As Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group dating back to 1897, Kempinski Hotels is consistently focused on enhancing the brand’s luxury hotel portfolio worldwide. This year, a selection of Kempinski’s iconic properties have undergone a refresh or renovation, thoughtfully blending history and tradition with modern functionality and beauty. From Dresden to Istanbul to St Moritz, these global flagships are pleased to debut a new artful design aesthetic and enhanced guest experience, ushering in a new era of unparalleled luxury in some of the world’s most desirable locations. Key highlights across the portfolio include:
Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden
Following a full year of closure in 2023, Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden reopened in February this year under the promise of ‘The Return of an Icon’. Located in the heart of Dresden’s historic city center, the famous 18th-century palace dates back to 1705. Commissioned by the Saxon King, August the Strong, the palace was a gift to his mistress, Anna Constantia von Cosel. Berlin-based interior designer Markus Hilzinger was tasked with capturing the hotel’s heritage and creating a symbiosis of history and modern elegance. The complete property transformation includes a reimagined lobby featuring a special lighting concept modeled on the course of the Elbe River and heralded as “the living room of Dresden”; 180 newly designed rooms and 31 suites featuring hand-picked furniture and fine works of art; Kastenmeiers restaurant by gourmet chef Gerd Kastenmeier; Des Palais restaurant; Bar 1705 offering an extensive cocktail menu inspired by the era of the Roaring Twenties; and a newly founded patisserie, Amalie. In July, the property unveiled the freshly renovated Royal Suite, which features combined King and Queen Suites and totals more than 4,000 square feet. Finally, in September, the renovation was complete with the finishing touches placed on the spa, including baroque accents, a fitness center, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, an infrared cabin, and a large indoor swimming pool with a sparkling starry sky. With this latest reimagination, Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden remains one of Dresden’s true gems.
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
After an eight-month renovation, Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin welcomed a new wellness oasis, including a new pool, relaxation area, and fitness center, in September. The swimming pool is tiled in elegant black with a marbling effect and sophisticated lighting that creates a bathing experience akin to a sparkling evening sea. The relaxation area also includes a Finnish sauna, a temperature-reduced soft sauna, a marble-looking steam bath in the architecture of an Arabian hammam, an ice waterfall and a refreshing ice plunge pool. Under the experienced interior design direction of Jagdfeld Design KG, the luxurious furnishing concept of the newly christened ADLON POOL once again bears the proven signature of designer Anne Maria Jagdfeld, who has successfully shaped the iconic appearance of the internationally award-winning Hotel Adlon since its reopening-27 years ago. The relaxation area, including a fireplace lounge, spans almost 10,000 square feet, inviting guests to relax and recharge in bright, clear surroundings with a discreet and modern design. Hotel guests can also enjoy a newly designed spacious pool bar while indulging in culinary creations, including fresh fruit, healthy bowls, Ceasar Salad, and the signature ADLON currywurst with edible gold leaf. Together with the Adlon Spa by Resense, Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is now the new face of wellness in Berlin.
Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz
For the past two years, Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz, has been going through a transformation. For the hotel’s 20th Anniversary in December 2022, the property unveiled a newly refurbished lobby, new lobby bar, new entry and reception area, a refreshed Les Saisons, the hotel’s main restaurant, and new luxury-shopping units. The design aesthetic combines comfort and contemporary design with clean lines, brightness and an open, modern atmosphere. Launched last winter, the new outdoor pool, jacuzzi and exclusive pool lounge area is already a guest favorite. This winter the property will welcome the grand opening of Billionaire St. Moritz on December 6th and debut 78 newly renovated rooms and suites featuring state-of-the-art design and alpine elegance. Later this year the property will also welcome a Crazy Pizza pop-up at the hotel, available for a limited time only and bringing an extra layer of excitement to the dining offerings. With all these enhancements, Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz is well positioned to deliver the best cocktail-sipping spot in St. Moritz and become the ultimate destination for trendsetters to unwind after an active day out
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
With a heritage dating back to the 17th century, Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is the only Ottoman Imperial Palace and Hotel on the Bosphorus that once hosted Sultans and continues to stand as an iconic symbol of Istanbul. Guided by the vision of esteemed Ottoman Art Expert Serdar Gulgun and Toner Architects, the property has gone through a complete transformation over the past few years. Just recently, Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul unveiled the transformation of its luxury spa and wellness center, managed by Sanitas Spa & Wellness. Guests can now enjoy a pampering experience in surroundings that seamlessly blend modern luxury with architectural elements inspired by Ottoman tradition. A haven where contemporary wellness meets timeless heritage, Sanitas Spa & Wellness provides rejuvenating therapies and treatments delivered by expert hands. The newly redesigned spa features a private VIP Turkish bath, massage rooms, a fitness center, a skincare room, a sauna, an indoor swimming pool, changing rooms, and a reception area, all of which seamlessly blend luxurious modern design with rich traditional elements. The indoor pool area, adorned with tiled wall engravings, curtained sections and vintage-style deck chairs, invites guests to unwind in an atmosphere where timeless elegance meets magnificent architecture. With the entire property’s renovation now complete, Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul will remain the classic interpretation of a timeless masterpiece for many years to come.
Kempinski Hotel The Dome Belek
This past summer, Kempinski Hotel The Dome Belek, located on the shores of the Turkish Mediterranean sea, ushered in a new era of luxury with an impressive upgrade across the entire property. Following a comprehensive renovation of all 158 rooms and suites, the hotel unveiled 31 exclusive Lagoon Suites and 12 Lagoon Golf Suites, offering a new sense of private luxury. At a size of 970 square feet, the new Lagoon Suites offer luxurious comfort and peace, allowing guests a completely private stay away from the main hotel. With direct access to the Lagoon Pool from each terrace, beautiful golf course views, and green surroundings, these villa-style accommodations can be easily reached over a wooden bridge from the hotel lobby. Golf enthusiasts can indulge in the new Lagoon Golf Suites incorporated into the golf course grounds. Away from the main hotel, these suites offer guests spacious and comfortable accommodations with a high level of privacy and the feeling of an exclusive retreat. In addition to completely redesigning all rooms and suites, the property boasts new culinary hotspots, including Seljuk, which offers world-class cuisine by Executive Chef Adnan. Restaurant Lale is the place for dinner, offering indoor and outdoor seating and nightly live entertainment. Architect Kursat Aybak, well known as the architect of a range of five-star hotel projects in Turkiye, is the mastermind behind this impressive reimagination, poised to stand the test of time.