Those in the know are aware that Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel has a real-life counterpart in the Swiss Alps: The Waldhaus Sils, which has pleased and puzzled visitors for 111 years and become an icon of Swiss hospitality. Located above the small and pretty village of Sils Maria, near St. Moritz, it overlooks a striking landscape of forests, lakes and mountains and offers a combination of Belle Epoque flair and modern comfort. Its distinctive charm comes from the fact that the Waldhaus has been family-owned and operated ever since its grand opening on June 15, 1908. 111 Jahre Hotel Waldhaus Sils ranges across the hotel’s life and history. Brief essays look at the hotel’s history and the broader context in which it exists. The book also shines a light on colorful members of the owning family and their dreams and work, interspersed with conversations with people who have known them. Beautifully illustrated with newly commissioned and historic photographs and documents, it is a tantalizing glimpse into the life of an exceptional hotel in one of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes.
