Mr. Salamin, why did you become a hotelier?

Good question! My parents always encouraged me to pursue whatever career I wanted – with one exception: «Just don’t go into hospitality!» Apparently, I wasn’t listening... But jokes aside, as a fifth-generation hotelier (editor’s note: his grandparents once owned the La Palma au Lac in Locarno), I felt at home in hotels from a young age. When it came time to choose a career or field of study, the decision was simple.

What are five features that set your hotel apart?

• First and foremost, the unique location in Arosa. Situated at 1,920 meters above sea level, we offer direct access to ski slopes, cross-country trails, and winter hiking paths. In summer, it’s the ideal base for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor adventures—perfect for nature lovers.
• Diverse cuisine with six dining venues in winter. Alongside the seasonal fine-dining restaurant «ARTIS by Tristan Brandt», we offer the rustic Prätschli-Stall, the elegant Locanda with an extensive wine cellar, the sunny Terrace, and more—guests are truly spoiled for choice.
• A full-service wellness area. The spa includes a sauna, steam bath, wellness pool, gym, and massage offerings—all with sweeping mountain views.
• Family-friendliness with a dedicated kids’ area. Our 140-square-meter play zone features a game room, ping-pong, pinball machine, and toddler section. Families also benefit from perks like free ski lessons for children under 17 with stays of three nights or more. The beginner ski area «Honigland» is just 40 meters from the hotel.
• Our flexible «Überflieger» lounge. Located in a glass cube on the hotel’s rooftop, this multifunctional space is ideal for yoga, seminars, retreats, or quiet relaxation. With panoramic views, it truly feels like you’re close to the heavens.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve experienced in your career?

There’s a lot a hotelier experiences—most of it not fit for public discussion. But here’s a small anecdote: While working in Beijing, we were renovating the Executive Floor when, at 2 a.m., an intense noise broke out. Turns out the crew was working in three shifts, around the clock—and decided to tear down a support wall in the middle of the night, even though the hotel was nearly full!

What does your hotel offer for a perfect romantic weekend?

Apart from the view of Arosa and the mountains from your private balcony, we have a cozy spa with a 35-degree wellness pool. Our dining venues are perfect for candlelit dinners, and the bar invites you to relax at the end of the evening. For the more active, Arosa offers a range of nature-based experiences. In our «Überflieger» lounge, we also partner with «SoulBase» to offer mindfulness programs like yoga and meditation. And after a warm summer’s day, you’ll enjoy something rare in the lowlands: a cool night breeze for restful sleep.

What plans do you have for the hotel?

This is the first summer opening in the hotel’s 111-year history. We want to build on our winter success and extend it into the summer and fall—always evolving to meet the needs of our guests and team members.

How is your culinary offering evolving?

With five restaurants today, our culinary variety is a key success factor. Our passionate outlet teams strive to create memorable dining experiences and are always working to improve.

What’s your personal leadership motto?

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: «Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.» I try to bring that spirit every day—and it’s easy with such a fantastic team.

Do you have a personal insider tip for the region?

Take a sunrise hike up the Arosa Weisshorn—it’s a magical start to the day. I’ll gladly join you!

What’s the best advice your mother or father ever gave you?

It wasn’t so much advice, but the way my mother lived her life—as a 152cm powerhouse from Ticino, she overcame many challenges. She remains one of my biggest role models.

André Salamin has served as General Manager of the historic Hotel Prätschli in Arosa since August 2022. Under his leadership, the hotel has undergone extensive renovation and modernization. A highlight is the partnership with star chef Tristan Brandt, whose restaurant «ARTIS by Tristan Brandt» offers modern French cuisine with regional ingredients. Previously, Salamin spent over a decade as GM at the five-star Arosa Kulm Hotel and later headed the SBW Talent-Campus Bodensee in Kreuzlingen.