Kempinski Hotels: 126 Years of Excellence and Still Growing Strong

By That's, August 22, 2023

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Even in its 126th year of company history, Kempinski Hotels continues successfully opening new chapters. What began at the end of the 19th century with the wine business of pioneer Berthold Kempinski has today become the world’s oldest luxury hotel group with European roots. 

Each of the current 82 hotels in 36 countries captivates with spectacular design in unique locations in the most exciting places in the world. Although all Kempinski hotels around the globe differ from each other in their country-specific style, they are all united by their timeless elegance, first-class service, highest quality and authentic staff. The individual guest experience and the fulfilment of the highest standards are always the top priority for the continuously trained staff.

As different as they are, every guest at Kempinski hotels is greeted directly on arrival by the famous Lady in Red – no matter the destination. This iconic brand ambassador is instantly recognizable in her red attire, lightly interpreted to reflect the local culture and traditions. Working along with the Concierge team, the Lady in Red goes out of her way to understand each guest’s individual needs and craft memorable experiences with a personal touch throughout their stay, wherever they are in the world.

The Kempinski portfolio, which grows every year, includes flagships such as the world-famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Munich, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Hotel Istanbul, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok or The Apurva Kempinski Hotel Bali. In recent times, further remarkable properties such as The David Kempinski Tel Aviv (Israel), Kempinski Hotel Cancún (Mexico), Kempinski Palace Engelberg, Titlis (Schweiz) and Hotel Jinan (PRC China) have opened their doors under the Kempinski brand.

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Perched in the center of the world-renowned Tel Aviv beach Promenade, The David Kempinski sets a new benchmark in luxury hospitality in the city and in Israel. Combining personalized service and sleek interiors that are complemented by the views of the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel boasts sumptuous rooms and suites, kosher dining experiences, a swimming pool, a luxurious spa and an extensive event space for private and corporate gatherings. 

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As the first property of the Kempinski group in the Northern American territory, the Kempinski Hotel Cancún introduces European flair to the beaches of Cancún, offering its guests timeless elegance by the Carribean sea. In addition to 315 guestrooms and 48 suites all featuring spectacular views of Cancún’s turquoise waters, this beautiful location is a top destination for travellers seeking rich culture, fine dining and relaxation all while enjoying picturesque white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs.

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Kempinski Palace Engelberg is the first international five-star hotel in central Switzerland's largest winter and summer holiday destination. 129 rooms and suites offer a unique view of the breathtaking mountain landscape. Culinary variety is provided by the “Cattani restaurant” featuring a summer terrace, “The Palace Bar” and the “Wintergarden.” A unique 880-square-meter rooftop spa with infinity pool and 10 conference rooms round off the range of elegant facilities.   

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The first property of the brand in the Shandong province of China is the Kempinski Hotel Jinan. Located in the Hanyu Financial Valley, the hotel offers 314 most comfortable guestrooms and suites located on floors 55-70 of the Yunding Building, the 339-meter-high landmark providing grand views of the vibrant city. A large variety of hotel dining & meeting facilities, a health club and the luxurious Kempinski The Spa offer finest customised service.  

And the future looks bright for the extraordinary luxurious brand: a further 26 impressive hotel projects are in the pipeline and will fascinate discerning guests and create memorable stays with elegantly appointed style à la Kempinski in new destinations. 

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Alone in Tanzania, two luxurious lodges as well as a high-end tented camp will welcome wildlife lovers seeking to discover Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire or the region around Lake Manyara. After an exciting day in the wilderness, guests can unwind in the outdoor areas, restaurants, bars or outdoor pools of Kempinski Kitbong Hill, Kempinski Msasa Lodge or Kempinski Longosa Lodge.

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For the first time in Kempinski’s history, a resort with residences and a hotel in Brazil will complement the company’s portfolio. 360 residential suites (54-290-square meters) of Kempinski Laje de Pedra in Canela will be partially sold, with owners able to use the hotel's services or rent out their apartment. Guests may enjoy spectacular views from a Gaucho style steakhouse, the Roof Top Lounge or a Bar with open fireplace. A sophisticated spa with a heated pool on the roof of the resort, meeting and conference rooms, and the resort's own theater round off the attractive offer.  

Another business that is currently booming are residences. In the past 12 months alone Kempinski Group was able to sign contracts for five residential projects in countries such as Dubai, Turkey and Armenia. These prestigious new projects reflect the increasing appetite from owners and investors for branded residences managed by Kempinski as a well-established operator in the luxury space. 

Balancing the reality of modern life and its constant motion with the need to pause and reflect, Kempinski Residences are retreats in cities or in stunning natural environments in which future owners will discover a healthy balance between work, rest and play.

Being a guest of a Kempinski hotel has the added benefit of personally being rewarded through the company’s appealing loyalty programme, Kempinski Discovery. As a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance, Kempinski is part of the world’s largest loyalty programme for independent hotel brands, featuring more than 800 hotels, resorts and palaces across 40 brands. Members enjoy VIP recognition, thoughtful benefits and generous rewards at home or away. 

Recently the programme has evolved to include an additional tier and flexible paths to upgrade through nights/stays, eligible purchases or number of brands stayed, making it easier and faster for members to reach higher status. Unlike more traditional programs, Kempinski Discovery does not ask members to count points towards their next upgrade. Instead, members earn and spend Discovery Dollars (D$), an exclusive rewards currency. They also enjoy members-only experiences curated by each hotel and have access to properties close to home, without a stay, through member-only Local Offers. 

More than ever, not only hotel guests are interested in maintaining the environment even while travelling abroad. Kempinski Hotels certainly understands and supports this vital subject for the sake of all guests and employees worldwide. Therefore the hotel group is strengthening its endeavors for sustainability by participating in wellknown programs such as EarthCheck and Clean the World or by fully commiting to its own health program BEHealth. 

Various intense activations such as energy control, avoiding food waste, reducing water consumptions or giving back to the local community are underway in each property, which has been documented in the first ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Report in the history of the company. This report is a reflection of what makes Kempinski sustainable, what successes have been achieved and where opportunity remains to innovate. 

About Kempinski

Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 82 five-star hotels and residences in 36 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. 

The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. kempinski.com discoveryloyalty.com 


[All images courtesy of Kempinski]

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