If you’re looking ahead to the end of the year and planning your next luxury winter getaway then you’re in luck, because something exciting is brewing in Arlberg, Austria, and you’re going to want to know about it.
The iconic Austrian hotel, Das Hospiz am Arlberg, has long been an esteemed name in the region, but is currently undergoing extensive renovations that are set to make it more opulent than ever before. And it’s set to reopen its doors to guests in December of this year, heralding the beginning of a new era for the world-famous hideaway.
The Arlberg, located in western Austria, comprises five breath-taking villages – St. Anton, Lech, Zürs, St. Christoph and Stuben, and is known for its classy mountain resorts, traditional Alpine events and picturesque scenery – not to mention some of the best dining spots in the country.
Located at an altitude of 1,800 metres, far from the hustle and bustle of the valley and directly beside the popular Arlberg ski slopes, Das Hospiz am Alberg has been widely considered one of the most beautiful hotels on the Arlberg since its first reconstruction at the end of the 1950s, and now, it’s about to add yet another layer of ‘wow factor’ to its already impressive offering as it welcomes a new co-owner into the fold.
Erwin Soravia, longtime guest of the hotel and CEO of the real estate group SORAVIA, which is highly successful in Germany and Austria, has been visiting the hotel with his family for the past 33 years.
For Soravia, there was no question, when the opportunity was presented to him to become a partner in the hotel. He said: “As a frequent guest of Das Hospiz am Arlberg over the past 33 years, I’ve always considered it to be my home away from home. There is something so special about this region and in particular the hotel, it is somewhere that once you visit, you take a piece of it home with you in your heart.
“When the opportunity to be part of the evolution of the hotel was presented to me, it felt like the most natural next step to take. The Werner family and I have always had a meeting of minds, starting with our mutual love of the Austrian Alps, and I am honoured to be joining the Werner family in reanimating the legend of the Das Hospiz am Arlberg.”
The latest renovations are set to transform Das Hospiz am Arlberg in all the most exciting ways, making it one of the most talked-about high-end hotels in all of Europe – and undoubtedly the most exciting new addition to this lavish five-star hideaway is its brand new Wine Dome.
An elliptical large bottle wine cellar that is home to around 7,000 bottles of wine, this impressive feat is guaranteed to appeal to fine wine connoisseurs from across the globe and has already begun to cause quite a stir on the tourism and hospitality scene. Designed by Viennese architect Gregor Eichinger, the renovation project is an extension of the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Hospiz Alm, and includes two new private dining rooms, offering an intimate and exclusive setting for up to 12 guests.
Already known for having the best stocked wine cellar of magnum bottles in the Alps, the new Wine Dome perfectly complements the Hospiz Alm’s existing wine collection. The Alm’s honourable reputation is thanks to gastronomy legend Adi Werner, who, along with his team, has worked closely with architect Gregor Eichinger to ensure that the renovations maintain the centuries-old Austrian traditions and legendary hospitality that permeate this area of the Tyrolean Alps.
Using natural limestone to construct seating areas, and wood-panelled tables, complemented by fabric-covered wall panels, the new addition holds onto the quintessential styles of the local architecture, while at the same time infusing it with a sense of modernity.
“We are setting new standards in the Austrian hotel and catering industry and awakening our small village of St. Christoph from its slumber,” says Florian Werner, second-generation host, who has been taking care of his guests’ well-being since he joined the family business in 1993.
Reputed to be one of the best places to catch some sun on the Arlberg, Hospiz Alm offers diners an impressive mountain backdrop with the added benefit of its neighbouring ski slope. The secluded eatery offers guests a serene spot away from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding villages in which to relax and enjoy quality food and wine, and has made quite a name for itself over recent years thanks to its unwaveringly high standards.
The award-winning restaurant has been headed up by chef David Kurz since 2013, with he and his team serving up a perfect symbiosis of upscale fine dining and Alpine-chic. Ensuring that each dish has its perfect wine partner is the job of long-time Alm bar manager and Sommelier, Karl-Heinz Pale, who is ever ready and waiting to delve into the extensive wine cellar to ensure each guest finds their perfect pairing.
With around 7,000 large bottles available in the Hospiz Alm, making it one of the biggest collections of large format Bordeaux wines worldwide, there is sure to be something there for everyone, with no stone left unturned in the pursuit of perfection.
The Wine Dome is bookable upon request and will serve as a backdrop for unique wine tastings and private events.
Factbox
Address: Das Hospiz am Arlberg, St. Christoph 1, 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg, Tyrol, Austria
Phone: +43 5446 2611
Email: info@arlberghospiz.at
Website: arlberghospiz.at/en/
