The Straubinger Grand Hotel in Bad Gastein, Austria, is a luxurious 5-star hotel located at Straubingerplatz 2, directly adjacent to the iconic Bad Gastein Waterfall in the historic heart of this alpine spa town. Reopened on September 1, 2023, after a comprehensive renovation, the hotel blends its rich Belle Époque heritage with modern elegance, offering a sophisticated retreat in the Gastein Valley within the Hohe Tauern National Park. Part of the A-ROSA Collection, it is celebrated for its holistic wellness offerings, exquisite cuisine, and prime location, making it a standout destination for relaxation, skiing, and cultural exploration.
Location: Straubingerplatz 2, 5640 Bad Gastein, Salzburg, Austria, at
approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, steps from the Bad Gastein
Waterfall.
Established: Originally built from 1840–1842, reopened as
a 5-star hotel on September 1, 2023, after renovation by the
Hirmer-Immobilien-Gruppe.
Architectural Style: Belle Époque with
modern design elements, featuring historic facades and contemporary
interiors by BWM Architekten.
Rating: 4/5 on Tripadvisor (95 reviews,
ranked #7 of 38 hotels in Bad Gastein) and 9.4–9.5/10 on Booking.com
(109 reviews).
Proximity to Attractions: 50 meters from Bad Gastein
Waterfall, 300 meters from Gasteiner Museum, 700 meters from Bad Gastein
Train Station, 900 meters from Felsentherme Spa, and 7 km from
Stubnerkogel Cable Car.
The Straubinger Grand Hotel’s history is deeply tied to Bad Gastein’s
evolution as a premier spa and ski destination, with significant
historical milestones:
Origins (1602–1842): The site was
originally home to a tavern at Mittereck, built in 1509 and owned by the
Straubinger family from 1602 to 1980. From 1840 to 1842, architect Josef
Wessicken constructed the main hotel building, replacing the tavern,
which became the largest hotel in Bad Gastein with around 200 rooms,
including its Haus Austria branch.
19th Century Prominence: The hotel
gained fame as a luxurious retreat, hosting notable events like the 1865
Gastein Convention, a diplomatic agreement between Austria and Prussia
signed in its halls. Its prime location by the waterfall made it a focal
point of Bad Gastein’s Belle Époque era, attracting European nobility
and artists.
20th Century: From 1957 to 1960, renowned chef Eckart
Witzigmann completed his culinary apprenticeship at the hotel, marking
its gastronomic legacy. Until July 1999, it operated as a spa hotel for
public employees under the Federal Real Estate Company. After closure,
it was purchased in 1999–2005 by Viennese investors Franz Duval and
architect Franz Wojnarowski, who also acquired Haus Austria and
Badeschloss but faced financial challenges.
Renovation and Reopening
(2021–2023): In 2021, the Munich-based Hirmer-Immobilien-Gruppe acquired
the property, committing to a 4-star superior or 5-star hotel within
three years. Despite controversy over a proposed 10-story tower
extension (revealed in a leaked architect’s plan in February 2021), BWM
Architekten from Vienna restored the historic building, preserving its
Belle Époque facade while modernizing interiors. The hotel reopened on
September 1, 2023, as a flagship of the A-ROSA Collection, earning
acclaim for its elegant revival.
The Straubinger Grand Hotel combines its historic Belle Époque
exterior with contemporary interiors, creating a seamless blend of
tradition and modernity.
Exterior: The hotel’s grand facade,
restored to its 1840s splendor, features ornate Belle Époque
details, with a pale, elegant exterior that stands out against the
roaring Gastein Waterfall. Its position on Straubingerplatz, named
after the Straubinger family, enhances its prominence as a landmark,
described as an “elegant-opulent Entree” that tells “meaningful
stories.” The building’s patina hints at its storied past without
revealing every detail.
Interiors: Designed by BWM Architekten,
the 46 rooms and suites (including Senior Suites) feature a “unique
artistic flair” with modern design elements like hypo-allergenic
bedding, free minibars, blackout curtains, and rainfall showers.
Stylish decor, with soft tones and unexpected details, creates a
“cozy temporary home.” The SENSO SPA Straubinger, with its rooftop
infinity pool overlooking the waterfall, is a centerpiece,
complemented by a luxurious sauna area and six beauty/massage rooms.
The Straubinger Saal, a historic event space, retains its grandeur
for dining and celebrations.
Setting: Located directly beside the
waterfall, the hotel is framed by the forested steep slopes of the
Salzburg Alps, offering “breathtaking” views of the Gastein Valley.
Its central position ensures easy access to Bad Gastein’s historic
and recreational attractions.
The Straubinger Grand Hotel offers a range of upscale amenities,
emphasizing wellness, cuisine, and convenience, tailored to guests aged
14 and over (with supervision):
Rooms and Suites: 46 allergy-free
rooms and suites with mountain or waterfall views, equipped with free
Wi-Fi, LCD TVs with satellite channels, safety deposit boxes, minibars
(free non-alcoholic drinks), coffee makers, bathrobes, and private
bathrooms with free toiletries. Rooms are praised for being “spotless”
and “amazingly decorated,” though some note dim lighting and
soundproofing issues.
SENSO SPA Straubinger: A holistic wellness
retreat with a heated rooftop infinity pool offering waterfall views,
two saunas, a relaxation area, and six treatment rooms for massages and
beauty therapies using natural products. Guests describe the spa as
“amazing” and a “highlight,” ideal for rejuvenation after hiking or
skiing.
Dining Options:
Straubinger Saal: The main restaurant
serves a 4-course evening menu of classic French and Alpine cuisine,
using seasonal, regional ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free
options are available. Rated 5/5 on Tripadvisor (4 reviews), it’s lauded
for “excellent dinner” and “perfect ambience.”
Straubinger Café:
Offers Viennese coffee house culture with Straubinger or Linzer cake,
apple strudel, Gugelhupf, and snacks, creating a “relaxed atmosphere.”
Straubinger Bar: Features afternoon tea at the fireplace bar,
transitioning to evening cocktails (e.g., Martini) and a curated
selection of high-quality spirits, wines, and dishes.
Weinkeller: A
traditional wine cellar hosting exclusive events, with 200 selected
Austrian and European wines, paired with a small menu on a panoramic
terrace.
Breakfast: A buffet with regional products, coffee
specialties, fresh juices, and made-to-order egg dishes, rated “good” to
“great” by guests.
Fitness and Recreation: A 24-hour fitness center,
ski storage, and ski pass services support active guests. The hotel’s
location encourages hiking, skiing (Gastein Ski Resort, 1-minute walk),
and cycling, with bike parking available.
Additional Services: Free
breakfast, daily housekeeping, laundry/dry cleaning, luggage transport,
room service, express check-in/out, and airport/train station transfers.
Valet parking, a parking garage, and nearby paid public parking are
offered. Pets are welcome (confirm in advance). Staff speak German,
English, Italian, and Hungarian, with exceptional service noted,
particularly from staff like Bruno and Catharina.
The Straubinger Grand Hotel is highly regarded for its luxurious
ambiance, prime location, and attentive service, though some guests note
areas for improvement. Based on recent reviews (2024–2025):
Positives:
Luxury and Design: Guests describe the hotel as “one of
the most luxurious and beautiful” they’ve visited, with a “palace-like”
atmosphere and “amazingly decorated” rooms. The fusion of historical
elegance and modern decor creates a “cozy and unique” experience.
Spa
and Pool: The SENSO SPA’s rooftop infinity pool and sauna area, with
waterfall views, are “perfect for relaxing” and “far beyond
expectations.” Reviewers highlight the spa’s holistic approach and
high-quality treatments.
Service: Staff are “unusually kind,”
“attentive,” and “outstanding,” with specific praise for Bruno’s warmth
and Catharina’s helpfulness. Guests note a “peaceful and quiet”
atmosphere, ideal for couples (rated 9.7 for two-person trips).
Location: The hotel’s proximity to the waterfall (50 meters) and town
center (0.3 miles) is “stunning” and “good,” with restaurants like
Betty’s Bistro and Jägerhäusl within walking distance.
Dining: The
Straubinger Saal’s cuisine and the café’s Viennese charm are
“excellent,” with reviewers hoping it remains a culinary cornerstone for
Bad Gastein.
Challenges:
Pricing: Some guests find the hotel
“very expensive for what you get,” citing high dining costs and a
perception that the experience is “average at best” for the price.
Room Issues: Complaints include dim lighting, inadequate soundproofing,
and occasional service inconsistencies (e.g., uneven attention at the
bar). Management has responded, promising improvements in lighting and
staff training.
Access: The 20-minute walk from Bad Gastein Train
Station is steep, with a taxi or bus (Wasserfall stop) recommended.
Parking in the APCOA garage is convenient but adds cost.
Opening Hours: Open year-round, with 24-hour reception. Check-in from
3:00 PM, check-out by 11:00 AM.
Pricing: Average nightly rates range
from $310–$405 (2024–2025), with deals like fully refundable rates and
free cancellation. Prices vary by season; book via
www.hotel-straubinger.com or www.booking.com for discounts (e.g., Genius
discount on Booking.com).
Contact:
Phone: +43 6434 30490 500
Email: straubinger@travelcharme.com
Website:
www.hotel-straubinger.com, www.gastein.com
Access:
By Foot: A
5-minute walk from Bad Gastein’s center (Kaiser Franz Josef Strasse).
The waterfall is 50 meters away.
By Car: From Salzburg (96 km, 75
minutes), take A10 and B311. APCOA parking garage nearby (€8.50/day).
Valet parking available.
By Public Transport: Bad Gastein Train
Station (700 meters, 8-minute walk or 5-minute bus/taxi) connects to
Salzburg (1.5 hours) and Vienna (4 hours) via ÖBB. Bus Line 550 to
Wasserfall stop. Airport transfers from Salzburg W.A. Mozart (96 km)
offered.
By Bike: Gastein Valley cycle paths accessible, with bike
parking on-site.
Accessibility: Elevator available, but historic
elements may limit full wheelchair access; contact staff for
accommodations. Suitable for guests 14+ with supervision.
Visitor
Tips:
Book early for winter (December–March) for skiing or summer
(July–August) for hiking and spa relaxation. Autumn offers vibrant
foliage and fewer crowds.
Request waterfall-view rooms for the best
experience; confirm lighting preferences at booking.
Use the Gastein
Card (included with stay) for discounts on local transport and
attractions.
Combine with visits to Bad Gastein Waterfall (50
meters), Gasteiner Museum (300 meters), or Felsentherme Spa (900
meters).
Reserve dining at Straubinger Saal or wine cellar events in
advance (+43 6434 30490 500)
The Straubinger Grand Hotel is a cultural icon of Bad Gastein, embodying the town’s Belle Époque grandeur as the “Monte Carlo of the Alps.” Its 1840s origins, 1865 Gastein Convention, and association with figures like Eckart Witzigmann highlight its historical weight. The 2023 reopening, preserving its Straubinger family legacy while introducing modern luxury, aligns with Bad Gastein’s resurgence as a wellness and ski destination. The hotel’s SENSO SPA and Straubinger Saal continue the town’s spa tradition, while its artistic interiors and events foster a “visionary spirit,” making it a cornerstone of the Gastein Valley’s cultural landscape.