You might know it from my first posts here on this Blog, that I was very unsatisfied with the services at this Austrian Spa Resort. Well, yes I was one of the many many users on TripAdvisor - also because this Blog wasn't as successful as it is now - and of course I wrote a very extensive and very bad review on the profile of the Aqua Dome. One day later I received a message from the GM who asked me to get in touch with her personally. Glad that someone was interested in my opinion, I contacted her and she invited me to another stay.
So it was time to get into the car and go to the Ötztal valley - the longest valley in Tirol, but definitely not the most wonderful. Upon arrival I experienced a warm welcome with a christmas tea and cookies. When we arrived around 11 am the room was not ready which is quite usual, being the hotel fully occupied over the weekend. In general it is always impressive for me, that these Spa Resorts are nearly always fully booked - at these high prices, charging 350 euros for one night and room! Of course the half board is included but when you imagine that you get the best Kitzbühel Five-Star Hotels for around 200 euros per room and night including an extensive breakfast, then you should think of the vast Spa/Sauna and Thermal area at the Aqua Dome.
All in all the welcome was warm wand we were given a bag for the thermal spa. When we arrived at the hotel's "Spa 3000" we feel that it was not too crowded and more lounge beds have been installed - well done! Everything was quite nice and new - the Spa is huge and there are lots of different saunas, steam baths as well as one inside jacuzzi on the first floor and four outdoor jacuzzis on the second floor overlooking the town. My favourite place was the Panorma Sauna with glass window and panoramic views of the valley and the glacier.
When we came back to the front desk, our room was ready and we were hungry enough for dinner. Our room was situated in the older part of the hotel, which has been refurbished as well! Generously, the Aqua Dome invited us for the half board, which means that the dinner is included. On this day, a lazy Monday and bank holiday in Austria, they supposed to have a buffet but due to the fact it was a bank holiday we were lucky and were served nearly all courses. The whole dishes were on the small side, but nicely decorated and with a good taste. Well, the dishes are not super-chic dishes, but they fit perfectly into the hotel and the location, being it one of the most original valleys in the world (Their language/slang made it into the Unesco!).
The beds still had those nervy blankets on it, but after removing them, they were quite alright. Breakfast is build in form of a buffet and was quite huge for 4-star standards. I did not allow myself to order scrambled eggs, to avoid any discussion with a cook (like I had at my previous stay! I would like to point out the personal and kind staff, who always managed to bring everything we wanted!
Finally I can say, the Aqua Dome is worth its 4-Star Superior rating. However when I plan to do a wellness trip, it might be a trip to Eastern Tyrol (Kitzbühel area), just because it's a bit more intimate!
A very special thanks to the Management of the Aqua Dome for inviting us for a one-night stay to have a different point of view! Our above written review is our personal opinion and hasn't been influenced.
My last seven weeks in one of Europe's most beautiful city were great! As you should always quit when it isbest, I will leave Prague this Friday to go back to Austria.
During my time in Prague I tested some of Prague's best restaurants and places and I also showed them to you on my last two Restaurant-Checks. Today, I will present you my absolute favourite places in Prague - a small Summary so to say!
1. Cotto Crudo (the following three pictures)
First of all my new favourite restaurant is the new CottoCrudo at the Four Seasons Hotel. Of course that may sound strange, but it is not so much more expensive than other mid-range italian restaurants in Prague. I had excellent Vitello Tonnato (also better than in some Restaurants in Italy) and afterwards Saffron Risotto at its finest. I had no space for any dessert, but I got some housemade Cantuccis free of charge. The service? Four Seasons! Do I really have to say more? It could not be better. At nearly 1000 CZK for Dinner-for-one not cheap but well worth.
If you have reserved in advance or you're only lucky, get some tables with castle view!!
http://www.cottocrudo.cz/
2. The Café Savoy (the next three pictures)
Wow, this was my place to relax in the evenings and to wake-up in the mornings. I had nearly every weekend breakfast at this place. The Savoy breakfast is not only very good by Prague standards it is also cheap - at about 150 CZK per person. The fresh orange juice is seperte at 88 CZK. If you are here, try the famous "Dort Savoy" - the Savoy Cake - you won't be disappointed. It is definitely one of the best cakes, I've ever had. The Café Savoy is also a place to have a late-night drink with friends. Just go there whenever you like and whenever you are in this area. http://cafesavoy.ambi.cz/cz/
3. Cantinetta Fiorentina (picture below)
I always went to this place when I was seeking for holidays. Whenever I was sitting inside or on the glamerous Pariska street, this nice restaurant reminded me of a real Fiorentine Cantinetta, like it can be found in rural Tuscany. This restaurant is not just look-alike-fake. No, it also offers the best bread and olive oil in an italian restaurant in Prague. If we talk about the bill, I have to be honest and I should mention that the Pariska street is simply THE most expensive part in town, so are the prices and of course the guests! http://www.cantinetta.cz/
Last but not least my favourite place to hang around and spend the lazy Sundays:
4. Boscolo Wellness & Spa Prague
When the life of being a single really sucked, I went there to sleep this lazy day away! I was clever enough not to pay these high prices for the average treatments, so I booked a special offer through my Special City Concierge Lime & Tonic, and I immediately got the treatments for at least 30-40% cheaper. The staff is very attentive and very kind. They greet you warmely and you feel welcome from the first moment. The pool is the largest I've seen in a Hotel Spa in Prague and is not cold at 28°. http://prague.boscolohotels.com/spa-and-wellness/
If you want to have more tips or hints of if you want to know anything about Prague, please do not hesitate to contact me: travel.executive@yahoo.de
You know the feeling when you would like to stay at the best hotel in city, but you are not able or willing to pay the high prices?
Then you should try the new hotel platform "EASYNEST". This is definitifely the best way to stay at any of the world's best hotels at the half price!
Do you still stay in a Classic Room?
For example, I just found The Dorchester Hotel in London for 200 Euros per night instead of 400! This rate is not even for a Classic room - it's the luxurious Executive Suite.
This hotel does never have any kind of special offers, however now it's affordable!
Another example is the Four Seasons in New York and in Hongkong where your stay will cost under 300 USD.
The terms and risks:
The only term is that you have to be in the city and in the hotel, at that date, the "Easynester" booked. Of course you can also start an enquiry and Easynest will help you finding a roommate.
The risk you have is that you do not know your travel partner personally, but as the website was just born, there are only 5-10 users online. So in my opinion there is no high risk yet!
Just try it and start staying at the world's most luxurious hotels for a bargain!
