For over 120 years, Hotel Joseph’s House has been a welcoming refuge for guests visiting Davos. Originally named St Joseph’s House, the establishment began as a Catholic sanatorium, operated by nuns, before evolving into recreational accommodation. As it prepares to reopen in winter 2024 after two years of renovation, this elegant Art Nouveau hotel will retain its rich character while meeting modern-day requirements. Join us as we explore the fascinating history of this iconic building!
St. Josefshaus Once a catholic sanatorium
The iconic Art Nouveau façade reflects the building’s rich history. Built in 1901 by the Order of St Joseph from Ilanz, it was designed to care for tuberculosis patients, with Catholic nuns overseeing their recovery in Davos’s rejuvenating mountain air.
Patients benefited from recuperation on the terrace and gentle strolls in the nearby forest – both essential to their healing process. Social rooms, a library and radio facilities provided entertainment, while the nuns took care of the well-being of up to 60 patients. St Joseph’s House offered single and double rooms with running water, though bathrooms were shared. Among its esteemed guests visiting from various European regions were members of the imperial Habsburg family, who sought healing in Davos.
As medical advancements progressed, the need for lung treatment in Davos decreased. By 1959, St. Joseph’s House shifted its focus, transitioning into recreational and holiday accommodation, still operated by the nuns. In 1988, a new organ was installed in the fourth-floor chapel, now housed in the Catholic Church of St Joseph in Surcasti, Canton of Grisons.
The house celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2001. That same year, Sister Ermelinde took over management, leading a team of eight sisters and staff. However, as the sisters aged, their numbers dwindled, creating uncertainty about the future.
In 2004, a new management concept was implemented, with Sister Ermelinde sharing responsibilities with Urs Schaffner (general manager). The hotel leased spaces to external therapists, offering a range of wellness services, from physiotherapy to Shiatsu.
Part of the new concept was the public restaurant, renowned for its tartare and Sunday brunches, with ingredients mostly sourced from the adjacent convent garden. In addition, the management organised cultural events, farmers’ markets and exhibitions for the enjoyment of the general public.
Since 2007, the St. Josefshaus has been owned by Davos Klosters Bergbahnen and was renamed Joseph’s House. Initially, it operated as a 2-star hotel with single and double rooms.
With a two-year interior renovation project, Davos Klosters Bergbahnen is bringing this historic mountain hotel up to date. The four-story hotel is being completely refurbished, and every room will feature its own bathroom. The high-quality design and modern touches blend seamlessly into the historic Art Nouveau building, creating a unique atmosphere. The former chapel on the fourth floor, lovingly renovated, serves as an atmospheric venue for events. In addition, the bar—with its new concept—invites guests to enjoy cozy evenings. The sunny south-facing rooms, each with a spacious balcony, offer a magnificent view of the Davos Klosters Mountains. As a 3-star superior hotel with a wellness area, seminar rooms, and a fitness center, Hotel Joseph’s House caters to active guests who appreciate design and comfort.
The Hotel Joseph’s House will open for the 2024/25 winter season, marking the completion of the development project on the hillside of Davos Platz. The neighboring Hotel National was already renovated and refurbished in 2021–2022. The new ski room with lockable lockers, the fitness area with natural light and Technogym equipment, and the Cherry Bar are new additions to the hotel. In addition, the Bistro National invites guests to enjoy dinner at the hotel with its Italian cuisine. The new underground parking garage connects the Hotel National with the Hotel Joseph’s House. Guests can thus conveniently store their skis right there and take the shuttle bus to the Jakobshornbahn. Both hotels are part of the Mountain Hotels brand’s premium offering and stand out as top-tier hotels.
