Marianne Roorda
Google
The end of an era. But for us, it was a bittersweet farewell to the legendary Kulm Hotel.
For over 40 -almost 45- years in a row, we spent our winterholidays at the end of February/beginning of March at Arosa Kulm Hotel. Over the years we also spent a few times a week in summer at the hotel.
During our first stay we met the legendary Hans Leu, who was taking over as interim manager for a period of time. A great hotelier who made it his business to know every guest by name. We were utterly impressed. Directors came and went, each of them putting his own stamp on -the activities of- the hotel and taking services to a higher level.
Director Ziegler, with his Gala Wine Tasting Evenings; Urs Bührer who introduced a taste of Thailand to Kulm with The Ahaan Thai Restaurant. André Salamin with the weekly Wilkommen Apéro “Wilkommen zu Hause”.
Service has always been of the highest level, especially under the supervision of Restaurant Manager Mr. Mamdouh Wasfy.
We mourn the untimely passing last november of the ever sympathetic, professional and long time manager of the Taverne, Mr. Albert Felser.
Times are changing and sadly we never had the chance of meeting the current hotel manager Mr.Coli. He never made it his business to make an effort of getting to know -or even talk to- us, long time and loyal guests. Service was still very good, but not on the 5* -plus- level we were used to. This time breakfast was no longer up to par and the service chaotic, with no supervision and shortage of staff, endless waiting for a cup of coffee, the bread self service counter sometimes looking like a battlefield, no cleaning of the used tables. The dine around concept didn't work too well anymore without the Stueva being part of it. Our reservation at the Piz Kulm was cancelled as it was closed due to lack of staff. No alternative was given (all other restaurants at the hotel were either closed or fully booked) but it worked out fine in the end: We could get a reservation for cheese fondue at the Burestübli and the dine-around amount was deducted from our account.
I was a regular visitor of the Spa/Wellness for over 20 years and the outstanding Spa Team, Oliver, Nicole and Ines, always provided the best of service: Highly professional and with a smile. 5* ++.
The Kulm Hotel is indeed in need of a major rebranding and make-over and the plans look very promising and exciting. In view of our age, we have no idea if we will be able to visit the new Kulm again at the beginning of 2029.
So for us, it felt as a farewell to Kulm and the end of an era.
On our day of departure, we were sad and disappointed that no member of staff, let alone the manager, Mr.Coli, took the trouble to say goodbye personally and/or thank us for our loyalty over the past 40/45 years. Some recognition would have been the least to be expected and would have been greatly appreciated. But sadly, it was not te be…
Goodbye Kulm, goodbye to all the loyal staff.
It was a bittersweet farewell.