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Nestled high above a frozen Lake St. Moritz in deep winter, the Carlton Hotel emerges like a gilded chateau in the snow. Early-morning sunlight frosts the peaks of the Engadine, illuminating the hotel’s palatial façade – the five-star Carlton dates back to 1913 as one of the resort’s original luxury establishments. Inside, antique wood panelling and glittering chandeliers mingle with modern Alpine chic. In winter, the scent of pine and spiced mulled wine drifts from crackling fireplaces as well-heeled guests draw their bespoke cashmere throws tight. This is serene Swiss elegance embodied – the perfect prelude to a CINCH-worthy mountain escape.
The Carlton’s heritage is rooted in the golden age of St. Moritz. It opened in 1913 as the resort’s fifth five-star hotel, and today stands as a “noblest retreat” of the Swiss Alps. Its classic multi-story façade was preserved during a meticulous 2007 restoration. The result is a striking blend of history and modernity: grand public spaces filled with classically inspired furnishings in bold, coordinated colors. Every one of the Carlton’s 60 rooms and suites faces south toward the lake and mountains, ensuring that winter panoramas of snow-dusted peaks and the frozen expanse of Lake St. Moritz are never out of sight.
Underneath warm woolen rugs, each suite at the Carlton is an intimate haven of comfort. All accommodations are lavishly appointed and draw in the wintry light: floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies frame the snowy scenery, while refined furnishings — tufted leather headboards, hand-carved wood, and rich fabrics — evoke alpine opulence. The hotel feels decidedly exclusive with just 60 guest rooms in total. The crown jewel is the Carlton Penthouse Suite, the largest in St. Moritz at 386 m². This entire top floor suite features five balconies with 360° views of the frozen lake and surrounding peaks, a grand living room fireplace, its own private lift entrance, and round the clock concierge and butler service. Elsewhere, suites vary from elegantly compact junior suites to multi-room retreats — all promise the same luxury standards, marble baths, and south-facing vistas.
Culinary luxury at the Carlton is every bit as refined as its accommodations. The hotel houses Da Vittorio – St. Moritz, a two-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant by the legendary Cerea brothers. Here authentic Piedmontese and Lombard dishes are elevated to gourmet art — a fact underscored by 18 Gault&Millau points for the cuisine. For classic Swiss-inspired fare, the Grand Restaurant celebrates Alpine flavors with an elegant, modern twist. Overlooking the Engadine mountains and lake, its menu focuses on locally sourced game, cheeses, and wild botanicals; the Grand has earned 16 Gault&Millau points for its seasonal, nature-driven cooking.
After dinner, the mood shifts to convivial sophistication. The Bel Etage lounge – the heart of the hotel’s social life – features a roaring stone fireplace and plush leather seating. Here guests linger over buttery scones and silver pots of tea in the afternoon, then return in the evening to sip expertly crafted cocktails as dusk deepens over the valley. In every venue, the service is discrete yet ever attentive: sommeliers uncork rare Swiss vintages, and pastry chefs finish desserts tableside. The overall effect is a feast for the senses, where cuisine, design and Alpine scenery coalesce.
Behind its elegant façade, the Carlton conceals a multi-level wellness sanctuary. The Carlton Spa spans three floors, designed as a temple of relaxation. Its centerpiece is a heated indoor pool that extends out to an adjoining outdoor infinity pool – allowing bathers to glide from warm water into crisp mountain air.
The wellness floor also includes a cozy lounge with fireplace and quiet room for post-treatment respite. Six treatment rooms offer a menu of massages and beauty rituals. A state of the art fitness center with Technogym equipment, as well as a hair and nail salon, ensure every aspect of well-being is covered.
The Carlton’s everyday etiquette is the epitome of Swiss discretion. Its multilingual concierge and dedicated butlers stand ready 24/7. Every detail underscores exclusivity. Butler attendants will tailor turndown amenities to each guest’s preference. The 24-hour chauffeur-driven shuttle is on call to whisk residents anywhere in town. By day, guests may find themselves playing chess and sipping negronis by the grand fireplace; by night, they retreat to sumptuously made beds with views of the starlit Alps. At the Carlton, luxury feels effortless – it simply IS.
The Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is more than an alpine resort – it is the very essence of high-society Swiss winter living. Its blend of century-old elegance and state-of-the-art luxury creates a world unto itself, where snow-covered silence outside is matched by crackling hearths and champagne inside. Every aspect – from the heritage architecture and bespoke interiors to the Michelin caliber cuisine and transformative spa – reinforces St. Moritz’s reputation as an exclusive winter playground.
© All imagery courtesy of the Carlton Hotel, St. Moritz.
