The Perfect Weekend at the Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol
Aren’t we all at some point in life where we seek a change? Something new that excites us again and brings sparkle to a life that almost felt like routine? And isn’t this exactly what stands out in life, creating memories that show that even if we plan our life in detail, we’re happy it doesn’t always come as planned? What does this have to do with a review of one of Austria’s only five-star superior hotels, you ask? Well, sometimes we have the most life-changing moments when we never expect them. So did I when staying at what I always assumed was just another Tyrolean luxury wellness temple. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
“You never have a second chance to make a first impression” The first huge differentiator to any luxury wellness hotel in the alps is the first impression that couldn’t be any more spectacular. Leaving the country road onto a private road leading towards the “Palace in the Alps” – a James Bond-worthy drive through an untouched forest. When you’re about to stay at the Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol, your hassle-free time begins when driving into the garage of the hotel, which might be the most photogenic hotel garage in the world. Once the car stops in the drive-through lobby and porters open the doors of your car and begin to unpack the trunk, you know you have arrived at a true member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Real luxury starts from here. An elevator ride later, we were already walking through a heavy-wooden lobby that came with elegant leather chairs in light brown tones and a vast front desk in cool grey stone.
Check-in was very efficient and they didn’t even ask for a credit card as a guarantee, which made the entire welcome even more relaxing. As a lovely touch, all-female guests are treated with a fresh red rose at check-in. While the property looks iconic, it might not have the cosiest appeal from the outside (there are 283 rooms and suites). However, it was very easy to navigate and the layout was very clear after a few minutes into the tour. We were allocated room 444 (the most memorable room number we have ever had), a vast Deluxe Twin Room spreading over 78 square meters, facing towards the town of Seefeld. Besides the spacious layout of the room, the views are directly driven to the serene forest and mountain scenery outside, beyond the balcony. Our Deluxe Twin Room came with two very comfortable queen beds, a living area with a sofa and a tiled stove that had a sitting area around it. Never have I seen such a spacious walk-in wardrobe in a non-suite-category, that even had two extra single beds for two children. Just opposite the wardrobe was the bathroom in timeless natural sandstone with a bathtub, double vanities, a walk-in shower with a rain showerhead, and a separate toilet with a bidet.
Housekeeping did a great job twice daily and replenished the complimentary water as well as the coffee capsules each time. Bathroom toiletries were by Team Dr Joseph, a sustainable South-Tyrolean brand with a plant-based smell but still supplying high-quality products. There was a coffee machine with complimentary capsules right next to a well-equipped minibar with a small bottle of champagne and a small white wine. I love to dig into details and here everything was of the highest quality – they didn’t cut costs at any point which is great to see in times of post-pandemic. We were also impressed by the soundproofing of the rooms, we didn’t hear any noise from the rooms next to us or above – even when we kept the window open during the night. I honestly have to admit, that the room was extremely comfortable and I haven’t seen more spacious non-suite categories. Last but not least, there was a handwritten welcome note along with a fresh fruit bowl and a welcome cake – so also the welcome amenities were a solid 10/10.
Soon after a few drinks in the room, we were ready to explore dinner. Every room is assigned a table for dinner, which you are allowed to change for breakfast. The restaurant is divided into different areas such as the light-filled Wintergarden and the traditional wooden rooms (which we were loving for the authenticity). Technically, the hotel stay comes with half board, so this includes breakfast and a six-course menu in each rate. For dinner, you can find a selection of cold starters, salad and cheese at the buffet, while the warm starters, soup, mains and desserts are normally served to your table. On our second evening, there was a kind of Spanish night where they had all starters from the buffet and were only serving the main course. Normally I am not a big fan of all-buffet courses so I was more than happy when the very dedicated and welcoming team treated us with two surprise starters before the buffet courses. And the Hamachi was something – not just mouth-watering but simply outstanding! Normally, there is also a much talked about fine dining concept at the hotel called “Chef’s Table”. Unfortunately, the Chef’s Table wasn’t available till the beginning of the summer season, however, we haven’t missed the experience since we were happy with the half-board as well. The wine list was well sorted and had some exciting rarities from Austria and Germany. We managed to try some spectacular wines – also wonderfully served and decanted thanks to the attentive service staff.
Our stay has been off-season, so there were almost no families at the hotel and the entire property felt like an adults-only resort. Only on the second evening, there were two tables with families and kids between four and ten years next to us but we felt absolutely fine with it. Generally, the mix of the guests is very interesting to observe. Guests spend their days either in sports equipment hitting the slopes or in bathrobes heading from sauna to treatment and back – however, for dinner, everyone gets dressed fancy and shows off the best outfits. A casual atmosphere for dinner is what the Interalpen-Hotel has created for their guests to feel in a sophisticated retreat amid a region that couldn’t be a better synonym for cosiness. Effortless luxury is what I would describe the atmosphere at Mr Liebherr’s sumptuous Alpine dream and member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The purely perfect atmosphere has led me to have sentimental moments of appreciation. That moment when I was the only one swimming in the vast and stunning outdoor pool among snowcapped mountains, I realized I have everything I could ever dream of – including the most important: health. How lucky you are to be reading this now as you probably are already doing research for your stay at the Interalpen-Hotel. You might have achieved a status that only very few people will ever be able to enjoy in their life. Never forget realizing that the real luxury in life is time – we never know how much we have left, so it should be your top priority to make the most out of it. Creating memories with only people that are important to you is what matters.
One of the real game-changers at the Interalpen is the massive wellness and spa area. According to my colleague, our Health and Nutrition expert, the gym has also been approved with 10/10 and made it among our Top Ten list. When it comes to my expertise in testing spa treatments, I have to admit that their Signature Treatment is something unique. Rarely have I spent three hours in such a trance. From a relaxing bath, a body wrap while getting a facial and foot massage by two therapists at once to the full-body four-hand massage – this treatment is probably as good as it can get. Right after, I jumped into the heated outdoor pool and the Olympic sized indoor pool where I reflected that this might have been the best weekend I have had in years. Before dinner, we checked out the much talked about sauna area built like a small Tyrolean village that had everything a spa aficionado can dream of. All over the place was bottled water by Vöslauer, there was a tea cooking station and snacks were offered throughout the spa. While the indoor pool hasn't the sexiest appeal in pictures, in reality, it has a wonderful atmosphere also thanks to the perfect music and comfortable water temperature. I loved the fact that there were hideaway zones all over the indoor pool area where one can hide and have a calm moment.
Let’s come to the end of the review, comparing the Interalpen-Hotel with the competition in Tyrol. Luckily we have stayed at almost every five-star property in our home region, hence we can gladly say that this five-star-superior-hotel has set new standards in Tyrol. Close competitors like the Alpenresort Schwarz, Klosterbräu or Stock Resort don’t reach the high bar, the Interalpen-Hotel is setting. Service is slightly better here, the rooms are among the most spacious in Austria, the setting is unique and the vast dimension of the property creates plenty of private corners to hide (should there ever be a reason to hide). I can’t stop thinking about the words “live fast, die young”. For sure, the second one is not the goal, but what it means is to live your life as if there would be no tomorrow. After all, you only regret what you didn’t do but never regret the things you have done, right? So yes, you should be reading reviews and see if it is worth staying at the Interalpen-Hotel, but in the end, you should already be heading there not losing too much time just thinking about it. Overall it was one of the best hotel stays and probably one of the most unforgettable weekends in my life.
Disclaimer: While we stayed at the Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol for editorial purposes, this review has not been influenced in any way and represents our own opinion.
