8 Fascinating Facts About Europe’s Oldest Hotels

Kempinski, with its 5-star service platform in Switzerland, has become a renowned luxury hotel brand. Its success is not only attributed to its exceptional service but also to its emphasis on local culture, which has created a unique identity for Kempinski. With over 80 hotels in 36 countries and 4 continents, Kempinski has established itself as a global brand.

The Journey of Kempinski Hotels Started from Elegant Restaurants

In 1897, at 25 Leipziger Strasse in Berlin, Germany, Berthold Kempinski owned a wine restaurant renowned for its exquisite wine and seasonal delicacies such as lobsters and prawns. With its affordable price and luxurious service, the restaurant became synonymous with Kempinski’s name. In 2022, Kempinski celebrated its 125th anniversary, honoring the spirit that has been preserved for centuries.

The World’s Best Hotel Brand for Health and Wellness

In 2022, nine Kempinski hotels across the globe received awards for the best spa hotel and best wellness resort in their respective countries. This achievement is the result of the hotels’ high-quality physical therapists, state-of-the-art facilities, synchronized treatments, and premium services. Among the award-winning hotels are the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski Cairo in Egypt, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea in Jordan, Kempinski Palace Engelberg Spa in Switzerland, Grand Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana in Cuba, and Kempinski Hotel Fuzhou in China.

Lady in Red – The Ambassador of Refined Service

When you visit a Kempinski hotel, you will be greeted by the brand’s ambassadors dressed in red, known as the Lady in Red. These ambassadors ensure personalized experiences for guests, making them feel at home no matter which Kempinski hotel they visit worldwide. Since 2021, Kempinski brand ambassadors have been wearing exclusive red Vara shoes from Salvatore Ferragamo, the legendary Italian fashion brand, enhancing their distinctive appearance.

Awakening the Dragon in European Hospitality

Kempinski became the first European hotel group to enter the Chinese market in 1992. With a total of 21 hotels in a country with over 1 billion people, Kempinski has made its mark in China. One of the most famous hotels in China is Sunrise Kempinski, an architectural masterpiece located on the banks of Yanqi Lake in Beijing.

Recently, Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan opened its doors, showcasing the culmination of Kempinski’s 30-year journey in the Chinese market, blending Western and Eastern cultures. This hotel embraces traditional Chinese “Luche” culture, which includes rituals, music, archery, mathematics, horse riding, and calligraphy. Moreover, the hotel’s interior design draws inspiration from the surrounding natural landscapes of Springs and Taiyuan.

Bringing the Kempinski Experience Home

In 2021, Kempinski launched an online store where customers can purchase signature products from Europe’s oldest luxury hotel brand. From bathrobes, pillows, and bed linens to perfumes, Ferragamo Convivio body care products, and even the beloved beds found in Kempinski hotels, customers can bring the Kempinski experience to their own homes.

The First Floating Palace in the World

Kempinski Floating Palace, situated in Dubai, is the world’s first floating resort. It consists of a hotel, a floating helipad, and standalone yacht residences. All the hotels and yacht residences will be anchored in a private beach area in Jumeirah. The resort will have 156 rooms, including 12 standalone yacht residences that can move around the resort.

In addition to the luxurious accommodations, the resort will feature exceptional dining venues, swimming pools, a spa, boutique shops, and state-of-the-art facilities for organizing the most extravagant events and parties. Notably, the design allows large yachts to enter the heart of the palace. Kempinski Floating Palace is expected to welcome its first guests in 2025.

Exceptional Hospitality Starts from Within

Kempinski Hotels, the oldest hotel management, operation, and development group in Europe, consistently tops the list of awards in the global tourism and entertainment industry. In 2021, Kempinski Hotels was honored by Forbes as the number one employer in the world in the tourism and entertainment sector. This recognition was the result of an independent global survey conducted by Forbes. Kempinski Hotels continued to be recognized in the top ranks in 2022.

In 2023, Kempinski Hotels received the Gallup Award for “Excellence in Workplace.” These awards testify to the strong bond and work culture within Kempinski Hotels.

The Tallest Hotel in the World

Conlay Kempinski 8, located in the capital of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is positioned as the tallest hotel in the world.

Part of a distinctive three-tower development project, YOO8 Tower is dedicated to serving Kempinski residents. The hotel tower, located in the city center, consists of 260 standard rooms and 300 large luxury rooms. The 68-story tower will feature a rooftop bar, which is expected to become the world’s first durian-themed lounge.

The hotel represents the Malaysian culture through an art installation created by local artists, inspired by the “kopitiam” culture combined with modern elements.

These are just a few highlights showcasing the rich history and exceptional achievements of Kempinski Hotels, a brand that continuously strives for excellence in the world of hospitality.

Source: Business Today