THE FASCINATION OF THE GRAND HOTELS

The fascination of a Grand Hotel is that it is not only a luxurious building, but also a symbol of a bygone age of travel and hospitality. Grand Hotels often have a rich history and are magnificently furnished, with artistic architecture and opulent interiors. They offer a unique atmosphere that makes guests feel as if they have been transported to another time and another world. They are wonderful places that are out of time and thus have no end.

There are no internationally agreed criteria for what constitutes a Grand Hotel. The term encompasses both size and luxury. They are considered to be very well appointed hotels that meet higher structural, architectural and culinary standards and are distinguished from simple standard hotels by their exclusivity.

The Origins Of Grand Hotels

The first Grand Hotel was probably the one opened under that name in 1774 in Covent Garden, London. The Tremont House in Boston (1829), with 170 rooms and a dining room serving French cuisine, is considered the first five-star luxury hotel. In the 19th century, a Grand Hotel was a building with a higher level of comfort, such as running water and telephones, and a room design based on European palace architecture with appropriate furnishings. It was aimed at an educated clientele. Classification by number of stars did not yet exist.

A considerable number of Grand Hotels were built during the Belle Époque in other places where the wealthy of society gathered. They were located in health resorts (for example, seaside spas, climatic resorts) and often in attractive locations in the countryside (Alpine passes, lake shores, coastlines). This development was further encouraged by the development of railways.

The Hotel Walther As Palace

Most of the Engadin Grand Hotels were built during this period. The Hotel Walther was also conceived as a Grand Hotel from the outset. The striking tower, the high windows, the columns with their round arches and the planned park are all evidence of this. The name 'Palace', which the hotel continued to use until the 1960s and which was popular at the time, supports this assessment. The style of the Pontresina Hotel Palace was a mixture of traditional and Art Nouveau. This was most evident in the interior, with its typical lighting, furniture and paintings. Following the completion of the renovation of the ground floor in 2017, the decorative elements of the Belle Époque can be seen again, and together with the contemporary furniture they form a fresh and bold blend of styles.

Art Nouveau In The Grand Hotel

Art Nouveau was very important for Grand Hotels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It influenced the architecture of the grand buildings as well as the interior decoration, furniture design, lamps, soft furnishings and other items. Its decorative style was associated with luxury and elegance and was therefore a perfect match for the glamorous Grand Hotels of the time. The Grand Hotels provided a suitable stage for the latest trends in art and design, and helped to spread Art Nouveau by hiring famous artists and craftsmen to design their interiors.

Nostalgia For A Past Age Of Travel

In today's fast-paced world of hectic activity and constant presence, many people yearn for a quieter, slower and more reflective time. This is exactly what a Grand Hotel offers. It is not just about enjoying luxury, it is about seeking authentic experiences, living culture and history in a grand and elegant atmosphere. Endlessness, attention to detail, patina, grandeur and time becoming space characterise the spirit of these buildings.