Hotels near Ibex Paradise, Pontresina

This was our first visit to Pontresina and we chose the Saratz for its reputation, central location, indoor/outdoor pools, ease of access to train and bus transportation, nearby hiking trails. wonderful views to the Roseg glacier from our room, and the half board meal plan. We enjoyed all the hotel had to offer including the small things - in-room beauty products and Nespresso machine for that morning coffee, However, the hotel is large and also caters to guests at the conference center across from the hotel. This means that on occasions the hotel staff are over-stretched taking care of the many guests and meal service is affected - long duration waiting for meal courses. This leads to a less-than-personal feeling for the guest that we find is common place in hotels in alpine settings in Italy and Austria. Our room (bed and sitting area) was comfortable however the bathroom (an old shower tub with plastic non-slip mat) is not up to the standard we would expect in a 4* hotel. We did have a great week of exploring and hiking the local area using the transportation pass that is included in the hotel room rate to get around. Take the Panorama trail from Alp Languard to Muottas Muragl for splendid views of the mountains, glaciers and lakes.

The Grand Hotel Kronenhof, located in the Engadine valley in the Swiss Alps, is not just a Five Star Hotel, it’s officially a Five Star, Superior hotel. Why is that? For one thing, it’s the Swiss hospitality and the professionalism of the staff. The Reception staff and the Concierge make one very much at home as soon as a guest enters. In fact, Daniel Stauch, the Head Concierge/Guest Relations, is always very responsive to our questions and requests even before we arrive at the hotel. The superior service flows through reception, the concierge, the dining room, the bar, the spa and housekeeping. Every wish and need is promptly fulfilled with a pleasant smile. We have vacationed at the Kronenhof four times. Each time we arrive, we receive a royal welcome full of smiling faces. While a receptionist efficiently checks us in, our bags are whisked off to our room. The Kronenhof team is committed to making every guest’s stay a joyful, memorable event. My husband and I consider the Grand Hotel Kronenhof our home away from home. Among other awards, the World Luxury Spa Awards granted the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, the 2016 Global Spa of the Year award. The spa truly deserved that award. We enjoyed the water jets for every part of the body and the walk-through warm-to-cold stretch of pools, all of which are not only relaxing but also therapeutic for aching muscles and even burning nerves. The walk-through warm-to-cold stretch of pools cured the injured, burning nerves in my husband’s feet. It is a pleasure to close each day feasting in the Grand Dining Room, accompanied by the soothing sounds of a talented pianist, but be prepared to go on a virtual reality diet upon returning home! We could write a book about the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, but we will stop here. We’ll be back in 2025! The Houses