The Arlberg mountain village has carved out a reputation as one of the best ski destinations in Europe, thanks in part to its superior rate of perfectly powdery snowfall. The facilities in Lech are excellent – think heated chairlifts, luxe gondolas, alfresco champagne ice bars and horse-drawn carriage rides. And with gentle slopes, ample apres and lots of fancy alternative activities, it’s a destination well-suited to the less sporty ski hobbyists. These are our favourite places to stay when holidaying in this resort favoured by the world’s celebrities.
Hotel Arlberg
The Prince and Princess of Wales once stayed at Hotel Arlberg with their two sons. Its discreet yet central setting is ideal for those wanting to be close to the action, yet needing enhanced privacy. An outdoor pool with loungers and parasols, along with tennis courts makes it suitable for year-round – not just ski – vacations. The spa’s stunning natural wood and Alpine granite interiors earned the German Design Award. It houses an additional pool, hydrotherapy showers and relaxation rooms. By night, guests are treated to sumptuous candlelit dinners, with hearty Alpine breakfasts served daily in the restaurant. Sleep in one of Arlberg’s 51 completely unique rooms – from singles through to suites.
Post Lech Arlberg
A boutique five-star hotel, the Gasthof Post is full of history, as evidenced by the many antiques and features. It has a quintessentially Austrian exterior, chalet-style and has been a part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection since 1976, hosted by the Moosbrugger Family for eight decades. Contemporary haute cuisine by Chef David Wagger is presented in the venue’s three restaurants. Outside, verdant botanic gardens with extensive mountain views surround an outdoor heated pool, adjacent to the Badehaus Spa, beauty salon and yoga room. A super choice for families, the hotel has a playground, organised activities for kids, a water slide – and guests can bring their well-behaved pets along too.
Hotel & Chalet Aurelio
With just 18 rooms, a stay at this multi-award-winning hotel is an intimate experience. If you’re planning a private gathering, Aurelio also has a chalet, complete with butler service, a private chef, wellness area, two sun terraces, two suites, six double rooms, a living room with an open fireplace and a library. All guests can indulge in Aurelio’s ‘Natural Art Cuisine’, combining traditional and international styles and amply accommodating special diets. At the base of the hotel is an immersive thermal suite featuring a herbal and floral bath, as well as a pool and fitness suite. Specialising in memorable experiences, the hotel can arrange Bentley or heli transfers, alpaca walks and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Severins – The Alpine Retreat
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this nine-suite retreat offers romantic seclusion, nearly a mile and a half from the centre of Lech. Crafted from Tyrolean wood, stone and copper, Severins has a cosy feel, yet with state of the art technology. A carefully curated collection of artworks, heated ski lockers and La Biosthetique bath products add to the sense of finery here. Organic, local produce forms the base of the regional modern dishes created in the restaurant, paired with wines from a cellar housing around 3000 bottles. And a large spa includes a long indoor pool with a counter-current function, a waterfall, and a jacuzzi tub.
Hotel Almhof Schneider
This family home was repurposed as a small hotel in 1929 (the building itself dates back to 1451) and is still family-run. It’s close to the Arlberg ski area – guests can ski in and out directly from the building – and centrally placed in Lech. But with two restaurants, an in-house cinema, a smoking lounge with a pool table, a spa and an indoor pool there’s little need to stray far. Both the interior style and cuisine fits with modern Alpine living. There’s also a ski boot room with a boot dryer, and for families, the children’s club, playroom and puppet theatre are very welcome additions.
Hotel Gotthard
For a warm, friendly alpine welcome we think you can’t get better than this stylish hotel – with private gardens, a wellness area, an onsite bakery, restaurants and a tempting café selling the best baked goods in town! Accommodation is within two shingle-clad chalet-style buildings which blend beautifully into the mountain setting. Many of the generously-sized guest rooms have balconies. The Hotel Gotthard is also where you can have your cake and eat it too – since the family-owners are master bakers and the property’s onsite bakery not only supplies the Gotthard’s restaurants and cake shop, but also some of the top restaurants and stores in the area.
Read The Luxury Editor spotlight review here.