Hotel Arlberg

Set to the mountain backdrop of Vorarlberg in the heart of Austria's ski resort Lech, luxury Hotel Arlberg is a chilled menagerie of Alpine originality, modern informality and a dialogue with nature. 

Hip chalet ambience married to grandmother tradition best narrates this quiet Alpine legend, which since its beginnings in the mid-1950s, has been a style chameleon of über comfort. Under the sloping gables, an eclectic style swatch of a dapper country club and plush ski-chalet chic conspire to create comfort, warmth, character and elegant luxury. The Arlberg’s interiors are a rich patina of Alpine characteristics from antlers to memoirs, frescos to natural materials. The past is allowed to breathe with its contemporary siblings.  

Behind the concept are three family generations of the Schneider family; their dedication is palpable in every corner, each parting their unique imprints upon the hotel. The family have created a patina of heritage which today lends a sense of a mountain pad belonging to your well-travelled, cosmopolitan aunt. Under the mantra of ‘soft luxury’, next generation, Benjamin and Patrick forge ahead with new style chapters of enhancements that borrow from nature’s canvas, the provenance of Vorarlberg, and give a warm nod to nostalgia. 

‘We could talk about the importance of wood for days, from the sustainable aspects to the fragrance, its holistic properties, its warmth, to the honesty. You feel instantly hugged and at ease.’ No wonder, then, that local timber is an important highlight of the design manifesto.  Salvaged reclaimed and antique wood reveal their natural patina bringing out the detail, where grains and patinas shine through. Being close to nature is also a feature that dominates renovations by sourcing natural clay earth for the walls, which is chemical-free, sustainable and conveniently helps to regulate the room atmosphere. 

Elsewhere, keeping the Alpine narrative is a rather fabulous plethora of antlers, curiosities, objet d’art and stylish accessories. The hands-on owning family Schneider have captured the essence of everything wonderful about Lech and Austria with impeccable style and a respectful nod to heritage. Rooting through the attic, old prints make a comeback, as well as painted cabinets. Newer pieces like antler stools are a quirky touch – a nod to their grandfathers’ hunting legacy wrapped in modern design; iconic Austrian furniture from Wittmann and Italian pieces from Molteni round the look. 

Small touches include bedside books of love poetry and woollen hot-water bottles in case you over-indulged on the Käsknopfle. At Arlberg, you’ll find some of the team presented in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen – a nod to the folksy heritage of Austria.

This is the unspoken address of those in the know, Hotel Arlberg Lech cradles alpine heart with contemporary heritage.  

With almost a luxury suite or deluxe room for each week of the year, 51 in total, Hotel Arlberg's five-star accommodation is split between the original Residence and the Jagdhof, which contains spacious signature design suites.

Big on tactile fabrics to create that cosy-luxe feel, Hotel Arlberg’s rooms are dens of Alpine design. Worn leather chairs and furniture from Wittmann sit opposite faux-fur throws on deep pile sofas, antler accessories adorn cupboard handles and drawers, and beds are soft nests, with wooden headboards decorated with church candles. Bedside, there are books of love poetry. Bathrooms are like mini-spas with stone floors, bathtubs for two, heated floors and rain showers.

We love the Jagdhof junior suite, which exemplifies luxurious living through a unique mix of antique wood, stone-clad walls and sumptuous applications of leather and linen. The generous bathroom includes a free-standing bathtub, heated floors and a drenching rain shower.

Food and taste are high on the gastro agenda in a stay at the Hotel Arlberg. From fine dining to local rustic fare, be prepared to be culinarily spoilt. Chef Patrick Tober is in charge across each of the hotel's three restaurants – Italian fine dining at La Fenice, cosy Austrian excellence in the Stube and al fresco fun on the terrace. 

Tober is a homegrown talent, feverishly adding his creative stamp to the regular tastes of this region. Italian cuisine is known for its simplicity, but that doesn't mean that it can't be updated with exquisite fine-dining twists. Restaurant 'La Fenice' helmed by Tober is a case in point. He triumphs in editing the traditional trattoria experience; the menu is gorgeously peppered with dishes that will induce instant hunger. Expect headliners that play with the familiar classics of 'Nonna's', cleverly refined and incredibly photogenic updates. 

Meanwhile, over in the cheer-inducing Stube, Tober has rethought the fondue, introducing a whole menu dedicated to this sharing classic, including a Schnitzel Fondue or the Wagyu Beef variation that sings 'Shabu Shabu' in the heart of this cosy Alpinista parlour. 

Returning from a day out on the ski piste or a mountain hike requires some tender loving care. This TLC formula has been redefined in creating a wellness hotspot in the heart of Lech, resonating with the surrounding nature.  Snow, ice, water, heat and the senses have narrated the new Senses Spa.

Arlberg’s spa, created by Architect Peter Staic and Pointner Design, sourced its inspiration from the mountains. Chemical-free paints in earthy tones, breathable limestone plaster and energizing volcanic clays, semi-precious stones, Carrara marble, ultramarine ash and quartzite stone clad the spa adding to the sense of cocoon-like warmth and natural wellbeing. Clever use of copper leaf lamps makes the spa glow and new glass courtyards let the bright mountain light fill the cavernous spa that comes complete with a fireplace and gorgeous chillax lounging. 

There are an impressive variety of steam rooms, saunas, experience showers and plunge pools, fortifying Kneipp applications to amplify circulation and stimulate metabolism. Outside, there’s an outdoor stainless-steel heated pool sunken into the garden landscape affording magnificent mountain views.

In keeping with their Alpine roots, Hotel Arlberg partnered exclusively with fellow Austrian spa and skincare guru Susanne Kaufmann - renowned for her plant-world-inspired healing remedies formulated using only natural ingredients. 

Hotel Arlberg sits snug next to the rushing waters of the river Lech that laces through the valley of Vorarlberg. During the winter season, most arrivals come in via Zurich and then take the special ski coach to Lech. 

Sitting politely back from the road, Hotel Arlberg is right in the heart of village life and, importantly, is opposite the main ski lifts that disappear up towards the mountain tops. In front of the hotel, the high street hosts impressive restaurants, bars, high-end boutiques, and banks, which are all just a hop from the hotel's doors. Close by is the new Lech Golf Course in Arlberg Klostertal.

A lovely smile from three generations greets each guest here as it is a family affair – the founding Schneider family are the soul of this infamous hotel, where Grandma still has a thing or two to teach. 

What is so special is that each of the family members has a distinctive role, talent, passion & drive – and collectively, this is what defines the DNA of the Hotel Arlberg and makes it unique, original and wonderfully authentic, from the Alpine heart to the stylish modern interiors. The only old-timers here are suitably parked in the garage.