Hidden away in Slovakia below the snow covered peaks of the High Tatras Mountains and resting at the edge of a glistening alpine glacial lake, The Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras awaits to be discovered.
Visiting the Grand Hotel fells like an escape to a fairytale winter-wonderland – a place surrounded by enchanting nature where time seems to move a bit slower. The hotel’s interesting history began in 1893 when the first building was constructed as a holiday villa by Jozef Szentiványi, a wealthy Austrian-Hungarian nobleman. In the years to follow, two additional buildings were built – each with its own unique architectural style. Over the next decades, the hotel played host to many members of eastern Europe’s high society where the affluent came to relax and socialize. By the mid-twentieth century however, much of the hotel’s grandiose charm had been repressed due to communist influence, leaving the hotel to fall into a state of deterioration for the remaining half of the century. In 2003, plans were made to restore the Grand Hotel of the High Tatras back to its former glory, while preserving as much as the original historic details as possible. It is for this reason that each of the three adjoining buildings that make up the Grand Hotel are painted with a unique color scheme. Many of the original interior architectural features were managed to be revived during the renovations, such as the iron staircase banisters, lighting in the Grand Restaurant, and painted timber beams throughout the hotel’s great halls. For just over a decade now, the Grand Hotel Kempinski has been welcoming back guests who are seeking to discover the beauty of the High Tatras Mountains.
Click here to see historic photos of The Grand Hotel
Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras – Vysoké Tatry-Štrbské Pleso, Slovakia
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Accommodations at The Grand Hotel Kempinski
The Grand Hotel Kempinski has 98 luxurious guestrooms, including 22 suites. Each room offers a captivating view of the mountainous scenery that surrounds the hotel, with some rooms overlooking lake Strbske Pleso and others overlooking the sweeping valley beyond. Sven and I had the pleasure of staying in a Deluxe Lake View Room, complete with a balcony, comfortable king sized bed, lounge area, and spacious marble bathroom with a large soaking tub. We really enjoyed waking up each morning to a peaceful view of the lake from our bedside window. Even though we visited during a cold and snowy autumn week, our room (and the entire hotel for that matter) was incredibly well insulated and wonderfully cozy.
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The Grand Hotel Kempinski Experience
Despite the Grand Hotel Kempinski’s remote mountain location, there’s no shortage of things to do during your time there. Most guests come to the Grand Hotel for a Spa and Wellness retreat. The hotel’s luxurious Zion Spa was my favorite amenity, which offered a spectacular view of lake Strbske Pleso and the peaks of the Tatras mountains that sail high above – all to be enjoyed in the comfort of a fluffy white robe from one of the spa’s cushy lounge beds. The wellness area is wonderfully appointed with a fitness center, pool, and hot tub. Adult guests can enjoy the sauna, steam sauna, and refreshing lot of plunge pools and showers. Specialty massages and treatments can also be booked.
Breakfast in the hotel’s Grand Restaurant is not to be missed, and I would also highly recommend returning in the evening for a slow and decadent dinner. Sven and I enjoyed the delicious three-course chef’s menu, complete with pairing of local Slovakian wine that is only available at the Grand Restaurant. I would also suggest treating yourself to afternoon tea in front of the crackling fireplace of the Lobby Bar and Lounge.
And of course, no visit to the Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras would be complete without exploring the beautiful natural surroundings. There are many opportunities for hiking and winter sports in the area, and boats can be rented for lake Strbske Pleso during the summer months. Sven and I spent a few hours hiking up a snow covered trail to Vodopád Skok, a beautiful and pristine mountain waterfall. Click here to read my tips for hiking in the High Tatras Mountains.
Visit The Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras
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This blogpost was written in collaboration with The Grand Hotel Kempinski as a hosted visit.
This blogpost was written in collaboration with The Grand Hotel Kempinski as a hosted visit.
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