Carlton Hotel St.Moritz – Record Grand

Record Hotel

Open for a record short period (from December to March only),  renovated in record time (18 months to dig the whole lower floor and spa area, and renew every little detail of the upper area), on the sunniest spot in St.Moritz, suites only, sunny rooms only, butler-served only, the Carlton Hotel St.Moritz  is no ordinary hotel – everything about this place is grand, but private and peaceful too.

A Colourful history

The Carlton has never been a normal hotel. According to legend the property was originally planned as summer residence for the Tsar Nicolaj II. However, it seems this was never confirmed, and that this was a fantastical story made up by a former owner, hoping to raise the profile of the hotel. In today’s media world, you would most probably call this a genius PR-story. Whatever the case,  references to the Tsar’s times are dotted around the property, and a stay in one of these incredibly spacious and sunny suites will make you feel like one, too. We monsters sure enjoyed it!

Our Sparkling Stay

Geri and I arrived from grey Zurich to this incredibly sunny location and went straight to its fabulous terrace, where tea and snacks were served. We could take our jackets off at minus 8, how is that possible? St. Moritz mysteries. After the short vitamin D therapy, we went to the Spa for a massage. But this being the Carlton, you won’t be offered a simple massage: the signature treatment here is 5 different styles of massage in 75 minutes of bliss. This is one of the (not many) times where I almost stopped talking…

Food And Italianita’

Dinner was a master stroke. The first restaurant we choose, in the hotel itself, was Da Vittorio, the haute cuisine of Enrico & Roberto Cerea, whose Da Vittorio Restaurant in Brusaporto has garnered no fewer than three Michelin stars; yes, it’ s that good. I was literally scooping the plates with my bread and made them all clean. The Italian staff was perfect, and also answered all my (bad) Italian jokes with great spirit – I love when service is attentive, but not stuffy; we really shared a laugh.

 Fit For A Tsar

I wondered why so many walls, in the Carlton, are rounded, instead of having corners. Carlo Rampazzi, the interior designer who refurbished the whole hotel in 2007, knew very well that the Tsar story wasn’t proven. However, he let the Imperial theme inspire him everywhere. Curved walls hide doors so privacy is always preserved (you simply can’t see who’s entering or exiting the next room), and the crisp, natural light enters every single room. Symbols and decorations from the Russian tradition add warmness to the grandness of the place.

Our Outdoor Butler

Finally it was time for us to enjoy the nature outside and we did it with for Urs, the Carlton outdoor butler. He knows the whole Engadin region like the back of his hand:  off-the beaten tracks, every animal or bird you see, and all the shopping areas too!  Don’t be afraid when you first meet him and see how fit he looks – he will adapt to your pace and give you plenty of breaks. Geri and I had never tried snow shoeing and went for a hike in the snow. It was…uphill! Luckily Urs had prepared a surprise pic nic for us, warm tea and healthy snacks. We set on a sunny bench for a well-deserved break and of course also took some pictures.

Would We Go Back?

We sure would! During our stay, the impressive Carlton Penthouse was occupied by a mysterious guest, so we couldn’t either try it or even have a look at it. What a wonderful excuse to go back – I am sure this will happen: who can resist the charm of St.Moritz and of the Tschuggen Hotels Group? Have a great , magical and peaceful winter everyone!