Bad Gastein is built on either side of a steep gorge. Understandably, getting around involves at least some climbing or descending, or both. We took a taxi from the station which was a good decision. If we had known that the hotel could provide a free shuttle we could have saved the fare! The hotel is perched on the mountainside and definitely has an alternative, boutique vibe going on, evident on arrival from the enormous "All You Need Is Love" banner hanging from the top to the ground floor. The 50s/60s/70s throwback theme was consistent throughout the hotel with its enormous collection of photo books on display for perusal. A mixture of Beat Generation - Summer of Love - Hippy coffee table books alongside architecture and design... Hardly surprising in a hotel owned by an architect. For us it worked well, with an easy, relaxed, boutique dynamic, friendly staff and great food. Dinner was extremely good, friendly waiters, relaxed pace. Breakfast was a sumptuous buffet, very tasty and really nicely presented. We had paid extra for a room with a terrace which had a swing seat and hammock and incredible views up to the mountains above, across the town, and down to the valley below. The weather wasn't great on our first day, but we made the most of the terrace nonetheless. The room was spacious and fairly modern, although there was a definite 70s retro look and feel in the bathroom and in the corridors - think Grand Budapest Hotel in its later 70s incarnation. The corridors and stair wells are painted quite a dark shade of grey which occasionally created a slightly depressing/sinister 'The Shining' feel, but it was consistent with the retro feel of the whole. We didn't use the spa facilities, so can't comment on these, but from a wander down the spa corridor with its various treatment rooms, it was clear that the mood here was Eastern mysticism and alternative therapies.

Decor and design are very personal, but if it were up to me I might rethink the dark and dingy corridors and stairs. No need to feel depressed or slightly creeped out on holiday...! Otherwise it all worked really well and the outside terrace with fire pit ad BBQ area was fantastic.

Excellent breakfast, very relaxed atmosphere, clean, great modern vibe,

Hotel staff seemed not very familiar ski area when asking for recommendations for huts and other local attractions/ things to do/ restaurants/ shops. I definitely missed traditional Austrian food for dinner after a long day of skiing. A modern twist is great, but at the same time you would like to know you are in Austria and not somewhere else. Traditions make a place unique.

Food was really great, all of the staff were super nice and relaxed so that it was pure joy to stay here

My room is was a bit cold (like in: not cosy) mainly because I was situated in the back of the house, towards the hill. The bathroom was not as nice as the more expensive rooms (which were shown on photos). Some things (also in the more expensive rooms) were a bit worn off.

The food/restaurant is outstanding! Spa is great when it is raining and you need to stay indoors and the rooms suits the vibe of the hotel. Do not expect luxury but an exceptionally cool hotel with its own vibe and super friendly staff from all over the world! You feel like spending time with friends!

all good

This hotel has a great atmosphere and a super friendly staff. In addition, the breakfast was good. We really enjoyed our time in this hotel. Even if we enjoyed our time here, I recommend you to eat your dinner somewhere else than in this hotel (try for example restaurant Luke’s that is in the next village).We ate our dinner here once and didn’t like the food that much.

Amazing place! I keep on coming back and enjoy my stay every time even more! Didn’t find anything comparable where you can relax and feel at home like here in such a tasteful and laid back atmosphere.

The place had an excellent vibe and I really liked that staff was always available , friendly and very helpful. Food, Drinks, Sauna etc are freely available and of good standard.

The one flaw I felt was that certain parts of the property would still benefit from an upgrade/ update such as bathrooms, elevator. Those still feel oldish, even though they are kept clean and tidy.

Great that they also offer some vegan options at the buffet. Also have an afternoon snack with bread, hummus, soup etc which is included in the breakfast. Also have a great bar in the lobby with a great selection of drinks, nice place to finish the evening. Very comfy and big bed.

Excellent Breakfast. A lot of new nice tastes and dishes, both warm and cold. One of the best ever :-)

the location was just perfect, and the atmosphere just lovely

nothing!!!