Review - Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras

May 25th, 2024

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Review - Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras

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Enroute:

We had a leisurely drive to the Kempinski from Vienna, with an intermediate stop in Bratislava. The drive was worth it in and of itself - winding through villages and national parks dotted in the Slovakian countryside. We made it to the hotel just shortly before 7pm.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Entrance

Check-in:

We were greeted by the porter Mario and given parking instructions. Both valet and self-parking were available for a fee. I knew this hotel was old-school, and the lobby was exactly what I expected. If it reminds you of the Overlook Hotel, you are not alone.

Across from the reception were various seating options, as well as one of the many fireplaces in the common area. You could get service here, but it’s not technically the lobby bar.

For whatever reason, check-in took over 15 minutes. At least we were offered some sparkling wine while we waited, which was actually a Kempinski-branded Sekt Extra Dry.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Welcome Drink

Moments later, the receptionist returned with our passports, then we were on our way to our room.

I loved the design details at this hotel, especially all the retro posters. We even found one of Miami Beach (where we live).

Unpack:

We booked a grand deluxe lake view room, and I believe that’s what we received. The hotel seemed to be popular with the Slovaks and the Poles, as many room types were sold out when I booked. On the other hand, I was pleasantly surprised to see our room being apropos to a junior suite.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Deluxe Lake View Room

I don’t think I’ve ever stayed at a hotel where there’s a keychain dish by the entrance.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Deluxe Lake View Room Entryway

Behind the door was a sizable closet with a safe, along with a well-stocked minibar.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Deluxe Lake View Room Minibar

Next was a sitting area with a couch, a coffee table and a chair. The hotel prepared us some chocolates and fruits. Interestingly, there were two covered champagne flutes with the welcome amenity, but there was no champagne. I wonder if they forgot, lol.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Deluxe Lake View Room Living Room

Adjacent to the living room was a credenza with a water kettle and some tea and coffee. Oddly, the coffee was instant.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Deluxe Lake View Room Coffee Setup

The sleeping area consisted of two twin beds, an ottoman, a desk and a chair. Honestly I think the European sleeping arrangement is so underrated. I dated a Norwegian for a hot second, and he would always take out an extra comforter from the closet for me before we went to bed, which was brilliant. Like what are the chances you’re sleeping with someone with the exact same body temperature as you?

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Deluxe Lake View Room Bedroom

There was a comprehensive directory on the desk, which sure is a rarity in hotels these days.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Deluxe Lake View Room Directory

While we didn’t take advantage of it, there was a pillow menu available.

Room service menu was available through the QR code.

The bed and pillows were plush, a blessing in this part of the world.

Since we checked in in the early evening, turndown service was already provided.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Deluxe Lake View Room Turndown Service

Last in the room was the bathroom, featuring a soaking tub.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Deluxe Lake View Room Bathroom

Bath amenities were the Tuscan Soul line from Ferragamo, which I’m unfortunately allergic to.

The highlight of the room was none other than the view of the Tatras.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Deluxe Lake View Room View

We lucked out with gorgeous weather during our stay, so it was truly picture-perfect. I also loved how the windows opened fully, and you could sit there with a glass of wine and just take in the view. On our last night, higher power compelled me to put on some Shirley Bassey. The luft outside was frisch, the radiator by my feet was warm, and the moonlight was as diaphanous as Shirley’s vocals. You had to be there.

I was very happy with the room. The style was fitting yet upscale. The room was exceptionally well-maintained and struck the perfect balance between charm and modern technology. For example, you’d think a hotel like this would have those doors where you’d slide in the room key to open? Maybe even have to leave a room key in the slot for electricity? Nope, instead it was a sleek acrylic panel by the door where you just tapped to enter. There was a central control panel inside the room where you could adjust the lights, the temperature for the radiator, as well as a DND switch and a Make Up Room switch.

Unwind:

We walked around the property after check-in to explore the facility a bit more and found this cute replica of the hotel.

On the sub-cellar floor, along the corridor leading to the spa was the Players’ Lounge, with books, games and a pool table.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Players’ Lounge

As you’d expect from an European mountain resort, the spa was core to the whole experience. The Kempinski did not disappoint.

Spa and gym were located next to each other. The gym was rather standard.

We tried to make an appointment for a massage, but the spa was completely booked for the weekend.

The spa facility itself, however, was accessible to all hotel guests.

The spa was extremely popular when we were there, so I couldn’t take pictures. The offerings were extensive, including a cold plunge, a reflexology pool, a Finnish sauna, an infrared sauna, tropical showers, caldarium, jacuzzi and a steam room. The showstopper (insert gay gasp) was the pool with the magical view of the Tatras Mountain.

We took a nice stroll around the lake in the evening.

On the front side of the property we were treated to this majestic panorama of the valley below.

Refuel:

There wasn’t an abundance of food and beverage venues at the hotel, but it was sufficient.

We hung out at the lobby bar one afternoon after returning from sightseeing, as we were beckoned by the sound of a piano. A bar with live music? Say no more.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Lobby Bar

Is it just me or does a drink taste better when it’s made in front of you on a bar cart?

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Lobby Bar Menu

Aside from the cocktails, the full lobby bar menu can be found here.

My partner had the High Tatras Negroni, while I, this was very unlike me, had an ungodly scrumptious hot dark chocolate with Zacapa rum.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Lobby Bar Beverage

The chinaware, the freshly whipped cream, the ice cube with the logo and the matching coaster, ugh, were simply impeccable.

Attached to the lobby bar was a smoking lounge that overlooked the lake.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Lobby Bar Smoking Lounge

I mean, how cozy was this space?!

We had room service on our first night. We shared the pierogis, the mouflon loin and one of the best apple strudels I’ve ever had. The mouflon loin wasn’t on the room service menu, but the hotel was happy to oblige.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Room Service Dinner

The only restaurant on-site was the Grand Restaurant, which served breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s located on the floor above the lobby via a beautiful staircase.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Restaurant

Breakfast was included for all guests.

It doesn’t get more European than this. Fun fact, Slovakia has the highest number of castles per capita in the world. I guess that explains…

Europe isn’t known to have the most lavish hotel breakfasts, so with that in mind I thought the selection was decent.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Restaurant Breakfast

Breakfast was served with a side of the valley view.

The coffee was stellar, as was the pistachio pastry. Eggs could be ordered to your liking, and breakfast sparkling was self-serve.

In addition to the buffet, there were an à la carte menu and a menu for other complimentary items.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Restaurant Breakfast Menu

I had to try the Chinese congee soup, per the menu. It turned out to be more of a hot and sour soup, and not a very good one. But hey, happy to be included!

There were so many interesting looking options from the dinner menu at the Grand Restaurant, so I wanted to have dinner here. There also wasn’t any alternative within an hour driving distance. The dinner menu can be found here.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Grand Restaurant Dinner

We started with a bottle of Slovakian white and some bread, served with regular and honey chestnut butter.

Followed by an smoked salmon amuse-bouche.

We shared the foie gras mousse. The pickled unripened strawberry added a quirky flavor.

For main course, I chose the white sturgeon sous-vide with variations of cauliflower, pickled gooseberries and sage sauce. I don’t quite recall what my partner had, because I don’t see it on the menu anymore. I believe it was some sort of game meat. Many people love caviar, but sturgeon fish is a delicacy of its own. I feel like in the fish world, the uglier the fish, the tastier it is. I mean, just look at monkfish or turbot - heinous creatures but fabulous eating.

We couldn’t be more stuffed at this point, so we passed on dessert. I felt like I was complete after that apple strudel two days ago. The waitress brought over some petits fours to conclude our dinner.

Depart:

Our stay at the Kempinski was ineffable. Nonetheless, I’m going to contradict myself and write another 100 words. I adore a hotel with characters and history, or as the kids call it, a vibe. The architecture itself was once a health clinic for patients with lung diseases back in the 50s, since the air in this area was so crisp and fresh and was believed to be therapeutic. The Kempinski took over and converted it into a hotel in 2009. The property featured 98 accommodations, and each room was allegedly different.

It was noticeable how much pride Kempinski and its staff took in this property. The branding was sewn onto its towels and slippers and etched into the toothbrush and glassware. Service was reserved yet simultaneously friendly. It was funny to watch how the personality of the same employee became increasingly warmer with each passing day.

The property itself exuded charm. There were many fireplaces throughout the property that made it so comfy and intimate. Still, when you stepped inside the dining room, it was a bit uptight, though in a good way.

Upon checkout, we bade goodbye and were gifted a to-go bag with water for the road, and a packet of locally harvested tea leaves. I wish the Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras change nothing.

Review - Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras

May 25th, 2024

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