Schloss Elmau

Schloss Elmau is one of a kind, genuinely unique. I also think it's exceptional, truly special and absolutely worthy of a visit. > Location I flew into Innsbruck and took the train to Klais where the hotel shuttle met me for the short drive to the hotel - this is a very helpful and welcome service they provide. Immediately, the location is spectacular. There's the grandeur of the mountains, but also the space and calm of the valley too. It's a very settling place to be. I left the hotel once during my stay to visit Partnachklamm to walk through the gorge. Absolutely recommended. I took one of the hotel's BMWs for the trip. A lovely car and, my goodness, what an amazing benefit to have a car available for a few hours. > Design I stayed in the Hideaway - the original hotel building. I very much enjoyed its character and charm. I spent some time in the Retreat too - it is obviously more modern and perhaps slightly more stylish. However, I enjoyed the cosy, atmospheric feel of the Hideaway and would probably choose that for a future stay as well. The hotel has a very particular style. There's lots of red and gold. And, of course, the elephant is everywhere! What is definitely apparent is that the quality of everything is very high. Lighting is thoughtful, warm and golden. Seats are genuinely comfortable. Everywhere feels cosy and comfortable. Never does style trump comfort or function. It's also distinctive - nothing is 'generic luxury hotel'. Rather it feels specific, tailor-made, special. > Spa facilities Simply - exceptional. There really are 6 spas here. What that means is calm, peaceful facilities and space. I didn't even make it to all 6. But I loved the variety of pools, saunas, steam room, relaxation rooms. It felt generous - the amount of options, and everything exactly where you need it all the time - be that showers, extra towels, tea, water, dried fruits, a comfortable lounger. I had the hammam and found it a wonderful experience! Absolutely worth doing and Tamas (I'm sorry if not spelt correctly) did a wonderful job. Similarly, the Aufguss experience with Levente was wonderful! I'd love to come in just slightly warmer weather to use the loungers spaced out throughout the massive grounds, designed for privacy and calm. > Culture Part of what makes Schloss Elmau unique is the cultural aspect. Whilst I was there, I got to attend - for free as a hotel guest - a truly wonderful piano concert by Markus Becker. A really special experience in the beautiful concert hall. There was also an excellent jazz pianist in the bar every night. And then there's the library and quiet reading room and a genuinely top class book shop. I understand at other times in the year they have lectures and guest speakers too. No wonder the hotel has hosted the G7 twice... > Service Also very special at Schloss Elmau is the service culture. I've thought about it quite a bit both during and after my stay. There's something distinctive about it. First to say, I've never been to a hotel where staff were so quick to say what a positive and special place it is to work. Many had worked there for several years. All the staff I encountered were confident and quick to engage. In fact more so than any other hotel I can remember, they were all warm, relational and kind. That makes it a very special place to be. What I've been reflecting on is that this is not 5* luxury service in the most traditional way. It's not like some other hotels I've stayed at where everything is technically perfect, but not always warm. In fact it wasn't always technically perfect. Small things like delivering a coffee at breakfast, but at the same time taking away a dirty plate or bowl. Or slightly longer than necessary wait to be greeted after being sat at a table for dinner. Or even things like arriving at the station with no sign of the pre-arranged transfer. All that to say, don't expect the formal hotel style of some luxury hotels. The service is very good indeed. But it's first and foremost human, intelligent and kind. Also to note, very good visibility of management and leadership throughout the visit. I was delighted to briefly say hello to the owner of the hotel - a genuinely interesting person and generous with his time. > Dining I very much enjoyed the dining experience at Schloss Elmau. There's a decent amount of choice of where to eat and food quality was very good throughout. Some highlights - the exceptionally good bakery items. My goodness - the bread was delicious and so varied. The variety of juices, smoothies, ginger shots etc. at breakfast - really excellent. Delicious cheeses at the dinner buffet. Another highlight - cake of the day in the Tea Lounge. A real treat! Desserts at the dinner buffet were delicious but truly tiny! At least I didn't feel guilty trying several of them, so that's a win! > Overall impressions I think perhaps the best way to sum up Schloss Elmau is that it is intelligent, luxurious, calm, personal and generous. I enjoyed it greatly and am glad that it lived up to its strong reputation. This is indeed a Michelin 3 Key hotel - and rightly so. I definitely want to return. There's more to explore in the local area, more concerts to enjoy and just more time truly relaxing in the calm, peaceful place that is Schloss Elmau.

Everything is top notch. From the staff to the ton of amenities to the rooms, all are so wonderful. So happy we could experience this wonderful resort. Go and do everything. From the hikes to yoga and meditation etc etc….

Absolutely fabulous experience. Beautiful setting and every detail so well done. We will be back!

Amazing location Fantastic and helping staff Great experience

It’s still a 10 out of 10 and one of the most kids friendly hotels we have ever been. The Mountain View is quite atmospheric and you shouldn’t miss the cake at the teasalon is fantastic. The resident manager Mr. Mueller and his team from the hideaway had done a brilliant job on us. People like him are making the difference and they are the reason to come back. A big thank you for the magic time!