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Kempinski
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Kempinski
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Kempinski Hotels S.A., commonly known as Kempinski, is a luxury hotel management company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1862, making Kempinski the oldest hospitality company in the world,[1] but the brand opened its first hotel at Berlin in 1897,[2] as the Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft, the group currently operates 77 five-star hotels and residences in 35 countries.[3]

Key Information

History

[edit]
Grand Hotel Kempinski in Vilnius
Hotel Adlon in Berlin
Kempinski Hotel in Frankfurt

Kempinski Hotels claims to be Europe's oldest luxury hotel group. Its history began in 1897 with the foundation of the "Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft" in Berlin. A parallel development was that of M. Kempinski & Co, founded by Berthold Kempinski, which was acquired by the "Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft" in 1953.

Berthold Kempinski was born on 10 October 1843 in Posen (then a German province, and now Poland). The Kempinski family was already successfully active in the wine trade from 1862. In 1872 it extended its company to Berlin, where Berthold Kempinski opened a wine merchant's business under his name in the Friedrichstraße. In 1889 he opened a restaurant, the biggest in Berlin, in the Leipziger Straße.

Since Berthold Kempinski and his wife Helena had no son, they invited their son-in-law Richard Unger (1866–1947) to join the business. Berthold Kempinski finally transferred the firm to his son-in-law on condition that he kept the name Kempinski. Berthold Kempinski died on March 14, 1910.

Alongside his wine and restaurant activities, Richard Unger developed his property business up to the start of World War I. After a short period of stagnation during the War, he sold products of his own manufacture under the brand name Kempinski. The business in Berlin flourished so that in 1918, a Kempinski hotel dependency was established at 27 Kurfürstendamm, where the Kempinski Hotel Bristol now stands. Ten years later, M. Kempinski & Co. took over the "Haus Vaterland" on the Potsdamer Platz, where the firm exploited a concept that was unique in Berlin for a long time and is still known as "event gastronomy" ("Erlebnisgastronomie").

To escape the events of World War II, Richard Unger and his family emigrated to the United States and the firm M. Kempinski & Co (Mister Kempinski & Co) became part of Aschinger AG.

The Restaurant at 27 Kurfürstendamm was destroyed by fire shortly before the end of the War, and the other properties fell victim to bombing raids. After the end of the conflict, Richard Unger's son and Berthold Kempinski's grandson, Friedrich Unger, returned to Germany. In 1951 construction started on a hotel on the site of the ruined restaurant at 27 Kurfürstendamm, and it opened a year later under the name Hotel Kempinski. For 20 years the modern, progressive five-star hotel enjoyed the undisputed status of the sole luxury hotel in Berlin.[citation needed]

In 1953 Friedrich Unger sold his shares and the name Kempinski to the "Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft", which already ran hotels such as the Baltic, the Bristol and the Kaiserhof. The name Bristol was adopted and is still used at the Kempinski Hotel at 27 Kurfürstendamm. In subsequent years, the "Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft" took over the management of several famous hotels. In 1957 it acquired the luxurious Hotel Atlantic in Hamburg.

In 1970 the General Assembly of the "Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft" voted to change its name to "Kempinski Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft". In the same year, a long-lasting partnership was established with Lufthansa in the form of a 50-per cent participation in the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Munich, in which Lufthansa already had a holding. In 1977 the hotel company received its present name as "Kempinski Aktiengesellschaft (AG)". At the same time, the Kempinski Hotel Frankfurt Gravenbruch was added to the group's portfolio as its fourth German hotel.

In 1985, Lufthansa acquired shares in Kempinski AG and thereby enabled the hotel company to operate Kempinski hotels abroad too. A year later, Kempinski AG, Lufthansa and the finance company Rolaco S.A. founded Kempinski Hotels S.A., with its head office in Geneva. In 1993 Kempinski AG acquired all the shares in Kempinski S.A.

The Bangkok-based Dusit Sindhorn Company Ltd took over Kempinski in November 1994, when it acquired a 52% stake.[4][5] The 50:50 joint venture between Dusit Thani Group, and the Siam Commercial Bank eventually accumulated an 83% stake in the group, and Dusit Thani exited from the joint venture in 1998 when it sold out to its partner.[6]

In February 2017, the two existing shareholders of Kempinski AG formalized previous plans for an equity transfer between them. The majority shares of Kempinski AG are held by the existing Bahraini shareholder, Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa[7] while the shareholder from Thailand holds a minority. In the same month, Kempinski announced the opening of its first luxury hotel in Cuba.

In 2024, Kempinski acquired two hotels previously managed by Emaar, formerly known as Address Boulevard and Address Dubai Mall. These hotels are now known as Kempinski The Boulevard and Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai, doubling Kempinski's presence in Dubai to four.

Kempinski Hotels worldwide

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Kempinski Hotels' portfolio currently comprises 79 hotels and residences worldwide. With the exception of the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski in Munich, which belongs to the group, and two hotels with leasing contracts, Kempinski Hotels operates its luxury hotels and residences under management contracts.[8]

Europe
Europe
No. Name Location Country Opening Year
1 Barbaros Reserve Bodrum Residences, Managed by Kempinski Bodrum Turkey 2023[9]
2 Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul Istanbul Turkey 1991[10]
3 Frutt Mountain Resort, Managed by Kempinski Kerns Switzerland 2020[11]
4 Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz St. Moritz Switzerland 2002[12]
5 Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras Štrbské Pleso Slovakia 2009[13]
6 Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga Riga Latvia 2017[14]
7 Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius Vilnius Lithuania 2012[15]
8 Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin Berlin Germany 1997[16]
9 Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow Moscow Russia 1992[17]
10 Hotel Bristol Berlin Berlin Germany 1952[18]
11 Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden Dresden Germany 1995[19]
12 Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich Munich Germany 1970[20]
13 Kempinski Hotel Adriatic Istria Croatia Savudrija Croatia 2009[21]
14 Kempinski Hotel Bahía Marbella Estepona Spain 1999[22]
15 Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum Bodrum Turkey 2005[23]
16 Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden Berchtesgaden Germany 2005[24]
17 Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest Budapest Hungary 1992[25]
18 Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol Kitzbühel Alps Jochberg Austria 2011[26]
19 Kempinski Hotel Frankfurt Gravenbruch Frankfurt Germany 1977[27]
20 Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko Bansko Bulgaria 2005[28]
21 Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Gozo Malta Gozo Malta 2001[29]
22 Kempinski Hotel The Dome Belek Belek Turkey 2005[30]
23 Kempinski Palace Engelberg Engelberg Switzerland 2021[31]
24 Kempinski Palace Portorož Slovenia Portorož Slovenia 2008[32]
25 Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna Vienna Austria 2013[33]
26 San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice Venice Italy 2016[34]
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific
No. Name Location Country Opening Year
1 Beijing Yanqi Island Pavilion Beijing China 2014[35]
2 Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai Shanghai China 2013[36]
3 Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta Jakarta Indonesia 2009[37]
4 Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center Beijing China 1992[38]
5 Kempinski Hotel Changsha Changsha China 2014[39]
6 Kempinski Hotel Chengdu Chengdu China 2004[40]
7 Kempinski Hotel Chongqing Chongqing China 2012[41]
8 Kempinski Hotel Dalian Dalian China 2005[42]
9 Kempinski Hotel Fuzhou Fuzhou China 2016[43]
10 Kempinski Hotel Guiyang Guiyang China 2009[44]
11 Kempinski Hotel Hangzhou Hangzhou China 2019[45]
12 Kempinski Hotel Jinan Jinan China 2021[46]
13 Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar Ulaanbaatar Mongolia 2007[47]
14 Kempinski Hotel Nanjing Nanjing China 2019[48]
15 Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen Shenzhen China 2006[49]
16 Kempinski Hotel Suzhou Suzhou China 2008[50]
17 Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan Taiyuan China 2013[51]
18 Kempinski Hotel Xiamen Xiamen China 2012[52]
19 Kempinski Hotel Yinchuan Yinchuan China 2010[53]
20 Kempinski Residences Guangzhou Guangzhou China 2020[54]
21 Kempinski The One Suites Hotel Shanghai Downtown Shanghai China 2012[55]
22 Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok Bangkok Thailand 2010[56]
23 Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok Bangkok Thailand 2020[57]
24 Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing Beijing China 2014[58]
25 The Apurva Kempinski Bali Nusa Dua Indonesia 2019[59]
26 The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore Singapore Singapore 2018[60]
27 Yanqi Hotel, Managed by Kempinski Beijing China 2014[35]
Africa & Middle East
Middle East & Africa
No. Name Location Country Opening Year
1 Bristoria Hotel Erbil Erbil Iraq 2022[61]
2 Djibouti Palace Kempinski Djibouti City Djibouti 2006[62]
3 Kempinski Al Othman Hotel Al Khobar Al Khobar Saudi Arabia 2016[63]
4 Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai Dubai United Arab Emirates 2024[64]
5 Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah Palm Jumeirah United Arab Emirates 2011[65]
6 Kempinski Hotel Amman Amman Jordan 2005[66]
7 Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea Aqaba Jordan 2009[67]
8 Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra Accra Ghana 2015[68]
9 Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea Sweimeh Jordan 2006[69]
10 Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Dubai United Arab Emirates 2006[70]
11 Kempinski Hotel Muscat Muscat Oman 2018[71]
12 Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay Soma Bay Egypt 2008[72]
13 Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo Cairo Egypt 2010[73]
14 Kempinski Residences and Suites Doha Doha Qatar 2010[74]
15 Kempinski Seychelles Resort Mahé Seychelles 2012[75]
16 Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut Beirut Lebanon 2016[76]
17 Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai Dubai United Arab Emirates 2024[64]
18 Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha The Pearl Island Qatar 2015[77]
19 Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara Maasai Mara Kenya 2013[78]
20 Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski Cairo New Cairo Egypt 2015[79]
21 The David Kempinski Tel Aviv Tel Aviv Israel 2022[80]
22 Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi Nairobi Kenya 2013[81]
Americas
Americas
No. Name Location Country Opening Year
1 Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski Cuba Cayo Guillermo Cuba 2020[82]
2 Gran Hotel Bristol La Habana Havana Cuba 2020[83]
3 Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana Havana Cuba 2017[84]
4 Kempinski Hotel Cancún Cancún Mexico 2022[85]

Global Hotel Alliance

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Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) which was founded in Geneva in 2004.[86] Members of GHA's DISCOVERY loyalty programme receive recognition and rewards across more than 570 hotels, resorts, palaces and spas in 35 brands of hotels across 85 countries.[87]

References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kempinski

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from Grokipedia
Kempinski Hotels S.A. is a Swiss-based luxury management company headquartered in , , and Europe's oldest luxury company, founded in 1897 in , , by as a wine merchant and restaurant business. Originally focused on , it expanded into the sector in 1961 with the opening of the Kempinski , marking its entry as a hotelier. As of 2024, Kempinski operates 82 five-star hotels and residences across 34 countries on four continents, including , the , , Asia-Pacific, and the , emphasizing personalized service, historic properties, and innovative luxury experiences. The group's early milestones include the 1907 opening of its first wine restaurant on Leipziger Strasse in and the 1928 launch of Haus Vaterland, a pioneering and dining complex that became a global attraction. Post-World War II, Kempinski rebuilt its presence in , debuting luxury hotels in (1977) and (1977), before venturing internationally with its first Asian property in in 1992. Further expansion saw entries into the in 2005 with resorts in and , Africa's luxury safari segment in Kenya's Masai Mara in 2013, and the Americas with the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski in , , in 2017—its first hotel on the continent. Kempinski's philosophy centers on blending its heritage of European elegance dating back to with modern innovation, maintaining a portfolio of landmark properties such as restored palaces and contemporary resorts while prioritizing and exceptional guest care through initiatives like the signature "Lady in Red" concierge service. As an independent hotel management company, it continues selective growth, with upcoming openings planned in key destinations to uphold its reputation for timeless luxury and cultural immersion.

History

Founding and Early Years

Kempinski was founded in 1897 by , a visionary wine merchant and from Breslau (now , ), who established the business in to cater to the growing demand for fine wines and innovative dining experiences. Born in 1843, Berthold, along with his wife Helene, began by importing and retailing high-quality wines, quickly gaining a reputation for introducing customer-friendly innovations such as serving wines by the glass, half-portions of dishes, and fixed-price menus that made luxury cuisine accessible to the . These practices set the foundation for Kempinski's emphasis on exceptional service and quality, transforming it from a modest wine shop into a prominent gastronomic enterprise in the heart of . In 1907, the company expanded into its first dedicated wine restaurant at Leipziger Strasse 25, which became a vibrant social hub featuring elegant dining halls, including the opulent Orangerie room, and attracted Berlin's elite with its sophisticated ambiance and diverse menu. This venue solidified Kempinski's status as a leader in Berlin's culinary scene, emphasizing fresh ingredients and attentive . Following Berthold's death in 1910, his son-in-law Richard Unger, married to their daughter Frieda, assumed leadership alongside nephew Hans Kempinski, steering the business through the challenges of and the while maintaining its innovative spirit. Under Unger's guidance from around 1900 onward, the company continued to grow, focusing on family-driven management that prioritized reputation and customer loyalty. A landmark achievement came in 1928 with the launch of Haus Vaterland on , a sprawling entertainment and dining complex that housed 12 themed restaurants representing global cuisines, from Rhine wine cellars to Tyrolean alpine halls, complete with theatrical shows and up to 2,500 seats. This venue not only boosted Kempinski's prestige but also symbolized Berlin's interwar cultural vibrancy, drawing millions of visitors annually and establishing the brand as a pioneer in experiential . Unger's son, Friedrich Unger—Berthold's grandson—joined the business in , bringing fresh energy to operations amid economic turbulence. The family's commitment to luxury persisted through the Nazi era's "" in 1937, though control was temporarily lost, with the Unger family reclaiming it postwar. The transition to full hotel operations marked Kempinski's evolution beyond restaurants, beginning in 1952 when Friedrich Unger transformed the existing Kempinski restaurant at 27 into the Bristol Kempinski , West 's first postwar luxury hotel, which hosted dignitaries like and celebrities. In 1961, upon returning from the United States, Friedrich formally took over the family enterprise, solidifying the shift to international hotel management and building on the legacy of excellence established by prior generations. This period up to the mid-20th century highlighted the Kempinski family's multi-generational dedication, from Berthold's foundational innovations to the Ungers' resilient stewardship, which cultivated a enduring reputation for opulent rooted in .

Expansion and Challenges

Following the devastation of , which destroyed key properties including the original Kempinski restaurant and disrupted the family's operations, the brand underwent a corporate revival in the mid-20th century. In 1953, Friedrich Unger sold the M. Kempinski & Co. shares and trademark to the Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft, a German hotel operating company that managed properties like the Hotel Baltic and , allowing the Kempinski name to persist under new management focused on rebuilding luxury hospitality. This acquisition provided stability amid post-war reconstruction challenges in divided , enabling gradual recovery of the brand's prestige. By 1970, the Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft rebranded as Kempinski Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft, emphasizing the iconic name in its corporate identity and signaling a shift toward hotel-centric operations. European expansion accelerated in the late 1970s with the 1977 openings of the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski in Munich and the Hotel Gravenbruch Kempinski near Frankfurt, both leveraging a strategic partnership with Lufthansa that dated to the early 1970s. This collaboration deepened in 1985 when Lufthansa invested in Kempinski AG, providing capital for international ventures and facilitating the management of overseas properties under the Kempinski banner. Kempinski's globalization intensified in the , marked by its 1992 entry into through the opening of the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Center in China's diplomatic district, the first five-star international luxury in the capital and a with Beijing Tourism Group. Ownership evolved significantly in 1994 when the Bangkok-based Dusit Sindhorn Company, a between Thailand's Dusit Thani Group and , acquired a 52% controlling stake, infusing Asian capital to support further growth. The structure stabilized in 2017 through an equity transfer between existing shareholders, with the Bahraini investor securing majority ownership while the Thai partner retained a , ensuring continuity amid evolving global markets. A notable challenge during this period came with Kempinski's 2005 foray into the , opening resorts in (UAE), , and despite heightened regional tensions from the ongoing , U.S. involvement in the region, and persistent Israeli-Palestinian conflicts that deterred and . These geopolitical risks complicated site selections and operations, yet the expansions established Kempinski as a pioneer in luxury hospitality across a volatile area, with properties like the Kempinski & drawing on the brand's European heritage to attract high-end guests.

Modern Developments

In the 2010s, Kempinski marked a significant expansion into experiential luxury tourism with the 2013 opening of Olare Mara Kempinski, its first luxury safari camp in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, offering 12 tented suites amid the annual Great Migration and emphasizing low-impact wildlife viewing. This venture highlighted the group's pivot toward immersive nature-based offerings, blending European elegance with African wilderness. Building on prior growth in and the , Kempinski entered the in 2017 with the debut of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski in , —the country's first five-star luxury hotel—restored from a historic 19th-century building in the UNESCO-listed district. The 2020s saw Kempinski strengthen its presence in key markets through strategic partnerships and rebrandings, including a 2024 agreement with National Hotels to manage two iconic Dubai properties—Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai and Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai—effectively doubling the group's footprint in the emirate and enhancing its ultra-luxury portfolio in the . In 2025, the company announced landmark agreements: in February, a partnership with the Royal Family of to exclusively manage the Royal Residence, a historic 836-square-meter villa opening to guests from March 1, providing unparalleled access to the palace grounds and baroque heritage. This was followed in April by an extension of its long-standing collaboration with BTG Hotels in , launching a multi-year investment plan and a new sub-brand tailored to affluent Chinese travelers, focusing on curated cultural and wellness experiences to drive luxury sector growth. Kempinski's modern milestones culminated in October 2025 with accolades from Traveller's Readers' Choice Awards, where multiple properties across , , the , and the ranked among the world's top hotels and resorts, underscoring the brand's global appeal. Parallel to these expansions, the group has intensified its shift toward sustainable practices, publishing ESG reports in 2021 and 2024 that detail progress such as a 20% reduction in , a 7.5% reduction in water intensity, and a 6% decrease in total waste, through initiatives like adoption and conservation at properties worldwide. This evolution aligns with curated experiences for contemporary travelers, featuring adventures such as private jet flights, indigenous cultural immersions, and wellness retreats designed to foster meaningful, eco-conscious connections with destinations. In November 2025, Kempinski appointed Alan Chin as Managing Director for and to bolster its regional strategy, and broke ground on Kempinski Grace Bay, a beachfront resort and residences in the , scheduled for completion in early 2028.

Corporate Structure

Ownership and Headquarters

Kempinski Hotels SA is a Swiss-based luxury hotel management company, headquartered in , , at 10 Rue Henriette-et-Jeanne-Rath, 1204 . The establishment of its corporate office in dates back to 1986 as part of an involving Kempinski AG and , which facilitated the company's expansion into global hotel management. This structure has since supported Kempinski's operations across multiple continents, emphasizing centralized oversight from its Swiss base. The company's ownership is primarily held by Bahraini investors, following a 2017 restructuring where the Bahraini shareholders increased their stake to a majority position through a share exchange with previous Thai partners. This adjustment solidified Bahraini control without a single dominant individual owner, allowing for diversified investment while maintaining strategic stability. As a privately held entity, continues to operate under this framework as of 2025, with no reported changes to the core ownership structure. Kempinski employs over 19,000 people worldwide, reflecting its scale as a global operator. Rather than owning physical properties, the focuses on management contracts, overseeing luxury hotels and residences on behalf of third-party owners to ensure brand consistency and . This asset-light model enables Kempinski to prioritize expertise in hospitality management over property investment.

Leadership and Governance

Barbara Muckermann serves as the of Kempinski Hotels, having been appointed in 2024 as the first woman to lead the 128-year-old luxury hospitality group. In this role, she oversees global operations across a portfolio of over 80 five-star hotels and residences in 35 countries, driving the company's strategic transformation toward sustainable growth and brand elevation. In 2025, Kempinski strengthened its executive team with several key appointments to support operational excellence and expansion. Paul Lonergan was named Chief Operating and Asset Management Officer in October, bringing over three decades of global expertise to align operations and asset strategies across , the , , the Americas, and Asia Pacific. Frank Veenstra joined as Chief Development Officer in September, tasked with accelerating the group's growth ambitions through selective new developments. Additionally, in August, three vice presidents were appointed to enhance guest experiences: Kristian Toivanen as of Wellness & , Aurelia van Lynden as of , and Dan Clayton as of , all reporting to the Chief Product & Experience Officer to foster innovation in luxury offerings. Kempinski's governance structure emphasizes diversity and ethical standards, with a team comprising professionals from diverse international backgrounds to reflect the group's global footprint. The Supervisory Board, as the highest governance body, provides oversight of the Board, ensuring adherence to ethical practices aligned with international standards such as the UN Global Compact and a zero-tolerance policy on and abuses. This framework supports board-level focus on sustainable growth, including to maintain 82 high-end managed properties.

Hotel Portfolio

Current Operations

Kempinski Hotels operates 82 five-star hotels, residences, and resorts under management, spanning 35 countries across , , and the Middle East, and the . This global footprint underscores the company's position as a leading luxury manager, emphasizing operational excellence in diverse markets without direct property ownership. The relies primarily on long-term management contracts with property owners, enabling Kempinski to oversee operations, branding, and guest experiences while generating revenue through base and incentive fees tied to hotel performance. Key revenue streams include fees from hotel operations, management of luxury residences, and curated branded experiences such as wellness and culinary programs. To maintain consistent quality across its portfolio, Kempinski implements rigorous employee training initiatives, including bespoke learning solutions delivered by in-house experts and external facilitators, fostering personalized luxury service as a core differentiator. In 2025, Kempinski highlighted operational growth through an extended with BTG Hotels, focusing on expanding luxury offerings in via new developments and tailored experiences for Chinese travelers. The company also earned recognition for service excellence, with multiple properties honored in the Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards across four continents. Additionally, Kempinski signed a landmark management agreement for a historic European palace residence, aligning with its focus on prestigious heritage properties.

Notable Properties

Kempinski's notable properties in exemplify the brand's heritage in transforming historic landmarks into luxury destinations. The Kempinski stands as the historical flagship, originally opened in 1907 at the and rebuilt after destruction, hosting luminaries from to modern dignitaries and earning recognition for its blend of imperial grandeur and contemporary elegance. In , the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München, established in 1858 and acquired by Kempinski in the 1970s, remains one of the few fully owned properties in the portfolio, celebrated for its architecture and central location on Maximilianstraße, which contributed to its high rankings in the 2025 Traveller Readers' Choice Awards for top European hotels. A recent addition, the Nymphenburg Palace Royal Residence in , managed exclusively by Kempinski since March 2025 in partnership with the Bavarian , offers a unique palace-turned-villa experience spanning 836 square meters with four bedrooms and private gardens, highlighting the brand's focus on regal exclusivity. In the Asia-Pacific region, pioneered its presence with the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, the first property in opened in 1992, which introduced European luxury to the diplomatic district of Chaoyang and set the standard for the brand's expansion across the country through its contemporary design and cultural integration. Properties in and the underscore Kempinski's versatility in opulent and adventurous settings. The Emirates Palace in , managed by Kempinski from 2005 to 2019, transformed a 2004-built royal palace into a symbol of Arabian with its gold-leaf domes and 1.3-kilometer facade, influencing the brand's portfolio through its emphasis on palatial scale and cultural authenticity during that era. Further growth came with the 2024 of Address Boulevard as Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai, a 72-story skyscraper in offering skyline views and proximity to the [Burj Khalifa](/page/Burj Khalifa), marking a that doubled Kempinski's footprint in the and earned accolades for urban luxury in regional awards. In , the Olare Mara Kempinski Camp provides safari luxury within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, featuring tented suites overlooking the and Big Five game viewing, with its eco-sensitive design and guided experiences earning praise for sustainable high-end wildlife immersion. Kempinski's entry into the is epitomized by the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana, opened in 2017 as the first five-star luxury hotel in and the brand's inaugural property in the region, housed in the restored 1900s Manzana de Gómez arcade with rooftop infinity pools and UNESCO-listed views, which received 2025 Traveller recognition for innovative .

Partnerships

Global Hotel Alliance

Kempinski Hotels, headquartered in , , is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (), established in 2004 as a collaborative network for independent luxury hotel brands. The alliance was initially formed in to enable shared resources and marketing without compromising individual brand identities, drawing inspiration from airline alliances. Today, is headquartered in , , and encompasses 49 independent hotel brands, over 900 properties, and operations in 100 countries, providing Kempinski with access to a vast global footprint that complements its own presence in 33 countries. Central to GHA is the DISCOVERY loyalty program, a unified platform where members earn and redeem DISCOVERY Dollars (D),with1D), with 1 D equivalent to 1 USD, across all participating brands including Kempinski properties. The program features four elite tiers—Silver (automatic upon joining), Gold (after 2 qualifying stays or USD 1,000 spend), (after 10 stays, USD 5,000 spend, or stays at 2 brands), and (after 30 stays, USD 15,000 spend, or stays at 3 brands)—offering escalating benefits such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, late check-out, and exclusive local experiences redeemable at Kempinski hotels and other GHA members. Kempinski guests benefit from seamless status recognition and point accumulation worldwide, with over 33 million members driving cross-brand bookings. Membership in enhances Kempinski's global distribution by leveraging a shared technology platform and marketing database, enabling cross-promotions to attract international travelers to its properties. This collaboration generates incremental revenue through loyalty-driven bookings and from inter-brand referrals, while preserving Kempinski's distinct luxury heritage and operational independence. In 2024, 's cross-brand revenue exceeded USD 370 million, underscoring the alliance's impact on member brands like Kempinski.

Other Strategic Alliances

Kempinski has cultivated several targeted strategic partnerships outside its involvement in the Global Hotel Alliance, focusing on regional market expansions through management agreements and co-branded initiatives that emphasize cultural integration and luxury experiences. These collaborations enable Kempinski to enter without direct equity investments, leveraging local expertise for tailored developments. A of these efforts is the long-standing partnership with BTG Hotels in , which spans over 30 years and was extended in April 2025 to accelerate luxury growth. Under the renewed agreement, Kempinski and BTG launched a multi-year investment plan to expand the Kempinski brand's presence, including the introduction of a new brand offering curated rooms, experiences, and services aimed at sophisticated Chinese travelers exploring domestic heritage sites. This initiative targets adding up to 200 hotels across over the next five years, prioritizing cultural adaptations such as heritage-focused portfolios in key cities like and . In the region, Kempinski signed a agreement in October 2024 with R.E.D. for Kempinski Residences Bayil Bay in , , set to open in 2025. This project features 37 exclusive luxury residences overlooking the , designed as a prestigious blending modern amenities with local architectural influences to attract high-net-worth investors and residents. The partnership supports Kempinski's entry into Azerbaijan's burgeoning market by providing branded services without ownership stakes. Kempinski has also pursued unique deals with local entities to develop distinctive offerings. In 2013, the company established a collaboration for the Olare Mara Kempinski safari camp in Kenya's National Reserve, partnering with local conservation groups to create an upscale tented lodge that integrates authentic wildlife experiences with European luxury standards, emphasizing community and heritage involvement. Similarly, in February 2025, Kempinski entered a landmark agreement with the Royal Family of to manage the Royal Residence in , , starting March 1, 2025; this exclusive private residence project restores historic elements while adding contemporary services for elite guests and events. These initiatives highlight Kempinski's approach to joint ventures that facilitate , shared investments in property enhancements, and adaptations to regional cultures, all through non-equity management models.

References

  1. https://www.kempinski.com/en/about-us/our-story
  2. https://www.kempinski.com/en/content/download/168863/file/Kempinski%25202024%2520ESG%2520Report-07.07.25_compressed%2520%281%29.pdf
  3. https://www.kempinski.com/en/about-us
  4. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/brand/23000011/kempinski.html
  5. https://www.kempinski.com/en/travelling-in-style/our-125th-anniversary-a-history-of-kempinski
  6. https://famoushotels.org/news/kempinski-hoteliers-since-1952
  7. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4109913.html
  8. https://www.tohology.com/en/hotels/news/kempinski-celebrates-120th-anniversary/
  9. https://hospitality-on.com/en/companies/kempinski-hotels
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/26/business/company-news-german-sells-stake-in-luxury-hotel-chain.html
  11. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4081057.html
  12. https://www.hvs.com/Content/1381.pdf
  13. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4024864.html
  14. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4059222.html
  15. https://www.kempinski.com/en/gran-hotel-kempinski-la-habana
  16. https://www.kempinski.com/en/press-room/kempinski-flag-to-fly-above-two-more-landmark-hotels-in-dubai
  17. https://www.kempinski.com/en/press-room/kempinski-hotels-sign-landmark-agreement-to-manage-nymphenburg-palace-royal-residence
  18. https://www.kempinski.com/en/press-room/kempinski-hotels-extends-strategic-partnership-with-btg-hotels-to-grow-luxury-hospitality-offering-in-china
  19. https://www.kempinski.com/en/press-room/kempinski-hotels-across-four-continents-honoured-in-conde-nast-traveller-s-2025-readers-choice-awards
  20. https://www.kempinski.com/en/sustainability
  21. https://www.kempinski.com/en/travelling-in-style/travel-insider-11-immersive-dining-experiences
  22. https://www.kempinski.com/en/press-room/kempinski-hotels-strengthens-strategic-focus-in-greater-china-and-mongolia-with-appointment-of-alan-chin-as-managing-director
  23. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kempinski-grace-bay-to-break-ground-in-mid-november-on-landmark-beachfront-residences-and-resort-in-turks-and-caicos-islands-302586854.html
  24. https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/1495525D:SW
  25. https://www.zoominfo.com/c/kempinski-hotels/62985033
  26. https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/173250
  27. https://www.hotelinvestmenttoday.com/Development/Brands/A-message-of-change-from-Kempinski-CEO
  28. https://www.kempinski.com/en/press-room/kempinski-hotels-appoints-karin-raguin-as-chief-human-resources-officer
  29. https://www.zawya.com/company/5001166914/kempinski-hotels
  30. https://www.kempinski.com/en/about-us/senior-management/barbara-muckermann
  31. https://hospitalitydesign.com/people/interviews/barbara-muckermann-kempinski-hotels/
  32. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/organization/17005779.html
  33. https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138695.html
  34. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/appointment/79030799.html
  35. https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137676.html
  36. https://www.kempinski.com/en/about-us/senior-management
  37. https://www.kempinski.com/en/content/download/101014/file/Kempinski%2520Environment%2520Social%2520and%2520Governance%2520Report%25202023.pdf?version=2&inline=1
  38. https://www.kempinski.com/en/about-us/strategy
  39. https://tophotel.news/interview-kempinskis-christophe-piffaretti-on-the-industrys-key-trends/
  40. https://jessonco.com/kempinski-hotels-reports-growth/
  41. https://www.shijigroup.com/press-news/kempinski-hotels-elevates-luxury-hospitality-standards-prioritizing-guest-experience-amid-industry-recovery
  42. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4126044.html
  43. https://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-adlon/overview/hotel-information/our-hotel
  44. https://www.historichotels.org/hotels-resorts/hotel-adlon-kempinski/history.php
  45. https://hotelsmag.com/news/smura-capitalizes-on-kempinski-strengths/
  46. https://www.kempinski.com/en/nymphenburg
  47. https://www.alhi.com/listing/kempinski-hotel-beijing-yansha-center/537/
  48. https://www.watg.com/project/emirates-palace-abu-dhabi-united-arab-emirates/
  49. https://www.naturaltoursandsafaris.com/kenya-safaris/lodges/olare-mara-kempinski
  50. https://www.cntraveler.com/story/a-peek-inside-gran-hotel-manzana-kempinski-la-habana-cubas-first-new-5-star-hotel
  51. https://www.kempinski.com/en/press-room/kempinski-hotels-launches-double-discovery-dollar-promotion-for-kempinski-discovery-members
  52. https://skift.com/2024/10/18/why-collaboration-is-essential-for-independent-hotel-brands/
  53. https://skift.com/2024/08/12/qa-how-global-hotel-alliance-has-empowered-independent-hotel-brands-for-20-years/
  54. https://www.globalhotelalliance.com/
  55. https://www.ghadiscovery.com/gha-discovery-benefits
  56. https://www.ghadiscovery.com/our-programme
  57. https://www.globalhotelalliance.com/post/how-independent-hotel-brands-can-move-forward-during-a-difficult-period-in-the-travel-industry
  58. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plusgrade-and-global-hotel-alliance-enrich-gha-discovery-offerings-with-buy-d-feature-302204243.html
  59. https://www.businesstraveller.com/features/global-hotel-alliance-is-giving-independent-hotel-brands-a-fighting-chance/
  60. https://www.ghadiscovery.com/content/download/201973/file/GHA%25202024%2520RESULTS_FINAL_23JAN25.pdf
  61. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kempinski-hotels-extends-strategic-partnership-with-btg-hotels-to-grow-luxury-hospitality-offering-in-china-302429627.html
  62. https://www.kempinski.com/en/press-room/kempinski-signs-agreement-to-manage-the-most-exclusive-branded-residences-in-azerbaijan
  63. https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article133744.html
  64. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kempinski-hotels-sign-landmark-agreement-to-manage-nymphenburg-palace-royal-residence-302386827.html
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