Art Deco Hotel Montana - back again
In mid-2021, Bernadette Bissig contacted me (after reading a post on RonOrp about the Hotel Nomad project) to write an article for the Swiss Hotel Magazine htr.
A few months after the article was published, I received an e-mail from Art Deco Hotel Montana - they had read the article and wanted to set up a meeting.
I can't exactly recall why (if it was related to the meeting with the Hotel or if I just wanted to explore the town a bit more) I had decided to stay in Lucerne for more than a week at a lovely home that I found through the HomeExchange platform (the family living were off for holidays, and their apartment was free. We met before my stay so they could give me the keys and show me the apartment; little did I know that they would become wonderful friends).
I still recall my impression when entering Montana and walking down the stairs to the reception for the first time - "this is nice". I was also somewhat intimidated by it. A Hotel with a lot of history. My nervousness and anticipation about the meeting, combined with the excitement of perhaps working for such a timeless hotel, got me tingling inside.
A bit more than two years later, here I am again, sitting in one of their beautiful newly renovated rooms with the sun shining inside the room, kissing my cheeks, looking at the stunning view of the Lucerne Lake, the Pilatus, the town and all surrounding mountains - a view I will never get bored of, it amazes me every single time. Today will be one of those "hard to leave" days - ideally, I could stay here a bit longer to use the time to write and get inspired by these breathtaking surroundings. But I'll take the inspiration with me and make my way to the upcoming steps.
Since that first meeting in 2021, this is the fourth time I have stayed here. It has been such a beautiful process to follow. In these two years, there were quite a few changes in the Hotel, and I am honoured to have been part of it and to have had the opportunity to accompany its development throughout the years.
They changed their entire corporate design (I still remember when they were initially brainstorming and quoting with designers how it would all look like). The red thread is now everywhere: logo, website, business cards, ensuite pads, uniforms, writing material, discount coupons, keys, Menus and everything else that falls under a Hotel's communication channel and appearance. The rooms have been renovated, contrasting how they used to be - new colours, new furniture, new mood - lighter and more modern ambiences.
The most recent changes and the reason for my visit this time were a new face to the reception, restaurant, Louis Bar and the Hemingway Lounge. Talented interior designer Ina Rinderknecht carefully designed the interior design for all outlets and spaces. The new furniture, newly painted walls, lighting, and all additional changes made give more power to the existing structure of the building, highlighting beautiful details such as the pink marble walls, the chaminé, and the high-decorated ceilings. The rooms seem broader and lighter. Definitely a more modern approach.
Some older clientele have already shown some resistance to it, but the individuals are likely opposed to changes in general. I wonder how it will all develop and if there will be a particular customer-base shift. I imagine being a place where all ages meet, something we also experienced on the Thursday night jam session - individuals of all ages enjoying the great vibes created by the musicians. It is a timeless environment for every generation, where they come together for common reasons - restorative nights of sleep, dining greatly at the Scala, enjoying unique drinks and jam sessions at the Louis Bar or rum and cigar at the Hemingway Lounge (and most of the times, a combination of all).
It all fits together - the design, the new rooms and the common areas. Without a doubt, it is worth the visit. And I would love to hear your thoughts and feelings about the changes.
Even though much has changed in the ambience, the core team remains the same. Unlike other Hotels I've been to, Montana attains and retains highly professional employees who do what they do with passion and care. Never have I ever felt so at home in a Hotel as here.
The beautiful thing about coming back recurrently to the same place is that you see its development - not only from a structural perspective, as mentioned earlier but also from a personal view. Two years ago, some were in the middle of their trainee programs; now, they are fully employed by the Hotel. Babies were born, marriages happened, university closures and now into managing roles and everything else that can occur in two years. The relationship between me and the individuals also keeps growing with time.
Not only did they have a lot of changes, but so did I.
Franziska, the marketing manager, always brings with her to our meetings a sheet of paper with the overview of our schedule while I'm in the Hotel. In it, a picture of me. From three years ago. Every time I look at it, I see another side of me. One that was in transformation back then and has become who I am today - going through another transformational moment.
Sometimes, it feels wild to look back and see everything that has been. But that exercise is worth it to realise how far we have come and how much we overcame to become who we are now.
A huge thank you to the entire Montana team for another inspiring stay. Here are a few impressions of the work done during my week-long stay. I look forward to future collaborations and wish the Hotel a successful journey with the newly created ambiences and identity.
