History Happened Here: Historic Hotels and Palatial Retreats across Kempinski’s Global Portfolio

From the banks of the Bosphorus to the capitals of Europe, Kempinski Hotels features a collection of historic hotels and magnificent palaces steeped in history

Geneva, 11 June 2025 — As Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski Hotels is the proud custodian of a collection of magnificent historical properties and luxurious palaces, each one rich in stories retold for discerning travellers through thoughtful interior design, creative culinary experiences and authentic traditions. From centuries-old palaces built by Bavarian kings to grand modern-day marvels, this collection of resplendent properties reflects the seamless fusion of old and new for which Kempinski is renowned – grounded in history and tradition with contemporary functionality and aesthetic in mind. 

A Legend Reborn: Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden

Few buildings in Saxony are as storied as Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden. Built in 1705 by Augustus II the Strong for his mistress, Anna Constantia, the palace was destroyed during World War II and left in ruins for half a century. When it reopened as Saxony’s first luxury hotel in 1995, it quickly earned acclaim as the address of choice for heads of state and world leaders. Having established a reputation as the quintessential palace hotel in Saxony, the hotel closed its doors again in 2023 and reopened last year, revealing a head-to-toe transformation that recaptures the royal splendour of the original palace. Berlin-based interior designer Markus Hilzinger brings together art, fashion and history in the new-look spaces inspired by Saxon Baroque architecture, including the magnificent 380-square-metre Royal Suite, featuring Parquet de Versailles oak floors and hand-knotted carpets, with conjoined King and Queen Suites and a spectacular art collection. 

Historic Hideaway: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

Steps from the Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz in the historic heart of the city, Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is perhaps the most iconic hotel in Germany. Conceived by Berlin restaurant manager Lorenz Adlon as the most opulent hotel in the world, the Adlon was officially opened in 1907 by Emperor Wilhelm II, revealing state-of-the-art features like hot and cold running water, gas and electricity and an internal cooling system. Notable guests, including Greta Garbo, Charlie Chaplin, Thomas Mann and Albert Einstein have called the hotel home, and today, it remains the address of choice among visiting heads of state, royals and corporate titans. Among its 385 elegant rooms and suites, the 185-sqm Royal Suite reigns supreme: a stately sanctuary with VIP security, 24-hour butler service and unrivalled views of the Brandenburg Gate. Dining is equally rarefied: exquisite French gastronomy at Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer; modern French and German cuisine in Brasserie Quarré; creative mixology in the Elephant Bar; and glamorous breakfasts and afternoon tea at Bel Etage.

The Original Swiss Mountain Resort: Kempinski Palace Engelberg

Well-heeled travellers have journeyed to the Swiss mountain village of Engelberg since the 1880s to enjoy the soothing properties of its fabled mineral water and walk among alpine flower-covered meadows. The resplendent property now known as Kempinski Palace Engelberg was originally established as the Grand Hotel Winterhaus in 1904 and has been welcoming health-conscious travellers for more than 120 years. As the first centrally heated hotel in Switzerland, it ushered in a new era of winter tourism and continues to lure discerning guests from all over the world. After a five-year transformation, the hotel reopened in 2021 as part of the Kempinski constellation, revealing extensive restorations to the historic Belle Époque part of the building and a new wing that remains faithful to the architectural and design aesthetic of the original. Late 19th century charm has been restored to the hotel’s public spaces and historic balconies, as well as the original Belle Époque ‘Kursaal’ events space, fusing elements of old and new with imperceptible subtlety.

Swiss Alpine Retreat: Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz 

Steeped in history, Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz occupies an iconic building dating back to 1864. Originally established as the Grand Hotel des Bains, the property was built around the legendary Mauritius spring, whose healing waters have drawn visitors since the Bronze Age. Celebrated by the famed physician Paracelsus, the spring made St. Moritz a pioneer in Alpine wellness tourism.  Today, the spring still flows and can be experienced within the hotel’s expansive 2,800 sqm Alpine Spa. Over the centuries, the hotel underwent several architectural transformations, from its neo-Baroque towers to neo-Gothic Bay windows and the 1927 expansion featuring the original Cà d’Oro, now rebranded as the only Greek restaurant in Upper Engadine for the winter season 2025. Known as the Parkhotel Kurhaus in the 20th century, it was fully restored in 2001 by Viennese architect Franz Schnabel, reopening a year later under the Kempinski brand. While honouring its heritage, the hotel today blends historical grandeur with modern luxury, offering direct access to the Corviglia ski and hiking area. Culinary delights are found in Ristorante Da Adriano and Grand Restaurant Les Saisons, and last year saw the opening of Billionaire St. Moritz, a dazzling blend of haute cuisine and extravagant performance.

Ottoman Opulence: Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Once the home of Ottoman sovereigns, Çırağan Palace Kempinski has brought imperial splendour to the shores of the Bosphorus since the 17th century. Under the careful stewardship of Kempinski since its opening as a hotel in 1991, the historic property – an enduring symbol of Turkish hospitality – reopened in 2023 after a significant redesign that reaffirmed its status as the finest address in Istanbul. Interior designer Serdar Gülgün took inspiration from Ottoman art and Istanbul’s historic palaces to imbue the guestrooms and suites with renewed grandeur, with mother-of-pearl, ebony inlaid furniture and hammam-style bathrooms, as well as fabrics bearing traditional Ottoman patterns and motifs. As well as a magnificent new entrance and lobby, Çırağan Palace Kempinski is home to a collection of spectacular dining concepts including Tuğra, which takes diners on a journey into the heart and soul of the Ottoman Empire, with soaring ceilings, velvet curtains and bespoke artworks that set the scene for an evening of traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine. 

Palace in the Hills: Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras

High up in the Carpathian Mountains near the border between Slovakia and Poland, Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras has been a key feature of the landscape since its first buildings were completed in 1894. Set on the banks of picturesque Lake Štrbské Pleso and framed by Alpine peaks criss-crossed with hiking, cycling and ski trails, this fairytale mountain hideaway is home to 98 unique guestrooms and suites spread across a collection of historical buildings. Guests can gaze out across the glacial lake from the 16 metre swimming pool in Zion Spa Luxury, sip fireside cocktails in the Lobby Lounge & Bar, or feast on fine fare and Nouvelle Cuisine at Grand Restaurant, before setting out to discover the UNESCO-listed churches, castles and traditional villages that dot this fabled landscape. 

Bavarian Belle: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munchen

Opened by King Maximilian II of Bavaria in 1858, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich is one of the oldest hotels in Europe, built on the orders of the king who demanded architects create the “noblest hotel in the city.” The grand dame is nestled in the heart of historic Munich among designer boutiques, art galleries, and the Bavarian State Opera House. Design is all about understated elegance and Bavarian flair. The Maximilian Suite, reimagined by interior designer Colin Finnegan in 2019, stands out as a study in fine craftsmanship and artistic expression, inspired by the grand staterooms of the Munich Residence with spectacular views across the rooftops of Munich’s old town. Equally impressive is the Ludwig Suite, one of the most exclusive presidential suites in Europe. Also redesigned by Finnegan, it is a homage to King Ludwig II, the flamboyant “enfant terrible” of the Wittelsbach dynasty and son of King Maximilian II. Spread across 220 square meters, the suite boasts three spacious bedrooms, lavish bathrooms, and elegant living areas, all furnished with custom-made pieces and handcrafted details.

Overlooking Maximilianstrasse, the Ludwig Suite balances contemporary luxury with masterful craftsmanship—making it not only a tribute to royal extravagance, but also one of the most desirable retreats in Europe. The collection of restaurants and lounges is crowned by Schwarzreiter Restaurant, where Head Chef Franz-Josef Unterlechner delves into Bavarian culinary heritage, while the iconic Jahreszeiten Bar has captured the glitz and glamour of regal Bavaria since the 1960s. 

Beachside Rose: Kempinski Palace Portoroz Istria

Set in a historical park overlooking the picture-perfect waters of the Adriatic coast, Kempinski Palace Portorož has dazzled guests since 1910, well-deserving the title of most prestigious hotel on the Istrian Peninsula. Behind its grand Habsburg façade, 182 guestrooms and suites look out towards the cobalt waters of the Gulf of Piran, crowned by the voluminous 230 square metre Presidential Suite. The Luxury Spa is a sanctuary of wellbeing in the heart of the hotel, with an indoor swimming pool, extensive fitness centre and an outdoor pool overlooking the park. Dining celebrates the heritage of Istrian cuisine and Mediterranean flavours in a collection of restaurants including the Michelin Guide-recommended Restaurant Sophia, ultra-contemporary Restaurant Fleur de Sel and the magnificent Crystal Hall, a show-stopping ballroom restored to its original 1910 glory with crystal chandeliers and soaring ceilings that opens out onto a terrace overlooking the historical park of Portorož. 

Latvian Luxe: Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga

For over a century the magnificent Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga at 22 Aspazijas Bulvaris has welcomed an array of distinguished guests, blending contemporary comforts with its rich history. Starting as Hotel Rome in 1878, it quickly became Riga's most modern accommodation, pioneering features like the city's first telephone and electric lights. Later, under the Jurgenson family, its "Roman Cave" restaurant with uniquely themed rooms gained fame attracting figures like opera singer, Feodor Chaliapin and Nobel laureate, Ivan Bunin. Though nearly destroyed in WWII, the hotel was swiftly rebuilt, reopening in 1954 as "Hotel Riga". It made history again in 1969 with Bar No1 "The Closet", the Soviet Union's first cocktail bar and a beloved meeting point for artists. Its recent transformation into Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga uncovered a hidden listening room from "The Closet's" intriguing past. Flanked by the Latvian National Opera House, today the hotel offers 141 rooms and suites including a 278-sqm Presidential Suite and provides a sanctuary at Kempinski The Spa. Dining options abound with Stage22, a Michelin-recommended Asian fusion restaurant, Amber for casual European fare and the elegant Cigar Lounge ensuring a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Read more here

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