Hotel Miramonte

Bad Gastein, Austria

LOCATION

There is no better setting for any wayfarer in pursuit of self cure but in the Alps. Along the lush and dramatic landscape of the belle epoque spa town of Bad Gastein in the Austrian Hohe Tauern mountain range, Hotel Miramonte sits on a hillside – a traveler’s dream oasis that rises from the early morning mist and blooms in the sun.

The hotel is hidden away from the crowd but close enough to walk to the center of Bad Gastein via a hike path that winds down, passing through the town’s most iconic sight – the waterfall, and then all the way to the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Promenade where locals take leisurely walks and linger in the afternoon. This entire space transforms into an art mile in the summer months. Some of Austria’s finest hiking trails and ski slopes where Nicolas Cage and Jude Law once frequented are a short cable-car ride away. One can fly into Salzburg which is the closest airport, or take the four hour train-ride from Vienna. Innsbruck and Munich are other alternatives; a mere three hour drive by car. 

CHARACTER & STYLE

Imagine you were to encounter a young Truman Capote on his day-off putting on a puffy ski suit or Andy Warhol sleeping soundlessly in a hammock, this could easily be the place. Hotel Miramonte captures a breathing bohemian and sociable vibe where the only sensible thing to do is to unwind or succumb to the calm-inducing setting.

Within the hotel, one stumbles into dramatic spaces and worldly modernist details that tell stories of their own. A dash of hip and of 60’s glam in a cozy mountain chalet – designer chairs, sheepskins and cowhides, natural stone against polished steel tables, pleasing wall paint palettes and pastels spiced up by bold colored lampshades. The Viennese architect-turned-hotelier and owner Ike Ikrath not only put his personal stamp on the hotel but lovingly set a visual spectacle for his guests.

THE ROOMS

Awash in alpine coziness, the 36 rooms are spread over four floors. Each zimmer (room) is staged like a film set –  televisions on tripods, cowhides as carpets, designer furniture and vintage-themed bathrooms.

Aside from the aesthetics, Miramonte’s eclecticism also runs deep in terms of accommodation types pandering to all whims and budgets. Higher category rooms have balconies and breathtaking vistas of snow-peak mountains and the lush Gastein valley. The extra sitting outdoor space comes with hammocks, ideal for meditation and double as demarcation lines between two zimmers. Rooms in the back, while lacking in view, are equally comfortable and offer more privacy.

BEDTIME ETIQUETTE 

Every room is a snug cocoon calming the senses. All guests are treated with super-comfortable beds framed by Swiss pine headboards and high grade cotton linens and woollen fabrics that give sleep an extra indulgence. 

The hotel is aimed exclusively for adults only. The chances of hearing crying babies along the hallway are few and far between. An afternoon snooze or nighttime slumber might ultimately be the real luxury here. 

KEEPING IT GREEN

Driven by mindful choices of making the most of what is in the season, the hotel advocates on the consumption of locally produced food and regional resources. Guests are encouraged to take part in yoga or hiking activities. Bicycles and e-bikes are also available for hire. The hotel brings in staff with diverse backgrounds and empowers them with a variety of career development and training opportunities.

Since its inception, Hotel Miramonte has played an important part in fostering art and culture in the whole Gastein community by providing an ‘Artist Residence’ program. Talented and creative folks from all over the globe are invited to stay in the hotel as they take part in the town’s art and cultural exhibit.

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FACILITIES

• Terrace that turns into open-air movie / DJ  and live music nights (summer) and barbeque and fire place (winter)
• Spa treatments and baths in radon enhanced thermal water
• Steam room and sauna
• Lounge bar
• Restaurant
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Ski storage and boot-drying racks
• Library
• Free shuttle service from the train station, around town pick-up and going to the slopes
• Bike and ski for hire
• Pet friendly
• Wifi
• Yoga and hiking activities
• Parking

 

In Bad Gastein, with each passage through time, the crowd changes. From the days of the erudite panjandrums, the likes of Albert Einstein, Somerset Maugham and Sigmund Freud in the 20’s to big Hollywood stars Billy Wilder and Tyrone Power in the 50’s. Then came the 70’s with the Shah of Iran and Lady Churchill only to be trailed by Liza Minelli, Shirley Basey and the list goes on.

Recently a new type of crowd is heading to the mountains to not only take to the curative radon riched thermal waters of Bad Gastein, but more importantly to commune with art. Hotel Miramonte has carved its place in fostering cultural global connection where today’s creative spirits and critical thinkers alike gather and relax in the easy-going comforts of the hotel. Regular guests will likely to mingle with artists and where all enjoy an open social atmosphere as well as a sumptuous half-board four course meal. A humble treat and gratifying experience to end the day.

4.6 / 5 Rating

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