What better way to end a day of skiing than relaxing in an elegant hotel, unwinding in the spa, and enjoying regional cuisine? Falstaff TRAVEL set out to find the most beautiful hotels in Austria with authentic alpine flair.
Nestled in the snow-covered mountain landscape of Lech am Arlberg, Severin's – The Alpine Retreat welcomes its guests with alpine luxury and modern elegance. Warm wood paneling and exquisite materials create an atmosphere of coziness and exclusivity. After a day on the slopes, the evening winds down in the private lounge by the crackling fire. The spacious spa, with its pool and various saunas, invites guests to relax. In culinary terms, chef Marius Pieper delights with sophisticated creations that reinterpret alpine traditions—accompanied by wines from the hotel’s own wine cellar. Especially at Christmas time, this hideaway reveals its full magic: crackling fireplaces, festive decorations, and warm hospitality turn the stay into a true winter fantasy.
This family-run hotel, located in the heart of the Damüls–Mellau ski area, is the ideal retreat for skiers and winter enthusiasts. Situated right on the slope, it offers true convenience: thanks to ski-in/ski-out access, guests can head straight from their bed to the snowy runs and be among the first at the lift. The spacious sun terrace of the Alpenstern has become a popular meeting spot. Here, skiers from all over the region enjoy a well-deserved break with views of the snow-covered mountains. Guests can end their day on a delicious note, whether with dinner at the à la carte restaurant Genusshalde or at the fine-dining restaurant Löffelspitze.
There are plenty of reasons why Maria Alm is so popular among winter enthusiasts: the unique view of the majestic Hochkönig, Ski Amadé—one of the largest interconnected ski areas in Europe—and the wellness hotel die HOCHKÖNIGIN. Although the slopes are accessible directly from the hotel, guests find wonderful tranquility in the regal surroundings. In the Queen Spa, adults can enjoy a peaceful retreat during the winter months, with sauna infusions, massages, and beauty treatments offering deep relaxation. Evenings end with alpine gourmet classics and the finest wines. Advent and New Year’s are celebrated festively at the hotel, with mulled-wine days by the open fire and a grand New Year’s Eve party.
It doesn’t take much to create an especially exclusive living atmosphere: the Elizabeth Arthotel offers just 39 rooms and suites, and has been welcoming adults only (ages 16 and up) for 50 years. While Ischgl is known for its extensive winter sports options and its large ski area, this small five-star hideaway stands out with relaxation and privacy. The clean lines throughout the rooms and the spa have a calming effect, and the modern, elegant style forms the perfect contrast to the alpine mountain world outside. The many artworks that accompany guests at every step lend the design an air of grandeur. Where the hotel’s popular in-house pizzeria is found during the day, guests transition seamlessly in the evening to a laid-back celebration right on the slopes—complete with relaxed DJ beats. It’s no surprise that the Schatzi Bar is considered one of the most sought-after après-ski spots in town.
The Triforêt alpin.resort on the Hutterer Böden in Hinterstoder is set on a 1,400-meter-high plateau, surrounded by coniferous forests and framed by the Warscheneck and the Großer Priel. Exclusively appointed and offering an exceptional level of comfort, it provides a retreat far from everyday life. In the main building, Triforêt pampers its guests with an outdoor infinity pool and a wellness area that, in addition to a sauna and steam bath, also offers exclusive body and facial treatments. The Hutterer alpin.restaurant serves culinary delights sourced from the surrounding mountains, rivers, valleys, and lakes, showcasing the region’s rich diversity. At the alpin.bar, guests can enjoy a glass of the hotel’s own gin while taking in a fantastic view of the surrounding mountain landscape.
A spectacular glacier ski area with dreamlike panoramic views and both culinary and cultural highlights — that’s what makes Sölden so famous. Winter sports enthusiasts, pleasure seekers, and wellness lovers alike will find a true place of longing in the middle of the valley, not far from the Gaislachkogl cable car: Das Central. 125 rooms and suites, along with special wellness suites featuring private saunas, ensure the ultimate relaxation factor. Up at the Summit Spa, high above the rooftops, guests can swim toward the mountains in the glass-walled sky pool and warm up in the panoramic saunas. At the cinematic installation 007 Elements at the Gaislachkogl mountain station, visitors can follow in the footsteps of James Bond and explore the filming locations of Spectre; an absolute must-do.
The turquoise waters of Lake Achensee shimmer in the winter sun, with the peaks of the Karwendel Mountains rising behind it. At the Familienresort Buchau, this dreamlike setting is not a slogan but a lived reality. Whether skiing, sledding, or cross-country skiing: 53 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes and 31 lifts across three ski areas make this destination a true winter sports paradise. A rich program of courses and weekly activities, an indoor adventure world featuring a theater, cinema, climbing hall, and riding arena, as well as a children’s pool with a waterslide, ensure that every young adventurer finds just the right experience. Meanwhile, parents can unwind in the sauna area or enjoy deep relaxation in the quiet zones.
