The hype
Guests are universally obsessed with the service and the lake views, often calling it the best hotel experience of their lives.
Kulm St. Moritz
$750-1,800+/ night
Book this if You want to sleep in the literal birthplace of winter tourism with a view that makes the price tag feel (almost) reasonable.
Why People Love It
- The history is palpable—this is where the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics opened
- South-facing rooms offer a jaw-dropping, unobstructed view of Lake St. Moritz
- The Kulm Country Club by Mauro Colagreco is a culinary destination in itself
Quick Take: It’s old-money Swiss luxury where the staff know your name, but the mandatory gala dinner fees might make you choke on your fondue.
Reviewed by @ginagoesto: I spent my summer holiday at the Kulm and it was like stepping into a postcard. The views of Lake St. Moritz from my balcony were unreal, and the outdoor terrace was my favorite spot for lunch. If you want true old-school luxury, this is the place.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Some travelers feel the 'Village Side' rooms are a letdown compared to the 'Lake Side' options, staring at streets or mountains instead of the water.
- You appreciate historic grandeur and don't mind dressing up for dinner
- You are a winter sports enthusiast—the hotel has its own ice rink and is the HQ for the Cresta Run
- You want a massive spa (2,000 m²) to retreat to after skiing
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.6
- Housekeeping: Twice-daily service that is borderline obsessive; guests report 'not a speck of dust'.
- Bathroom hygiene: Pristine marble and granite; no signs of mold or wear in the renovated bathrooms.
- Maintenance: Impeccable. The historic creaks are minimal, and everything from the heated towel racks to the Wi-Fi works perfectly.
- Linens & towels: Heavy, crisp, high-thread-count linens and plush robes that feel brand new.
- Odors & scents: Signature scent of Swiss pine (Arve) wood throughout the hallways and rooms.
Sleepability™
9SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Church bells (morning)
- Village street traffic (Village Side rooms only)
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is seasonal: open Dec-April and June-Sept only.
- Shuttle service to the Corviglia ski lift is free and frequent.
- Valet parking is CHF 45 per night; self-parking options are scarce nearby.
What to pack
- Jacket and tie for men (strictly enforced in the Grand Restaurant)
- Swimsuit for the heated outdoor pool (open year-round)
- Smart casual outfits for the other restaurants—no sweatpants at dinner
Room Genie
Best picks
- Lake Side Deluxe Room (South-facing) for the iconic view
- Junior Suite in the 'Neukulm' wing for a more contemporary Pierre-Yves Rochon design
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Single Village Side—small (20-25m²) and lacks the view you're paying the premium for
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room in the Neukulm wing if possible, specifically facing the lake. A high floor is preferred to maximize the view of the Engadine valley.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a lavish buffet breakfast in the Grand Restaurant is typically included in the room rate.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome for a fee of CHF 50 per night, though they are restricted from the spa and some restaurants.
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
No, like many alpine hotels, most rooms rely on the cool mountain air. Fans are provided upon request.
How much is the spa access?
Unlimited access to the 2,000 m² Kulm Spa is included for all hotel guests.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, 'Smart Elegant' (jacket and tie) for the Grand Restaurant at night; 'Smart Casual' for other venues.
What is the 'Cresta Run' connection?
The Kulm is the founding home of the St. Moritz Tobogganing Club; the Sunny Bar is their historic clubhouse.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for the 'Pillow Menu' immediately upon arrival—they have options ranging from spelt grain to horsehair.
- ✨
The ice rink often features art installations, like the 'Pink Mirror Carousel'—it's free for guests to skate.
- ✨
You can rent skates for just CHF 10 directly at the rink pavilion.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Sunny Bar' isn't just a bar; it's a museum of machismo with rings hanging from the ceiling where Cresta riders test their strength.
💡The mandatory Christmas/New Year gala dinner fee is one of the highest in the world (approx. CHF 700/person).
💡The hotel has its own 9-hole golf course that turns into a park in winter.
💡There is a 'Miles Davis Smokers Lounge' for cigar aficionados, a rare find in smoke-free Switzerland.
💡The 'Village Side' rooms are significantly cheaper but you will likely envy the lake view every time you walk through the lobby.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Kulm St. Moritz is located and what's nearby.