Austrian hotels blend regional traditions with modern wellness

Michaela Gmachl manages the Elixhauser Wirt in Elixhausen near Salzburg, a family business currently in its 23rd generation.

She took over the operation from her parents in 2005 and now lives in the house with her three children, who represent the 24th generation. The establishment has evolved from a simple inn into a spa hotel featuring regional cuisine. Gmachl maintains the historic atmosphere of the building while adding personal touches like a dark red bar and colorful furniture.

Florian Kreibich leads the Romantik Hotels group, which includes the Gersberg Alm near Salzburg. He notes that smaller, accessible hotels are popular during uncertain times. The Gersberg Alm, situated at 800 meters above the city, was transformed into a modern hotel with a wellness area and outdoor pool in 1988. Johannes and Marion Hausberger now manage the property, focusing on preserving its history while hosting events like a New Year's Eve kitchen party.

Matthias Engel recently became the hotel director of the Im Weissen Rössl on Wolfgangsee. He took over the leadership from Gudrun Peter in May to manage a property that has been in her family for 115 years. Engel plans to modernize the hotel while keeping core features like the heated lake pool and the restaurant. In the kitchen, pastry chef Hermann Poll combines Austrian classics with international styles.

Heinrich Dieter and Alessandra Kiener turned the Stiegl-Gut into Austria's first beer estate in 2012. The property has belonged to the Stieglbrauerei since 1917. The owners focus on a circular production model where they grow their own grain and raise livestock like Mangalitza pigs and Pinzgauer cattle. Chef Stefan Sigl prepares these ingredients into slow food for the bio-restaurant. The estate also hosts a winter market featuring regional crafts and local products.