A hotel review

What better way to settle into cozy season than a weekend escape into an Austrian mountain valley? Imagine conifer-flanked mountains dusted in snow, crisp but oh-so-fresh mountain air, blue skies and bright sunshine. This is what we found in Bad Gastein. 

Nestled in the beautiful nature of the Salzburg Alps, an icy river fed by a thundering waterfall flows through the Gastein valley, and perched on its hillside an absolute gem of a hotel – the comodo. 

We spent a weekend there that left us restored and inspired, and I’ve been dreaming of returning from the moment we left. Read on for more about our stay.

How to get there

Starting our journey in Bavaria, Germany, we drove roughly 5 hours to reach the Gastein valley. The night before our journey, the first snow of the year had fallen which made the drive very scenic, especially after crossing the Austrian border.

If you travel from further afield, the nearest airport is in Salzburg. From there, you could either rent a car and drive roughly 1:30 h, or take the train which would take about an hour longer.

Tip: Salzburg’s old town is stunningly beautiful and you can easily get a feel for the city during an afternoon stop.

When to go

The nature of Gastein is impressive year round. If you’re into racing down the 200+ km of ski slopes coated in powdery snow, visit during winter season from early December to mid April. In the spring, summer and autumn months the Salzburg alps, home to the highest grass mountains in Europe, are great for hiking, mountain biking or trail running. Or simply come to relax in the healing thermal baths and take in the vistas, transporting a special tranquility only nature knows to offer, there is something for everyone. 

We went at the end of November, the last off-season weekend and absolutely loved the quietness of the Gastein valley and specifically the Bad Gastein resort. Note that most restaurants and hotels were still closed at the time of our visit.

Tip: off-season stays come at great rates.

Where to stay

the comodo, a member of design hotels, is an alpine dream come true. A former clinic reimagined into a mountain escape nodding to the styles of the 70s, the comodo beautifully merges nature, creativity and wellness. Perched high, the hotel with its large glass front offers excellent views of Gastein valley and the surrounding nature. You can see and feel the attention to detail that was put into this place in every corner. The rooms are stylish yet cozy, following the mid-century design language of the hotel featuring light wood, marble and terrazzo, and a palette of soft beiges and greys mixed with pops of deep colours like forest green or deep wine red. Our favorite features were the free-standing bathtub and the balcony in our room.

The hotel-owned restaurant De Leit works with a farm-to-table concept, offering local produce where possible, serving Austrian cuisine with a twist. We especially loved the extensive breakfast buffet featuring fresh breads from their own bakery, the most delicious scrambled eggs from local farmers, and their homemade smoothies and ginger shots. All we ate felt wholesome and healthy, with the addition of the wonderful panoramic views from the restaurant. The drinks served at the bar are also worth mentioning, we tried both signature and classic cocktails which all were a delight. 

Tip: the wine menu at the restaurant and bar is great for natural wine lovers.

Things to do

Depending on the season, you have an array of outdoor activities starting right at the doorstep of the comodo. The hotel offers a ski lift shuttle and hiking trails to explore the surrounding nature start right in the backyard. Other activities include:

• Relax at the spa of the comodo. Boasting two saunas and a pool with stunning mountain views, massages and a gym, you don’t have to go far to find relaxation.
• Join one of the daily morning yoga classes.
• Walk into Bad Gastein and visit the waterfall running down the mountain over three levels whilst taking in views of the village. The grand-epoque hotels are giving Wes Anderson vibes – you’ll know what I mean if you have watched Grand Budapest Hotel.
• After a day out, relax in one of the healing thermal baths in Gastein. 

We traveled together with friends and found a perfect mix of time outdoors walking in the snow, visiting the village, relaxing in the spa, and enjoying food and drinks. 

Tip: the region which is rich in tradition and ancient knowledge, woven into everyday life, festivities, local produce, … try to get a feel for it during your stay.