
2. outthere.travel
3. agoda.com
4. hotels.com
5. booking.com
6. expedia.com
7. booking.com
8. lux-mag.com
9. travelandleisure.com
10. youtube.com
11. kempinski.com