The Meisser family
We do not tell a story.
We have one.
In 125 years of Meisser Hotel there are many moving moments and formative companions. Some of our treasures are part of the furnishings and a respectful sign of hospitality in the 5th generation: guests' voices from the past, handwritten recipes, historical photographs and unique pieces of Engadin customs. Follow us to the year 1893, if you like:
1893
Andreas Meisser and his wife Barbla Barth bought the Chasa Meni in Guarda. He laid the foundation stone of the hotel history with 15 beds. In June, the first guests arrived from Paris.
1902
the tabla (hay barn) was converted into a dining room. The stucco ceiling is still preserved today and testifies to the late peasant Art Nouveau style. Barbla and Andreas had three children. Son Andreas continued to run the hotel with his wife Wilhelmine Seif.
1918
things were looking up again after difficult years and numerous guests were staying in Guarda. Wilhelmine and Andreas Meisser became parents of three children and their son Rudolf started a career in the hotel business.
1935
he married Pauline Willy and together they invested in their hotel as the 3rd generation: hot and cold running water in the rooms, a bathroom on each floor and modern central heating.
1939
the south veranda was glazed. The retractable panoramic windows, revolutionary at the time, are still in place today. During World War 2, Pauline and Rudolf farmed more intensively, and after the war the hotel business almost completely collapsed.
1952
Rudolf Meisser bought the Pension Bellevue in Davos-Dorf, where the private Hotel Meisser was established, the family's winter business. In the summer business Guarda got the first rooms with shower or bath. Pauline and Rudolf's son Ralf became a chef, graduated from the hotel management school and gained experience around the world.
1967
Ralf took over the family business and in 1971 married his wife Kathrin Schwarzenbach, who gave him two children: Benno and Sandra. Together, the couple shaped an intensive period of modernization in Guarda and Davos.
1978
the Meisser family built an apartment in Davos and Ralf Meisser's refined kitchen became a popular meeting place for gourmets.
1993
Ralf and Kathrin Meisser bought the Chasa Pepina and renovated it. The old parlors became dignified suites. Staff rooms were created in the rear part of the house and the Parsepan in the cellar of the Chasa Pepina.
1999
son Benno returned to Guarda to run the business with his parents. He had previously completed an apprenticeship as a chef, attended the Thun School of Gastronomy and gained several years of experience in the upscale hotel and catering industry in Switzerland and abroad.
2001
the Hotel Meisser in Davos was sold. On Benno's initiative, the hotel in Guarda was expanded into a year-round operation.
2002
Maya Aebli joined the company as an employee. In 2008 Benno Meisser and Maya Aebli got married. Shortly after, Alessia was born and almost at Christmas 2010 her brother Lars Noël. The 6th Hotel Meisser generation was born.
2014
another milestone took place: with great attention to detail and extensive renovation work, the rooms in the main house were given a contemporary and fresh look. Furthermore, everything remains in flux and the hospitable commitment remains a matter of the heart.
2016
the 4 suites in the Chasa Pepina were newly furnished to further emphasize the typical Engadin character of the house. Hotel Meisser is now a member of Swiss Historic Hotels.
2018
the Hotel Piz Buin in Guarda was taken over. Another 40 beds that expand the offer in Guarda. Small details and a bit of fresh air have ensured that one immediately recognizes Meisser's signature.
2019
the à la carte restaurant was moved from the Hotel Meisser to the Meisser Lodge (formerly Hotel Piz Buin) to offer guests at the Hotel Meisser more peace and quiet.
2020
the Hotel Romantica Val Tuoi was taken over. Another 20 beds which appeal to a younger guest segment offer a relaxing retreat for those 21 years and older. The Meisser Romantica was transformed into a cozy home away from home. A gym is now available to all Meisser Resort guests.
Everything remains in flux and the hospitality commitment a matter of the heart.
Nice to have you with us!
Benno & Maya Meisser-Aebli with Alessia and Lars
Ciao Guarda!
Farewell dear Guarda!
When will I see you again,
With all the flowers, the blooming lilacs,
With your beautiful woods and pastures?
Farewell, now we must sadly part. - –
I will never forget the friendly people,
The guests, the innkeepers, the good food!
Vacations were seldom so beautiful,
and joyfully I call: Goodbye.
Quote from a guest, July 31, 1926
