These Gourmet Hotels Offer the Best Taste this Fall
If you need a gourmet break before winter sets in, you've come to the right place: Culinary delights are a top priority at these addresses.
November 10, 2023
Alpenstern
© Studiodurst
A touch of modern luxury, plenty of Alpine charm and the finest in coziness are the ingredients for success at the Alpenstern gourmet hotel in the Bregenzerwald. Mountain lovers and adventurers love to check in here with the Bischof and Steinfeld families to enjoy the benefits of the Alps right on their doorstep. And guests want to be pampered, whether in the Himmelreich Spa, which warms the heart after long days outdoors, or in the fine dining restaurant Löffelspitze, where a gourmet menu awaits three days a week. The highlight is the hybrid cocktail and wine pairing with exclusive creations from the NOVUM bar and host Maximilian Steinfeld's 1300-strong wine cellar. On the other days, house guests dine in the 1580 at toque level and look over the shoulders of the kitchen team in the Open Kitchen. Alpine classics are served in the Genusshalde (with a breathtaking sun terrace).
Alpenstern
Oberdamüls 191 . A-6884 Damüls, Austria
Tel: +43 5510 513
Web: hotel-alpenstern.at
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 338
Hochkönigin
© Dominik Cini
When autumn arrives on the Hochkönig, the kingdom of the peaks is bathed in warm shades of red and orange - a play of colors that fascinates nature lovers and dreamers alike. At the heart of these majestic surroundings sits die HOCHKÖNIGIN, a cozy hideaway where relaxation and enjoyment reign; the perfect starting point for anyone longing for autumn romance and the last beautiful hikes of the year. When it gets colder outside, you can enjoy hot moments in the QUEEN SPA saunas, be pampered with peelings and massages or dive into the panoramic infinity pool. Thanks to the diverse gourmet offerings, you can look forward to royal indulgence, with some of the ingredients coming from the hotel's own organic farm. The Dengl Alm offers traditional alpine hours with a hut feeling - it gets particularly hearty here in the fall. When the cows are driven down into the valley and the alpine summer officially comes to an end, the hunting season begins. Keeping this in mind, the finest game products from the region are served.
The Hochkönigin
Hochkönigstraße 27, 5761 Maria Alm, Austria
Tel.: +43 6584 7447
Web: hochkoenigin.com
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 161 per person
Seiblishof
© Charly Lair
Regional specialties combined with international influences and sweet treats: These are the highlights of the culinary palette from which you can choose at the Seiblishof. In addition to local classics, for example from the old-school flambé trolley, the four-star superior hotel sends guests on a journey around the world with themed buffets. Tyrolean charm can be found in the cozy, stylish rooms and suites as well as in the relaxing spa with crystal indoor pool. After an exciting day, dive in and relax body and soul.
Seiblishof
Pasnatschweg 1, 6561 Ischgl, Austria
Tel.: +43 5444 5425
Web: seiblishof.com
Price: Doubles from € 380
La Posch
© Klaus Lorke No Limit Fotodesign Bünde Germany
Hardly any other place in the Tyrolean mountains reflects Alpine traditions as authentically as the LaPosch. Regional wood was used in the construction of the adults-only chalet village, which, in combination with natural stone, exudes a particularly cozy atmosphere. The 16 individually designed chalets are equipped with a private sauna, whirlpool bath, infrared lounger or pool, depending on the booking. In absolute privacy and with a rustic ambience, you can indulge in intense moments of well-being. The LakeSide villas allow you to jump directly into the cool water from your own terrace, while breathtaking views of the Zugspitze are guaranteed in the G-Lodge. To take relaxation to a new level, a massage parlor has been built right next to the Loisach Garden, which appeals to all the senses with its wildflower meadow and barefoot path. Whether traditional delicacies or seasonal gourmet highlights, in the rustic Das Walters, chef Manuel Lehne spoils his guests with creative, local specialties - from the end of 2023 it's even at toque level.
La Posch
Schmitte 12, 6633 Biberwier, Austria
Tel.: +43 5673 21021
Web: laposch.at
Price: Chalet from € 480
Gotthard Zeit
Gotthard Time 2017
Even if it still takes a while for winter to unfold its white splendor, the four-star superior hotel in the middle of the Ötztal mountains is already gearing up for the cold season. Here, at almost 2000 meters above sea level, tradition and hospitality are considered most important and complemented by stylish elegance. After a day outdoors, the wellness area with saunas and steam baths, experience showers and ice fountains is a welcome place of longing - and because fresh air is known to make you hungry, guests can expect maximum enjoyment in the à la carte restaurant with sun terrace. The menu includes Tyrolean classics, elegantly interpreted; sweet and savory ski snacks and small culinary delights.
Gotthard Zeit
Hohe Mutweg 4, 6456 Obergurgl, Austria
Tel.: +43 5256 6292
Web: gotthard-zeit.com
Price: Doubles from € 185 per person
Wöscherhof
© Rotwild
Regionality and quality have always been a top priority at the Wöscherhof. The Daigl family has been spoiling guests from near and far with top Tyrolean cuisine for over 50 years. Most of the meat comes from their own farm or hunting grounds, and the eggs also come from the hotel's own henhouse. Those interested can even visit the barn and help with the daily work - which makes the evening five-course menu of choice with accompanying wine taste even better. Combined with a passion for good food, traditional and tasty cuisine is served. This bears the Bewusst Tirol (Eco-consicious Tyrol) seal, as a large proportion of the ingredients are sourced locally. The indulgence continues in the spa: the new sky infinity pool beckons with far-reaching views over the Zillertal and the snow-covered mountain peaks, while the mountain water plunge pool provides icy refreshment. The stay is rounded off by the traditionally modern rooms and suites, which promise sweet dreams and pure relaxation.
Wöscherhof
Kirchweg 26, 6271 Uderns, Austria
Tel.: +43 5288 63054
Web: woescherhof.com
Price: Doubles from € 290
Nils am See
© Alex Lang
Longing for sensory journeys? Then the Nils am See is the perfect home away from home. The almost energy self-sufficient boutique hotel was reopened at the beginning of 2023 and has been a meeting place for connoisseurs and aesthetes ever since. Natural materials create a dignified atmosphere, while the bistro and rooftop bar make you feel like you're in your own living room. Austrian and international favorites are served with a dream view of Lake Neusiedl. A fixed point in the culinary calendar is the Martiniloben, an old winemaking custom that is revived every year in November. It's well worth taking part!
Nils am See
Seepark-Feriendorf, 1, 7121 Weiden am See, Austria
Tel.: +43 2167 434340
Web: nilsamsee.at
Price: Doubles from € 250
Vila Vita Pannonia
Danijel Jovanovic
More space for delicious creations, more comfort: After a complete makeover, the VILA VITA Pannonia in Burgenland knows how to impress. On the one hand, there's the perfect location by the hotel's own bathing lake, while on the other, the nature-oriented vacation resort with its new Pannonia suites and Parkside chalets has adapted to modern requirements. The culinary hub of the hotel, the VITAVESTA, has been enriched by a front cooking station since the renovation; autumn specialties, including the traditional Martinigansl, are on the menu in the gourmet restaurant die Möwe. These are accompanied by fine wines.
Vila Vita Pannonia
Storchengasse 1, 7152 Pamhagen, Austria
Tel.: +43 2175 2180
Web: vilavitapannonia.at
Price: Bungalow incl. breakfast from € 346
Drumlerhof
© Tiberio Sorvillo
The gentle scent of Swiss stone pine is in the air, the Drumlerhof is all about nature. The philosophy behind the hotel's suitability for grandchildren is authentic, which is surrounded by three thousand meter peaks in the beautiful Tauferer Ahrntal in South Tyrol. The balance of body and soul and the sustainable treatment of the earth are what it's all about - to achieve this, the hosts use local woods, natural materials and dignified tones in the rooms, while in the kitchen, fine creations are made from ingredients from the hotel's own Signaterhof farm on the Ritten, from the Taufrisch community farm or from fair trade. Gluten-free cooking is available on request - it's enjoyment without worries. You can only get even closer to nature in the surrounding unspoiled Ahrntal valley on extensive hiking tours or relaxing forest bathing. A vacation at the Drumlerhof is all about feeling nature!
Drumlerhof
Via del municipio, 6, 39032 Campo Tures BZ, Italy
Tel.: +39 0474 678068
Web: drumlerhof.com
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 123
Skyview Chalets
© martinlugger.com
Urban charm in the middle of Val Pusteria/Pustertal, Alpine roots is reinterpreted: The Hebbo Wine & Deli is the new highlight at Lake Toblach, where the SkyView Chalets become one with nature. The sustainable restaurant opened right next to the glass cube chalets in summer 2023. From brunch to dinner, guests are served the best delicacies from the region with a modern twist. Head chef David Senfter and his team transform regional ingredients into real culinary delights - even the herbs come from the beautiful countryside not far from the campsite; the kitchen pickles, ferments and preserves to ensure that fresh produce is always available. While you enjoy the best dishes regardless of the season, you can look out of the large window at the mountains or the starry sky.
Skyview Chalets
Lake Toblach, 3, 39034 Dobbiaco BZ, Italy
Tel.:+39 0474 973138
Web: toblachersee.com
Price: Chalet from € 304
Das Dorner
© Armin Terzer Photography
Close to the spa town of Merano, where a palm-fringed wellness garden exudes Mediterranean flair and the mountains stretch into the sky on the horizon, guests become true connoisseurs. Pure indulgence is the guiding principle of the four-star superior hotel, whether in the relaxation area with a panoramic infinity pool or in the restaurants. The cuisine offers both regional and Mediterranean specialties, the highlight being the gourmet menu with five or six courses. As you sip a glass of wine on the sun terrace and let the evening fade away, everyday life seems a long way off.
The Dorner
Josef -Weingartner -Straße, 40, 39022 Algund, Bozen, Italy
Tel.: +39 0473 443309
Web: dasdorner.com
Price: Junior Suite incl. half board from € 167
Cap St. Georges
© Pascal Reynaud
At the tip of the Akamas National Park in Cyprus, surrounded by olive trees and an enchanting Mediterranean panorama, the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort is nestled in nature. The five-star hotel, built from Cypriot stone, just opened in 2022. The authentic character extends through the rooms and suites to the 2585 square meter Cleopatra spa oasis, where you can relax like a pharaoh, for example in the hydrotherapy whirlpool or with a tingling sauna session. Gourmets experience flights of fancy in the ten international restaurants and bars - the culinary spectrum ranges from Italian delicacies in the trattoria Sapori to Asian fusion cuisine in Bonsai and Michelin fine dining in Sky 7 to Cypriot-Greek specialties in Mesoyios by the sea. Cravings for ice cream, crêpes and more are satisfied in the in-house patisserie, while you can watch the sunset to DJ sounds in the chill-out Kohili Beach Bar.
Cap St. Georges
3, Maniki Street, Peyia 8570, Cyprus
Tel.: +357 26 000000
Web: capstgeorges.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 294
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Fall 2023.