
Celerina, Switzerland
Cresta Palace Celerina
A majestic Art Nouveau icon that has successfully bridged the gap between Belle Époque grandeur and contemporary alpine lifestyle. Following a meticulous 2022 renovation, the Cresta Palace has emerged as the vibrant, relaxed alternative to the formal "Grand Hotels" of neighboring St. Moritz. It is a place where high-ceilinged history meets a high-performance outdoor spirit.
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The Vibe
Cresta Palace is the "cool older sibling" of the Engadine hotel scene. While it retains the sweeping corridors, ornate moldings, and stained glass of 1906, the atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious. It’s a hotel that encourages you to wear your ski boots to the "Staziun da basa" (the hotel’s sleek activity hub) in the morning and a silk dress to the Grand Restaurant in the evening. It is sophisticated, active, and deeply connected to the sunny village of Celerina.
Family Friendly: The Cresta Kids Club ensures that while the adults are in the spa or on the slopes, the younger guests are actually having a vacation of their own.
The Rooms
The 90 rooms and suites offer a sophisticated blend of eras. The newly redesigned 'Cresta' rooms, completely renovated in 2022, are the property’s crown jewels—offering a sleek, modern sanctuary that sets the standard for the hotel’s updated aesthetic. Following this vision, the historic Art Nouveau rooms underwent a soft renovation in the spring of 2025, and as of spring 2026, the final guest rooms have been refreshed. This ensures that whether you stay in a contemporary 'Cresta' room or a subtly updated classic, you are experiencing the very best of the hotel’s evolution
Wine & Dine
The culinary journey at the Cresta Palace is anchored by the Grand Restaurant, where historic Art Nouveau elegance meets a daily-changing 5-course gourmet menu and an extensive breakfast buffet. For a modern twist, the hotel features Ya Mama by Moses Ceylan, a high-end Levantine sharing-concept led by the multi-award-winning chef, and ASIA 75, which offers a vibrant pan-Asian menu in a contemporary communal setting. Completing the quartet during the winter season is the rustic Chäs-Beizli, a cozy garden hideaway dedicated to traditional Swiss fondue and raclette, while the iconic Jugendstilhalle and the Palace Bar & Fumoir serve as the sophisticated social hubs for afternoon tea, local whiskies, and classic cocktails.
Wellness & Spa
The Vita Pura Spa is a 1,200 m2 sanctuary of glass and stone dedicated to the concept of "Mind Body Medicine." The centerpiece is a panoramic indoor pool that brings the larch forests inside, complemented by a Finnish sauna, bio-sauna, and a steam bath. Beyond the traditional, the spa offers a private suite for couples and a range of innovative treatments—from medical wellness consultations in partnership with the local hospital to specialized massages for children. It’s a space designed for deep regeneration after a day in the thin mountain air.
Budget
Rates start at CHF 490 per night.
Local Guide
Location
Celerina is widely known as the sunniest village in the Engadin. Situated at the foot of the Bernina Massif, it offers a more charming, village-like atmosphere than St. Moritz, yet it is only a 5-minute train or car ride away. It is the perfect base for those who want the luxury of the valley without the paparazzi.
Read more about St Moritz and the Engadin in our Guide.
Activities
Winter: The hotel is steps away from the Marguns gondola, giving you immediate access to the Corviglia ski area. It is also the finish line for the world-famous Cresta Run and the Olympic Bob Run. Plus, immediate proximity to over 240km of cross-country trails.
Summer: The Engadine transforms into a hiking and biking mecca. The hotel’s "Staziun da basa" adventure lounge makes it easy to explore the flow trails of Corviglia or the hidden emerald waters of Lake Statz.
How to Get There
The journey is part of the experience. Take the Rhaetian Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage site) directly to Celerina station, which is just a 2-minute walk from the hotel. If driving, it is approximately 3 hours from Zurich or Milan.
Location
Cresta Palace Celerina
CelerinaSwitzerland
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