Since the Badrutt's Palace Hotel opened its doors in the heart of St. Moritz in the summer of 1896, the luxurious establishment has continued to open new chapters in its success story. Because in addition to constant innovations, it is the personalized and impeccable service that attracts guests from all over the world. And that even includes fulfilling unusual wishes - even if an elephant has to come into the lobby to do it. The fairytale castle in the Engadine was conceived and built by Caspar Badrutt, the second eldest son of Johannes Badrutt. In turn he is considered the "inventor" of winter tourism in St. Moritz.

It all started with a bet

Until the end of the 19th century, the Swiss Engadine was known exclusively as a summer destination. The resourceful hotelier Johannes Badrutt finally came up with a bet. He told the English guests that in St. Moritz the sun would shine and tan them even in winter. Badrutt offered them to stay in his hotel for free for as long as they wanted - if they were not satisfied. The English could not refuse the offer. They came in the winter of 1864 - and stayed until long after Easter. Only then did they return to rainy England, sun-kissed and tanned. Word of the advantages of St. Moritz spread quickly. The demand for luxurious accommodation grew. So in the summer of 1896, son Caspar Badrutt opened the Badrutt's Palace Hotel. And it is still considered one of the best hotels in the world today.

Driven by innovations

A total of five generations of the family were committed to the preservation and expansion of the magnificent mountain hotel. Heart and soul, a sense of tradition and innovation were the driving forces. In 1913, the hotel had the first indoor tennis court in Europe and the first ice rink in the region. In 1920 came the first hotel lift, shortly followed by the first telephone box in the Engadine. The Acapulco complex was inaugurated as early as 1969. Thanks to the infinity pool and heated outdoor pool, this quickly became the guests' favourite place. In 2002, the "Palace Galerie" with boutiques of world-famous brands expanded the offer. In 2003, the Hans Badrutt Suite was opened. To this day, it is one of the most exclusive hotel suites in Switzerland. A night here costs up to 23,000 euros in the high season. The will to innovate is unbroken. In 2006 came a modern heat pump system, in 2019 the Badrutt's Palace Hotel was the first luxury hotel in Europe to invest in 5G technology.

Luxury at Badrutt's Palace Hotel

No wonder that in the course of time, a lot of stars, starlets and personalities have come and gone. The repertoire ranges from crowned heads to greats from politics and business to vips such as Alfred Hitchcock, Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich or Charlie Chaplin. They all love the hotel's blend of tradition and innovation and its noble charm. Today it has 157 elegant rooms and suites, 40 of which were redesigned just last winter. Furthermore, nine restaurants and three bars pamper guests. They dine on Swiss specialities in the 450-year-old Chesa Veglia or on Japanese-Peruvian delicacies from Nobuyuku - "Nobu" - Matsuhisa in what was once Europe's first tennis hall. The two-star restaurant IGNIV by Andreas Caminada offers an exciting fine dining concept. For physical needs of a different kind, there is the "Palace Wellness" with its first-class spa, massage and beauty treatments.