Review of The Kulm Hotel, St Moritz | Switzerland

If you are seeking the comforts of five star luxury combined with history (views are a bonus), then The Kulm Hotel in St Moritz is for you. Built in 1856, this is the oldest hotel in town and also the first to actually have electric lights in town. That is two reasons right there!

The Kulm Hotel is the home of the infamous Cresta Run, a St Moritz tradition in which men go head first down the icy slopes on a sled. The Cresta Club has its home in the hotel for many decades. Women are barred from participating in the event, although a few have participated in the past.

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The Kulm Hotel

…is huge and because it is perched on the hill, the views from every room are fabulous! There are over a hundred rooms at Kulm Hotel, each generously appointed. Every room has its own distinct character and style. Mine was in the new wing (hence very modern) with pastel-colored fabrics. The hotel’s standard rooms have large windows with views of St. Moritz Lake, Badrutts Hotel and the lower side of the town. Beyond the lake, the mountains rise up to skies…

But there is so much more to the Kulm than just the beautiful, heritage rooms. There are seven restaurants which means you don’t have to go far for food.

What I loved most

Endless corridors lined with information about the hotel and its history
The luxurious spa and fitness facilities
Shuttle service to the train station (and ski areas in winter, I am told)
Free ski lessons and ice skating for kids

A must see in The Kulm Hotel

The Sunny Bar. Packed to the hilt (especially after the Cresta Run) but during the non-Cresta season, you can still find some Japanese food at the bar.

On the first day, I had lunch at The Pizzeria (on the sun terrace) with smashing views of the lake. If you have the craving for something Italian, this is where you head to.

It is a fancy hotel alright, but it is great for families too, especially if you are travelling with children. There’s the Kids’ Club that will look after your kids every afternoon for children aged 3 to 12 (included in the room rate). They also have a special children’s dinner at 6:30 pm, to let you enjoy an adult meal at the bars and restaurants in the evening.

We happened to get a horse-drawn carriage ride to Lej da Staz as well. It is quite a romantic way to travel the town, past Lake Moritz and upwards towards Lej da Staz through narrow tree covered roads. (You can check with the concierge for reservation)

Historical Fact

Kulm Hotel is the birthplace of both winter tourism and winter sports.

Pamper yourself at The Kulm Hotel

Not surprisingly, the hotel has some excellent wellness and spa facilities. Indoor and outdoor pools, children’s pool, steam bath, sauna, Jacuzzi – there is more than what you can possible experience during your stay! The spa journey takes you through a salt room, saunas and infrared room (wish I had the time to experience this one). Also, don’t miss the heated outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi, especially great when the night is lit up with stars.

Kulm Hotel is definitely a heritage hotel but you can bet your last CHF that is is not lacking in any modern facility.