Travel: Hotel Arlberg, Lech, Austria
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Inattendu is a Swiss blog with the newest in fashion, design and interior. Never sleeping. Inattendu ist einer der grössten Schweizer Blogs mit dem Neusten aus den Bereichen Mode, Interior und Lifestyle.
The Arlberg – different by tradition. This motto may well apply, but it hardly describes the warm, down-to-earth atmosphere and at the same time this visionary, contemporary spirit with which the two young hosts Benjamin Schneider and Patrick Krummenacher are leading this family hotel from 1956 into a new era.
The building oozes history and tradition – what started as a modest guest house has become one of the leading five star hotels in Lech over the years. Many illustrious guests have stayed here since then, a picture of Lady Di with her two sons in the entrance hall is witness to this. But there is no trace of a stiff atmosphere, from the lounge area emanates laughter and also the guests among themselves behave like old friends.
The Arlbergs interiors are a rich of hand-picked Alpine antiques, crafted furnishings and hunting trophies. In contrast, the suites and the spa area have been recently renovated under the lead of Benjamin Schneider and Patrick Krummenacher – this place is, where old meets new.
Stay
The Junior Superior Suite in which I stayed is huge: 55m2 with a large bathrooms and a separate WC. Health-benefiting lime plaster walls and all-natural bespoke paint from Swiss colour manufacturer KTcolor, wooden floors, delightful textiles and masterful upholstery create a warm and contemporary atmosphere. In the spacious bathroom brushed oak and locally sourced Alpine granite reflect the surrounding mountains, amenities include Le Labo bath products, a freestanding Agape bathtub and handsome fixtures by Dornbracht.
With shining eyes, owner Patrick tells me how much love and effort they both had put into the details. As the ceilings in the old building are low, the couple hired a lighting designer. This allows the lighting scene in the room to be set at three different levels, with indirect light making the ceiling appear higher. In addition, each wall and ceiling was painted in a different colour, a concept that runs through the whole house.
Food & Drinks
Breakfast is served at the restaurant on wonderful traditional porcelain – including fresh roasted coffee, a selection of teas, fresh fruits and juices, bread, milk and cheeses straight from the farm, homemade conserves and decadent à la carte options.
The Restaurant is also were dinner is served for the hotel guests – a 5-course-menu with elegant classic dishes from the region with a modern, artful twist. My favourite course was a Champagne Mousse Soup with frozen balls of watermelon. This unexpected combination, the acidity of the champagne and the sweetness of the melons – a real delight for my tastebuds. (This dish was originally served at Benjamin’s and Patrick’s wedding, as they told me later).
Pro Tip: Having an aperitif or a nightcap at the iconic cocktail bar is a must – having a chat with charming bar manager Wolfgang, meeting other guests and locals – the best way to end a day at The Arlberg.
Spa & Relax
You can literally get lost in Hotel Arlberg’s huge spa area sporting a heated outdoor pool, an indoor pool, four brandnew experience spa showers(!), several saunas, a steam bath and an infrared cabin. There’s also a separate area for families with children and from 5:00 p.m. this area is only available to women.
My favourite spa shower is the Horizontal Shower – a radical lie-down shower! As you lay reclined on the warm natural stone, you can choose from three different scenarios (Balancing, Energizing, De-Stressing) and this high-tech design evokes a new kind of relaxation. Alternating warm rain jets in opposite directions from the shoulders and the soles of your feet to the middle of your body. So relaxing, I almost fell asleep.
Hotel Arlberg
Tannberg 187
6764 Lech am Arlberg
Phone +43 5583 2134-0
info@arlberghotel.at