Bad Gastein - a place with history and charm
Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps lies Bad Gasteina place that welcomes its visitors with historical elegance and natural beauty. Here, where Europe's elite once met for spa treatments, you can still sense the splendour of times gone by. The imposing Belle Époque buildings lined up along the steep slopes and around the famous waterfall tell stories from a time when Bad Gastein was a meeting place for nobility and artists.
The rebirth of a classic - The Straubing Grand Hotel
The Straubing Grand Hotel, a gem in the middle of this historic site, has bridged the gap between its glorious past and the modern hotel industry following its reopening in autumn 2023. The careful renovation has managed to preserve the historic character of the hotel while integrating state-of-the-art amenities. Once home to illustrious guests such as aristocrats and artists, the hotel now opens its doors to travellers who appreciate luxury and history in equal measure.
First impressions and winter hikes
After we had previously 2 days in a charming spa castle we change in the morning to the Straubing Grand Hotel. As we arrived early in the morning and our room was still being prepared for us, we took this opportunity to enjoy the picturesque winter landscape of Bad Gastein to explore. Our route took us from Kötschachtal to Prosau, past snow-covered forests and crystal-clear streams. The silence of nature, interrupted only by the crunching of the snow under our feet, was the perfect way to set the mood for our stay. Here you can find the complete report about our Winter hike in Bad Gastein: From Kötschachtal to Prosau.
The room: elegance and comfort
Later in the afternoon we enter our room in the Straubing Grand Hotel. What strikes us immediately is the successful combination of elegance and modern comfort. Each room seems to tell its own story, with carefully selected antiques standing alongside modern amenities such as a high-quality bed and state-of-the-art entertainment system. The view from the window offers us a breathtaking view of the snowy Alpine peaks and the church of Bad Gastein.
The pool area: an oasis of peace and relaxation
After our return from the winter hike, the pool area of the Straubing Grand Hotel invites us to take a well-earned break. The Outdoor infinity poolwhich is similar to the Bath lock offers us a breathtaking view of the picturesque valley of Bad Gastein. Surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of the Alps, the heated pool is the perfect opportunity to relax in peace and let your mind wander.
The bar at the Straubing Grand Hotel
The Straubing Bar at the Grand Hotel is a charming meeting place in the evening. The interior of the bar is classic and elegant, with soft, dimmed lighting and comfortable seating that creates an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. Next to the bar is a lounge area, with cosy sofas and a warm log fire, the perfect place for relaxed conversation. The bar itself impresses with a carefully selected range of high-quality spirits and wines.
Straubinger Bar: 18:00 - 00:00.
We then head straight to the dining room.
Culinary delights in the historic Straubing Hall
Our dinner at the Straubing Grand Hotel is served in the magnificent Straubing Hall, a room full of historical opulence that was the scene of glittering celebrations a century and a half ago. The Straubing Hall, where the elite used to gather and many stories took place, now serves delicious dishes that are both modern and elegant.
Dinner at the Straubing Hall is offered as a set menu. This is just right for us on this evening, as the selection is exquisite and the atmosphere is impressive. However, if you don't want a full menu, you can also choose individual courses.
We opt for the multi-course menu for €65, in our case:
French onion soup
Creamy Gerstoni risotto with marinated beetroot and horseradish
Veal fillet with roasted celeriac, market vegetables and jus
and a lemon tart to finish.
Dinner in the Straubinger Saal: 18:30- 21:30
Cross-country skiing on the Böckstein trail
The next morning, we are drawn to the Böckstein cross-country ski trail. The well-groomed trails lead us through picturesque landscapes, past snow-covered forests and meadows. The cross-country skiing area offers ideal conditions for both beginners and advanced skiers to enjoy the wintry splendour of the Gastein mountains. We hire our cross-country skis directly from the Cross-country skiing school at the car park.
Relaxation in the Straubing spa
In the afternoon we return to the Straubing Grand Hotelwhere we enjoy a wide range of relaxation programmes in the spa area. The highlight is the heated rooftop infinity pool with an impressive view. The sauna area with a Finnish sauna and an organic mountain herbal sauna offer ideal conditions for relaxation. Various wellness treatments are also available, including the exclusive TAYTIBE Signature Treatment.
Spa: 7:30 - 21:00
Sauna: 11:30 - 21:00
Conclusion of the stay: A delicious breakfast
Our last morning in the Straubing Grand Hotel begins with a hearty breakfast in the impressive dining room. In this historic setting, we are spoilt with a rich selection of local and international dishes. The buffet offers everything your heart desires - sparkling wine, juices, freshly baked goods, salmon, cold meats, cheese, various mueslis, Bircher muesli, fruit and a variety of egg dishes. And if that's not enough, you can also order poached eggs. The high-quality products and loving presentation ensure a perfect start to the day.
Breakfast in the Straubinger Saal: 7:30 - 11:00 a.m.
An adventure on the Bellevue-Alm natural toboggan run
After breakfast, one last adventure is on the programme: tobogganing on the Bellevue-Alm natural toboggan run. This toboggan run, which impresses with its natural surroundings and well-groomed track, offers an unforgettable experience for families and adventure-seekers alike. We enjoy the speedy ride through the wintry landscape, an exciting pleasure that makes our stay at the Straubing Grand Hotel perfectly rounded off.
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