Bad Gastein – A place with history and charm
Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps lies Bad Gastein, a place that welcomes its visitors with historical elegance and natural beauty. Here, where the elite of Europe once met for a spa treatment, you can still feel the splendour of times gone by. The imposing Belle Époque buildings that line the steep slopes and the famous waterfall tell stories of a time when Bad Gastein was a meeting place for nobility and artists.
The rebirth of a classic – The Straubinger Grand Hotel
The Straubinger Grand Hotel, a gem in the middle of this historic place, has built a bridge between its glorious past and modern hospitality after its reopening in autumn 2023. The careful renovation has managed to preserve the hotel's historic character while integrating the most modern amenities. The hotel used to host illustrious guests such as nobles and artists, today it opens its doors to travelers who value luxury and history in equal measure.
First impressions and winter hikes
After we previously 2 days in the charming bathing castle In the morning we change to the Straubinger Grand Hotel. Since we arrived early in the morning and our room was still being prepared for us, we took this opportunity to explore the picturesque winter landscape of Bad Gastein to explore. Our route took us from the Kötschachtal to Prosau, past snow-covered forests and crystal-clear streams. The silence of nature, only interrupted by the crunching of the snow under our feet, is a perfect way to get into 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 Straubinger Grand Hotel. What immediately strikes us is the successful combination of elegance and modern comfort. Each room seems to tell its own story, with carefully selected antiques standing next to modern amenities such as a high-quality bed and a state-of-the-art entertainment system. The view from the window offers us a breathtaking view of the snow-capped 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 Straubinger Grand Hotel invites us to a well-deserved break. The outdoor infinity pool, which is the bathing castle offers us a breathtaking view of the picturesque valley of Bad GasteinSurrounded by the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of the Alps, the heated pool is the perfect opportunity to relax in peace and let your thoughts wander.
The bar in the Straubinger Grand Hotel
The Straubinger Bar of 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 create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Next to the bar is a living room area, which with its cozy sofas and warm fireplace offers the perfect place for relaxed conversations. The bar itself impresses with a carefully selected selection of high-quality spirits and wines.
Straubinger Bar: 6:00 p.m. – midnight.
Afterwards we go straight to the dining room.
Culinary delights in the historic Straubinger Saal
Our dinner at Straubinger Grand Hotel is served in the magnificent Straubinger Hall, a room full of historic opulence that was the scene of lavish parties a century and a half ago. The Straubinger Hall, where the elite once gathered and many stories unfolded, now serves delicious dishes that are both modern and elegant.
Dinner at Straubinger Saal is offered as a set menu. For us, this is just right for this evening, as the selection is exquisite and the atmosphere impressive. However, if you don't want a whole 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 beets and horseradish
Veal fillet with roasted celery, market vegetables and jus
and to finish, a lemon tart.
Dinner in the Straubinger Hall: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cross-country skiing on the Böcksteiner trail
The next morning we head out cross-country skiing on the Böcksteiner trail. The well-prepared 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 winter splendour of the Gastein mountains. We borrow the cross-country skis directly at the cross-country skiing school at the parking lot.
Relaxation in the Straubinger Spa
In the afternoon we return to the Straubinger Grand Hotel, where we enjoy a wide range of relaxation options in the spa area. The highlight is the heated rooftop infinity pool with an impressive view. The sauna area with a Finnish and an organic mountain herb sauna offers ideal conditions for relaxation. In addition, various wellness treatments are available, including the exclusive TAYTIBE signature treatment.
Spa: 7:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sauna: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
End of the stay: A delicious breakfast
Our last morning in Straubinger Grand Hotel begins with a hearty breakfast in the impressive dining room. In this historic setting, we are treated to a rich selection of local and international dishes. The buffet offers everything your heart desires - sparkling wine, juices, fresh baked goods, salmon, sausage, cheese, various mueslis, Bircher muesli, fruit and a variety of egg dishes. And if that's not enough, you can order poached eggs separately. The high-quality products and the loving presentation ensure a perfect start to the day.
Breakfast in the Straubinger Hall: 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
An adventure on the Bellevue-Alm natural toboggan run
After breakfast there is one last adventure on the programme: tobogganing on the Bellevue-Alm natural toboggan run. This toboggan run, which impresses with its natural surroundings and well-prepared track, offers an unforgettable experience for families and adventure seekers alike. We enjoy the fast ride through the winter landscape, an exciting pleasure that will make our stay in the Straubinger Grand Hotel rounds off perfectly.