Grand Hotel Kempinski

In a class all its own

By Ursula Vonplaten
Photo courtesy Hotel Kempsinski

Slovakia’s first five star luxury hotel, the Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras, opened in May.

The hotel is located on the shores of an alpine lake, 4,400 feet above sea level in the spectacular High Tatras Mountains in Strbske Pleso. The mountains are the natural border between Poland and Slovakia, forming the central section of the Carpathian mountain range, where the air is said to be pure and medically beneficial.

The historic hotel, originally built in 1906, has been completely restored. The 98 spacious rooms and suites offer views either over the alpine lake, the mountains or the vast valley; some even feature private winter gardens.

The hotel provides international and Mediterranean cuisine in its all-day dining Grand Restaurant, focusing on local specialties, prepared by a team of international chefs.

For conferences, meetings and other occasions, the hotel has two ballrooms which can cater for up to 150 people. Apart from exploring the surrounding nature on foot or mountain bike, the area is ideal for cross-country and downhill skiing, horseback riding, or tours with horse carriages or snow scooters. Bungee jumping and paragliding, bear-watching expeditions and hot-air ballooning are also available and can all be arranged by the hotel’s concierge. For young guests, special amenities and services are available, including a professionally run Kids’ Club with many activities to keep children entertained while their parents relax.

The Wellness & Spa offers a variety of Thalgo and Terrake facial and body treatments. The facilities include several saunas, themed showers, a private VIP spa suite, seven treatment rooms and a vitamin bar. Indoor pools with views over the lake and mountains bring the natural environment into the spa.

From now through the end of June, guests can take advantage of a special opening rate of 160 EUR for a single and 180 EUR for double occupancy per night, including taxes, buffet breakfast and access to the wellness and spa area.

The Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras can be reached by road, rail or air. The nearest international airport is Poprad-Tatry; Kosice Airport is 93 miles away. Limousine transfers as well as helicopter pickups from Bratislava and Vienna are available.