Historic hotel since 1896 · Swiss Historic Hotels
130 years of history in Arolla.
On 6 August 1896, Honorine Gaspoz opens the doors. Alone.
What is passed on
without
being inherited.
Perhaps that is what true longevity means.
Honorine
and Jean-Baptiste.
In August 1896, they inaugurate the hotel in the Arolla valley. Jean-Baptiste does not live to see the work finished. Honorine completes it alone and raises seven children. What she founded, four generations would carry forward.
Archives · Original facade 1896
Archives · Spahr & Gaspoz advertising poster
The House of Guides
From the earliest years, the couple had a separate building constructed to house local guides in permanent residence, available year-round to organise expeditions. A singular vision for the time.
A feat
of engineering.
In 1896, access to Arolla came down to two footpaths. No carriage road. Every beam, every block of stone hauled up by sled or horse-drawn cart.
Stone cut from local rock, arolle pine harvested from the surrounding forests, every material put to work by the village's own labourers.
In 1913, the Kurhaus went further still: it built its own private power plant. The hotel generated its own energy, a remarkable feat at this altitude, in that era.
Archives · Summer 1898
The
milestones.
From the Gaspoz origins to today, the moments that shaped the Kurhaus and forged its character.
The origins
The Gaspoz family opens the Hôtel de la Dent-Blanche in Evolène, the first inn in the Val d'Hérens. Honorine Gaspoz grows up in this tradition of alpine hospitality before going on to lead the Kurhaus.
Inauguration
On 6 August, Honorine Gaspoz opens the doors, alone. Jean-Baptiste did not live to see the work finished. She completes the construction, raises seven children, and welcomes the first registered guest: H. Percy Grubb, the local vicar. Four floors, 120 beds.
Energy independence
The Kurhaus builds its own power plant, a first at this altitude.
Extension
An annex is built on the north side of the hotel, the first expansion since opening.
Modernisation
In the 1960s, two additional floors enlarge the building. Central heating is installed. The Kurhaus enters a new era of comfort without losing its character.
Winter opens
The first winter season. The hotel broadens its activity to snow sports and welcomes a new generation of mountain lovers.
A new chapter
Edi and Cédriane, a French-British couple who fell in love with Arolla, take over the hotel. Same soul, fresh eyes.
The Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus today. Arolla, Val d'Hérens
Member of
Swiss Historic Hotels
A label of excellence reserved for Swiss hotels of remarkable historic and architectural heritage. The Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus is a member, a living, inhabited hotel that carries on its history every day.
Book your stay