The Hotel Badeschloss in Bad Gastein, Austria, is a 4-star superior lifestyle hotel that blends historic charm with modern luxury, situated in the heart of the Gastein Valley at Straubingerplatz, just steps from the iconic Bad Gastein Waterfall. Originally established in 1791 as a public bathhouse, it was transformed into a contemporary hotel following extensive renovations and reopened on December 1, 2023. Managed by Travel Charme, the hotel celebrates the region’s bathing culture with a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere, featuring 102 rooms and suites, a three-story Alpine Swim Club spa, and the Auntie Heidi restaurant. Designed by BWM Designers & Architects, it combines Belle Époque heritage with a 13-story modern tower, earning accolades for its innovative interior design.
Location: Straubingerplatz 4, 5640 Bad Gastein, Salzburg, Austria,
approximately 1,000 meters above sea level in the Hohe Tauern National
Park.
Established: 1791 as a bathhouse; reopened as a hotel in 2023
after renovations.
Architects: BWM Designers & Architects, with
interior art curated by Andrea von Goetz.
Style: Late historicist
(original building) with contemporary additions, emphasizing bathing
culture.
Rating: 4-star superior, with guest ratings of 9.2/10 on
Booking.com and 86% recommendation on HolidayCheck.
Proximity to
Attractions: 50 meters from Bad Gastein Waterfall, 700 meters from Bad
Gastein Train Station, 900 meters from Stubnerkogel Cable Car, and 180
meters from Gastein Museum.
Contact: +49 30 42439650,
badeschloss@travelcharme.com,
www.hotel-badeschloss.com.
The Badeschloss, meaning “bathing palace,” began as a public spa in 1791, capitalizing on Bad Gastein’s mineral-rich thermal springs and the therapeutic air of the nearby waterfall. Its location on Straubingerplatz, the town’s historic heart, made it a hub for notable figures, including German Emperor Wilhelm I, who visited in the 19th century. Later, it served as a military spa. The 1905 Tauern Railway enhanced Bad Gastein’s accessibility, boosting the bathhouse’s popularity among Europe’s elite. By the 21st century, the building had fallen into disuse, but a comprehensive restoration led by BWM Designers & Architects revived it as a modern lifestyle hotel, preserving its heritage while introducing contemporary flair. The project, completed in 2023, added a 13-story tower, making it a striking addition to the Straubinger hotel ensemble alongside the Grand Hotel Straubinger.
The Hotel Badeschloss seamlessly blends its historic 18th-century
structure with a modern 13-story tower, creating a dialogue between past
and present. Key architectural features include:
Historic
Building: The original bathhouse, with its Belle Époque facade, features
symmetrical lines and ornate details, reflecting the grandeur of
imperial Austria. The entrance on Straubingerplatz retains its historic
charm, with a concierge desk leading to a tunnel and lift to the lobby.
Modern Tower: The 13-story addition, designed with a double-skin,
colored-concrete facade, integrates with the Alpine landscape. Its
varying skin thicknesses and ornamental brass balustrades add a lively,
relief-like character. Bay windows on upper floors, some housing
bathtubs, serve as decorative “display cabinets,” emphasizing the
bathing theme.
Interiors: The interior, designed by BWM Designers &
Architects, playfully interprets bathing culture with elements like
tiled community tables, a yellow “diving board” table, and a locker wall
evoking public bath changing rooms. Cobalt blue, yellow, and terracotta
accents, alongside tiled, wooden, and terrazzo surfaces, create a
vibrant yet welcoming atmosphere. Contemporary art curated by Andrea von
Goetz, featuring local and international artists, enhances the space.
The hotel won an interior design award in the “Hotel - Midscale &
Lifestyle” category.
Lobby and Public Spaces: The open-plan lobby
fosters community, with zones flowing into each other to encourage
interaction among guests and locals. The guidance system, inspired by
swimming pools, adds a whimsical touch.
The Hotel Badeschloss offers a range of upscale amenities centered on
wellness, dining, and outdoor activities, tailored to both relaxation
and adventure seekers.
Accommodations
Rooms and Suites: 102
rooms and suites, split between the historic building and modern tower,
are individually designed to reflect bathing culture. Features include:
Spacious, comfortable beds with separate mattresses.
Free minibars
stocked with non-alcoholic drinks (still/sparkling water).
Flat-screen TVs with cable channels, mini-fridge, coffee/tea makers, and
blackout curtains.
Private bathrooms with hairdryers, slippers,
dressing gowns, and some with freestanding bathtubs in bay windows.
Views of the Gastein Valley’s untamed nature or historic
Straubingerplatz.
Allergy-free rooms and daily cleaning.
Guest
Feedback: Guests praise the modern, clean rooms and comfortable beds but
note some rooms are dark, and freestanding bathtubs in rooms can feel
unconventional.
Alpine Swim Club Spa
The three-story, 500 m²
spa is the hotel’s centerpiece, offering a holistic wellness experience
with:
Rooftop Infinity Pool: A heated outdoor pool with glass and
crystal entry, offering panoramic views of the Gastein Valley. Guests
describe it as a highlight, though some note it’s not very warm.
Sauna Area (12th floor): Includes a Finnish sauna, herbal pine sauna,
seraglio bath, peeling sauna, adventure showers, ice fountain, and a
relaxation room with panoramic windows.
Treatment Rooms: Five rooms
for massages, facials, body scrubs, and manicures/pedis, focusing on
physical and mental well-being.
Well-Fit Bar: Serves healthy snacks
in the spa area.
Access: Included with stay, with spa bags,
bathrobes, and slippers provided. Open until 2 PM on checkout day.
Dining
Auntie Heidi Restaurant: Offers a breakfast buffet
(7:00–10:00 AM) with regional and international specialties, including
organic and healthy options (gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian,
vegan). Dinner features creative soul food and cosmopolitan street food
with a modern twist, using seasonal, regional ingredients. Guests praise
the food quality but note dinner is pricey.
Schlossbar and Kaminbar:
The Schlossbar serves highballs and cocktails with DJ live sets,
creating a lively vibe. The Kaminbar, with a library and fireplace,
offers a cozy setting for drinks and snacks.
Community Table and Show
Kitchen: Encourages social dining with a focus on shared experiences.
Additional Amenities
Fitness Center: 24-hour access with modern
equipment.
Outdoor Activities: Free bikes, ski passes, and lessons
available. The hotel is near hiking trails, biking routes, and Ski
Amadé’s 860 km of pistes (Stubnerkogel, Graukogel, and more).
Family-Friendly: Childcare, water toys, and family-friendly rooms.
Accessibility: Elevators, disability access, and multilingual staff
(German, English, Italian, Hungarian).
Parking: Public parking at a
nearby multi-storey car park (250 meters away) costs €8.50/day.
Other: Free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, ATM, airport transfers (Salzburg,
96 km, ~75 minutes), and a Gasteiner Card for local discounts. Pets are
allowed (call to confirm).
The Hotel Badeschloss has garnered strong praise for its modern
design, prime location, and wellness facilities, though some guests note
minor drawbacks. Key aspects include:
Positives:
Location:
Rated 9.6/10 for couples, the hotel’s position on Straubingerplatz
offers immediate access to the waterfall (50 meters), town center (200
meters), and ski slopes (700 meters). Guests love the “atmospheric”
setting and valley views.
Spa and Pool: The rooftop infinity pool and
sauna area are standout features, with stunning views and a luxurious
feel. The spa’s holistic approach (physical, mental, and food wellness)
resonates with wellness travelers.
Staff: Described as “extremely
friendly,” “professional,” and “helpful,” with multilingual support.
Design: The blend of historic and modern elements, with playful
bathing-themed decor, creates a unique, Instagram-worthy ambiance.
Guests compare it to a Wes Anderson film set.
Breakfast:
Comprehensive and high-quality, with organic and dietary options.
Challenges:
Modern Tower: Some guests find the 13-story addition
a “foreign body” in Bad Gastein’s historic landscape, though its
interior impresses.
Room Issues: Certain rooms are dark, and the
freestanding bathtubs in some units feel impractical or awkward.
Cost: Dinner at Auntie Heidi and parking fees (€8.50/day) are considered
expensive by some.
Town Context: Bad Gastein’s ongoing construction
and economic decline may affect the overall experience, with some guests
noting dirty paths or boarded-up areas near the waterfall.
Pricing: Room rates start at approximately €80–€100 per person per
night, with deals like “Stay 7, Pay 6” or up to 15% off for extended
stays (e.g., €561 for 7 nights with breakfast). Packages often include
spa access and Gasteiner Card perks.
Activities:
Winter:
Skiing and snowboarding in Ski Amadé (Stubnerkogel, 700 meters away),
with snow cannons ensuring 88% slope coverage.
Summer: Hiking,
biking, golfing, and climbing, with trails and routes starting at the
hotel. The Flying Waters zipline (100 meters above the waterfall) is
nearby.
Year-Round: Spa relaxation, museum visits (Gastein Museum,
180 meters), and exploring Belle Époque architecture. The Salzburg
Easter Festival (April 12–21, 2025) and Salzkammergut Daffodil Festival
(May 29–June 1, 2025) are regional highlights.
By Car: From Salzburg Airport (96 km, 75 minutes), take the A10 and
B311 to Bad Gastein. Parking is available at the waterfall multi-storey
car park (250 meters, €8.50/day).
By Train: Bad. Bad Gastein Train
Station is 650 meters away (10-minute walk). The Tauern Railway connects
to Salzburg, Vienna, and beyond. Free ski buses stop nearby.
Transfers: Airport transfers from Salzburg or Munich (250 km, 3+ hours)
can be arranged.
On Foot: The waterfall, shops (200 meters), and key
attractions are within walking distance, though the town’s steep terrain
requires sturdy shoes.
Best Time to Visit: Winter (December–March) for skiing, or summer
(June–August) for hiking and spa relaxation. Early summer offers vibrant
waterfall views and fewer crowds.
Tips:
Book spa treatments in
advance, as the five treatment rooms fill quickly.
Request a room in
the modern tower for valley views or the historic building for
Straubingerplatz views. Specify preferences for bathtub placement if
concerned about privacy.
Use the Gasteiner Card (included) for
discounts on local attractions and transport.
Bring comfortable shoes
for Bad Gastein’s steep streets and trails.
Check www.gastein.com or
contact the Bad Gastein tourism office (+43 6432 3393 560,
badgastein@gastein.com) for event schedules and trail maps.
Nearby Attractions:
Bad Gastein Waterfall (50 meters): View from
Straubingerplatz or hike the Wasserfallweg.
Gastein Museum (180
meters): Explore spa history and Belle Époque artifacts.
Felsentherme
Spa (900 meters): Additional thermal baths.
Stubnerkogel Cable Car
(900 meters): Access ski slopes and hiking trails.