24 Hours at the Stanglwirt, Kitzbühel

What the Hotel Byblos is for Saint Tropez, the Stanglwirt is for Kitzbühel. Situated on the bottom of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, the Stanglwirt boasts an excellent view of one of the most amazing mountains in Austria. After a personal greeting with an excellent glass of rose sparkling wine, we immediately felt home. Inside the vast bar area, there are huge windows overlooking the horse riding hall - a truly unique facility of this hotel. After we finished our welcome drink, the nice front desk lady Helga accompanied us to our suites. As a surprise of the house we got one large Junior Suite and an even more amazing Sonnen Suite. 

Both, the Junior as well as the Sonnen Suite had a separate living and sleeping room with a wonderful marble bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, fire place and balcony overlooking the "Kaiser Gebirge". While the Junior Suite was equipped with a jacuzzi with glass windows into the bedroom, the view was going to the mountains and towards the spa. As one of the largest suites in the whole resort, the Sonnen Suite was truly breath-taking, offering 180 degrees views of Going, the Kitzbühler Horn, the Kaisergebirge and the resort. Furthermore the living room was very large, like the bathroom was. 

Firstly I would like to point out the Nespresso coffee machine with four capsules free of charge, which is truly amazing - although it is only available in the Imperial Suites. In addition to my perfect morning coffee, we received a very warm turndown gift - a platter of homemade pralines.  The toiletries were by Pure Herbs, a pretty common line in the Tyrollean hospitality. I could imagine that Bulgari or Blaise Mautin amenities would be way better in these luxurious bathrooms. The beds were extremely comfortable and unusually huge for Austrian standards (in size of length and broad). 

Unfortunately we had to experience that the dinner is not that amazing as the rest of the Stanglwirt. While the quality of the food at lunch was relatively good, the offered Gourmet Menu was kind of disappointing for the price and category of the resort. The scallops did just taste like coating and the real taste of the scallops didn't get through. From our point of view the lobster was not delicate. The side dishes were quite good and the service average. You, as a guest, could feel the cold atmosphere the staff members have to each other. The first two courses were not served, instead they were available to pick up at the buffet - which didn't really disturb us. 

After a heavenly night, we went for breakfast. My first believe was that I should have better ordered in-room breakfast in our amazing suite with this amazing view. For a few seconds, nobody was there to lead us to an available table - our table of last night was occupied due to a birthday celebration. So the restaurant manager himself - showed us to an available table between the service office, hallway and buffet. Not really bright and relaxing. Surprisingly the buffet area was full of other guests, and I felt like in a all-inclusive club in Turkey or Egypt (although I have never stayed at such, just imaging how it would be!). Nevertheless the buffet was huge and the quality of the products was excellent. They offered an open kitchen where someone can order eggs, pancakes and crepes. Our coffee was good as well and although the restaurant was way too overcrowded there was always a staff member around to clean our table, bring fresh coffee and pick up dirty plates.

Again (like at the Stock Resort), the highlight of our stay was the amazingly vast Wellness and Spa area, spreading over 12.000 square meters. Offering everything a discerning luxury traveller like us could wish: refreshing 25 meter sport pool, a vast 200sqm sole pool at 38 degrees celsius, a really cold mountain lake next to the sauna, as well as a indoor mountain pool with a connection to an outdoor swimming area. I can proudly say that this is the most spectacular wellness area in the Tyrol and definitely one of the coolest in Austria! Made out of real stone of the Kaisergebirge, the spa completely represents the local area.

My favorite place was the hot outdoor sole pool with waterproof pillows on top of the underwater loungers - I could have stayed forever. We didn't have time to book a treatment, but we made it to each and every sauna and steam bath - and there are plenty of them! From 30 degrees to 110 degrees celsius, the Spa of the Stanglwirt meets really every guest's taste.

We were guests of the Hauser Family and the Hotel Stanglwirt. All above written expresses our point of view and has not been influenced. 

24 Hours at the Aqua Dome

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.

New 5-Star Hotel in Tyrol sheduled to open in Mösern!

After a decade, a new 5-star hotel in the Tyrol is finally sceduled to open soon. 

As the fourth hotel in the surrounding of Seefeld in Tyrol, the new "For Friends" - a simple name as well - is the only one with breath-taking views over the main valley of Tyrol - the "Inntal".

I am really excited about the opening ceremony and about the ongoing operations. We will soon see if they keep the prices as high as they are now entered in the system or if they will fall when the opening date is coming sooner. To be honest, it really looks great on the first pictures and normally I am not wrong with my expecations. 

The lobby and the pool area remembers me of the recently opened InterContinental in Davos, which is as sleek and stylish as the soon to be opened "for Friends" Resort. 

Be sure that I will test this place after it has opened and of course me or one of my colleagues will report immediately, as always!

Have a great weekend,

Daniel

Hotel Check - Kitzbühel Part I

Just returned back from a very relaxing stay at the Arosa Grand-Spa Kitzbühel.  The weather outside was perfect for a pre-Christmas getaway, lots of snow and a picture-perfect scenery. The arrival at the Arosa is more than stunning, driving through a tunnel until you arrive at the main entrance.

We were greeted very friendly with a hot welcome drink, before we were accompanied to our perfectly situated room.  Located on the 6^th floor of the “Mountain Wing”, our room boasted beautiful views over the resort to the city centre and the world-famous “Hahnenkamm”.

The room was clean and bright with a warming atmosphere. A very nice touch were the welcome amenities, which included homemade Christmas pastries, macarons and complimentary bottled water.

Behind the generous wardrobes, we found ourselves in a sleek bathroom with no-named toiletries, a separate toilet and large shower with three different kinds of shower experiences.  In general, the room came up to our expectations and we were really surprised by the beautiful welcome amenities.

The main reason for staying at the Arosa Kitzbühel is the Spa area, which boasts two floors of pure relaxation. I really loved the enormous indoor pool from which you could swim outside to the outdoor pool without leaving the pool. You can feel snowflakes falling into your face while swimming in hot water and exploring the beauty of the Austrian Alps and the surrounded winter wonderland scenery.

All staff members were very friendly and helpful and they even brought us drinks to the lounge bed on the pool.

We had the opportunity to have dinner at “Monte e Mare”, the restaurant on the hotel’s own golf course. This was a great possibility to have the best duck I’ve ever had.

A perfect day always starts with a heavenly breakfast! The buffet was varied and large, while the choice of bread was simply enormous. The service at breakfast was good and personal, too.

In total I was very satisfied with the service, the design and the provided facilities. 

Travel Offer - Alpine luxury in Lienz, Austria

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GRAND HOTEL LIENZ AND SPA

Package for 2 adults includes: ·         5 nights at the Grand Hotel Lienz in a Superior Suite with 1 king bed, 410 square feet and Balcony Taxes Booking Conditions: Price includes hotel taxes only. Any additional taxes, service charges or resort fees will be payable to the hotel directly. Package is subject to promotional rate availability, and additional restrictions or conditions may apply. If you have specific dates in mind, contact us to confirm that the hotel has availability for this special package. Price includes hotel taxes only. Any additional taxes, service charges or resort fees will be payable to the hotel directly. Price total: ·         615,00 USD taxes included Rate for 5 nights and 2 adults

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Hotel-Check: Aqua Dome Spa Resort Part 3

The night was very peaceful and we had a great sleep! Before breakfast I went to the public spa pool and it was amazing. At 8.30 am, I was the only one swimming in the large pool, which is open for public every day from 9 am till 10 pm. 

I then took a shower with the shower gel from the dispenser and went to the breakfast room or "hall"! The buffet war larger than my expectations were, so I was impressed. The service at breakfast was very nice although the cook was not able to prepare me some scrambled eggs, instead she advised me to take some cold scrambled eggs of the buffet. If I want freshly cooked scrambled eggs with ham I only want to get them and not to discuss with a not native speaking employee! Nevertheless  the buffet with the orange machine was excellent by 4-star standards!

The check-out was at 11 am, but we wanted to leave at 10 am so we did not have to wait in the typical queue. As a present, we got a nice cake, which is home-made. 

All in all this hotel/resort is not that perfect retreat for us! We think there is a large group of guests which love to stay at such spa resorts and to move around without any textiles as well as to lie to each other without any privacy! 

If you look for a luxurious wellness hotel in Western Austria, then check-in at the Grand Tirolia or the Kempinski Das Tirol in the area of Kitzbühel, where everyone seeks for privacy!

In my opinion, 380,00 Euros per night for the old Classic Room is more than impolite for the offered facilities!

Hotel-Check: Aqua Dome Spa Resort Part 2

Sorry for being offline the whole day, but it was more stressful than it should have been. 

 1 hour after my last blog, I wanted to pick up the keys for the reserved Alpine Room. Of course they tried to give me the standard room in the old wing! So I went the whole way to the room and then back to the reception to claim about the room. They did not apology and immediately called the housekeeping to prepare a new room. After 15 minutes waiting on the reception without offering a drink or a seat, they gave me the keys without any comment. 

The new room is nice, the smell is fresh, the balconies and bathrooms are modern and new, too! Although the bed sheets are dirty and used! YES - All-over Shampoo comes out of a dispenser - very exclusive :-(( ! They are not even branded ones!

Back to the Spa, some tyrolean citizens tried to get our loungers as they were not able to got some by theirselfs! We shouted at them and they left us alone - horrible if you're paying 380.00 Euros for that one night in the low season!

We went to a local restaurant as we are disappointed of the overall service at this property! This was probably the best decision we did the whole day - the Pizza was absolutely great!

To be honest, everything I wanted is to sleep, but this was impossible as the materess felt extremely cheap and unconfortable, a bit like in a youth hostel or in a boarding house!

After replacing the mattress protector, the beds felt more comfortable and sleeping was no longer a problem. :-)

We will see what tommorrow brings, we will for sure no longer stay the afternoon at this chaotic place! Sorry but this is a true hotel-fail for this price!