BAVARIAN DELIGHT

 MUNICH AND HOTEL VIER JAHRESZEITEN KEMPINSKI CELEBRATE THEIR COMBINED 1000TH ANNIVERSARY

February 2008;  While Munich is celebrating its 850th anniversary, the
city’s landmark grand hotel, the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski,
turns 150. Numerous cultural and culinary events will reflect the
fascinating history of one of the oldest and most established hotels in
the world.

In 1851, the Bavarian King Maximilian II arranged for a competition
between the best architects of the time. The architects were asked to
submit plans for a splendid boulevard that would stand comparison with
the most elegant ones around the globe. In 1852, the building works for
Munich’s best known street, the Maximilianstrasse, began. The
centrepiece of this magnificent new boulevard was the Hotel Vier
Jahreszeiten, ordered by the king to become ‘the most beautiful hotel
in the city’. The royal requirement was met by the architect Rudolf
Gottgetreu through the hotel’s outstanding architecture, the finest
fittings and the most stylish furniture. It also included the latest
technical innovations of the dawning industrial era, such as
electricity, running water, and paternoster elevators.

The First World War and the ensuing revolution put a stop to the rise
of the grand hotel and the City of Munich had to step in to avoid the
closure of the property. In 1926, the brothers Alfred and Otto
Walterspiel acquired the hotel. Alfred was a renowned chef and
gastronome, the only German one with a global reputation during that
time, Otto a skilful businessman and manager. They opened the
‘Restaurant Walterspiel’ which gave the hotel an international
appeal.  In 1970, the property was bought by Kempinski and since then
has been called the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich.

Anniversary Events
● On the last Friday of each month in 2008, guests are invited to
participate in a ‘Trend & Tradition’ dinner. A five-course dinner
combining traditional and innovative cuisine will be served in the
historical setting of the Nymphenburg salon. Price per person is EUR 98
(approx. $ 144) or EUR 150 (approx. $ 220) for two.
● On 11th May 2008, former owner Alfred Walterspiel would have
turned 127. From 8th to 11th May a special 7-course menu, starting with
Walterspiel’s favourite drink ‘Dom Bénédictine on ice’ and
followed by a selection of his favourite dishes, will be served. Price
per person is EUR 127 (approx. $ 186) including aperitif and
corresponding wines.
● A journey into the past and a glimpse into the future are
offered by historian Ingrid Mayerhanser, who will captivate guests with
impressive and curious anecdotes and facts during traditional guided
tours of the hotel (EUR 25/$ 37 per person).
● During a kitchen party on 13th March 2008, guests will literally
have their fingers in every pie, cooking alongside former and current
chefs of the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten (EUR 82/$ 120 per person or EUR
150/$ 220 for two persons, incl. beverages).
● There is no celebration in Munich without including the most
famous one of all, the Oktoberfest. To warm up for this event, the
kitchen team proposes a Bavarian Kitchen Party. Welcoming guests in
traditional costumes - ‘Lederhosen’ and ‘Dirndl’ - the hotel’s
kitchen crew will serve Bavarian specialties and a chilled ‘Maß’ on
11th September (EUR 50/ $ 73 per person including beverages).

For further information and to book any of the above mentioned events,
please contact the hotel directly. E-mail: 150jahre.hvj@kempinski.com,
telephone: +49 89 2125 2633, www.kempinski-vierjahreszeiten.com

Editor’s Notes:

Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski Hotels was founded in
Germany in 1897. Kempinski’s impressive portfolio of distinctive
properties includes historical landmarks, unique hide-away resorts and
vibrant city hotels throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South
America and Asia. Rich in tradition,
 each Kempinski hotel celebrates the
local culture and customs of its destination whilst maintaining the
impeccable personalised service for which Kempinski is renowned. Put
simply, they are the first choice for the discerning luxury traveller.

Kempinski is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance. Based on the
airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance is the world largest
alliance of independent hotel brands. It uses a common technology
platform to drive incremental revenues and create cost savings for its
members, while offering enhanced recognition and service to customers
across all brands. GHA currently comprises Anantara, Cham, Dusit,
Kempinski, Landis, Leela, Marco Polo, Omni and Pan Pacific, encompassing
160 upscale and luxury hotels with over 46,000 rooms in 41 different
countries.

To book or for further information visit
www.kempinski.com/press ● www.globalhotelalliance.com
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