Bad Gastein – A Place of 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 European elite once met for spa treatments, the glamour of bygone days is still palpable. The imposing Belle Époque buildings, arrayed along the steep slopes and around the famous waterfall, tell stories from a time when Bad Gastein was a meeting point for nobility and artists.
The Rebirth of a Classic – The Straubing Grand Hotel
The Straubinger Grand Hotel, a jewel amidst this historic location, has bridged the gap between its glorious past and modern hospitality after its reopening in autumn 2023. The careful renovation has successfully preserved the historical character of the hotel while integrating state-of-the-art amenities. In the past, the hotel hosted illustrious guests such as nobility and artists, but today it opens its doors to travelers who equally appreciate luxury and history.
First Impressions and Winter Hikes
After spending 2 days at the charming Badeschloss, we moved to the Straubing Grand Hotel in the morning. Since we arrived early in the morning and our room was still being prepared for us, we took the opportunity to explore the picturesque winter landscape of Bad Gastein. Our path led us from the Kötschachtal to Prosau, passing through snow-covered forests and crystal-clear streams. The tranquility of nature, only interrupted by the crunch of snow under our feet, was a perfect prelude to our stay. You can find the full report of our winter hike in Bad Gastein here: From Kötschachtal to Prosau.
The Room: Elegance and Comfort
Later in the afternoon, we enter our room at the Straubinger Grand Hotel. What immediately catches our attention is the successful blend of elegance and modern comfort. Each room seems to tell its own story, with carefully selected antiques complementing modern amenities like a high-quality bed and a state-of-the-art entertainment system. The view from the window offers us a breathtaking panorama of the snow-covered 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 rivals that of the Badeschloss in every way, offers us a breathtaking view of the picturesque valley of Bad Gastein. Surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the Alps, the heated pool is the perfect opportunity to relax in tranquility and let your thoughts wander.
The Bar at Straubinger Grand Hotel
In the Straubinger Bar of the Grand Hotel, we find a charming gathering spot 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. Adjacent to the bar, there is a lounge area with cozy sofas and a warm fireplace, providing the perfect setting for leisurely conversations. The bar itself impresses with a carefully curated selection of premium spirits and wines.
Straubinger Bar: 18:00 – 00:00 Uhr. Afterwards, we head straight to the dining room.
Culinary Delights in the Historic Straubinger Hall
Our Dinner at the Straubinger Grand Hotel is served in the magnificent Straubinger Hall, a room filled with historical opulence that was the scene of lavish parties over a century and a half ago. In the Straubinger Hall, where the elite used to gather and many stories unfolded, today, you can enjoy delicious dishes that are both modern and elegant.
Dinner in the Straubinger Hall is offered as a fixed menu. For us, this is just right for 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 at €65, in our case: French Onion Soup Creamy Pearl Barley Risotto with Marinated Beets and Horseradish Veal Fillet with Roasted Celeriac, Market Vegetables, and Jus and to finish, a Lemon Tart. Dinner in the Straubinger Hall: 18:30 – 21:30.
Cross-Country Skiing in the Böckstein Trail
The next morning, we head to the Böckstein Trail for some cross-country skiing. The well-groomed trails take us through picturesque landscapes, passing by snowy forests and meadows. The cross-country skiing area provides ideal conditions for both beginners and advanced skiers to enjoy the winter beauty of the Gastein Mountains. We rent cross-country skis directly from the Langlaufschule at the parking lot.
Relaxation at the Straubinger Spa
In the afternoon, we return to the Straubinger Grand Hotel, where we indulge in various relaxation offerings in the spa area. The highlight is the heated rooftop Infinity Pool with breathtaking views. The sauna area, featuring a Finnish sauna and a bio-alpine herb sauna, provides ideal conditions for relaxation. In addition, various wellness treatments, including the exclusive TAYTIBE Signature Treatment, are available.
Translation: Spa: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sauna: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Conclusion of the Stay: A Delicious Breakfast
Certainly, here’s the translation with the codes: “Our last morning at the Straubinger Grand Hotel begins with a lavish breakfast in the impressive dining hall. In this historical setting, we are treated to a rich selection of local and international dishes. The buffet offers everything one could desire – sparkling wine, juices, fresh pastries, salmon, sausages, cheese, various cereals, Bircher muesli, fruits, and a variety of egg dishes. And for those who want more, poached eggs can be ordered separately. The high-quality products and the loving presentation make for a perfect start to the day.”
Breakfast in the Straubinger Saal: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM
An adventure on the natural toboggan run Bellevue-Alm
After breakfast, there’s one last adventure on the agenda: sledding on the Bellevue-Alm Natural Toboggan Run. This toboggan track, known for its natural surroundings and well-groomed trail, offers an unforgettable experience for both families and adventure enthusiasts. We enjoy the exhilarating ride through the winter landscape, making it a thrilling way to conclude our stay at the Straubinger Grand Hotel.
