Alpen-Wellness Resort Hochfirst

The Alpen-Wellness Resort Hochfirst in Obergurgl, Austria, a distinguished Michelin Key Two-Keys property, offers guests a luxurious alpine escape known for its exceptional service, gourmet dining, and prime ski-in/ski-out location.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Alpen-Wellness Resort Hochfirst is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently rating it as "superb" with an average score of 9.3. Reviewers frequently express a desire to return, highlighting an "exceptional standard" and a "fantastic hotel" experience.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the hotel's stunning interior, beautiful rooms, and the attentive, wonderful staff. The expansive 1,500 m² "Alpen Spa" is a major draw, featuring a 220 m² indoor and outdoor pool with panoramic mountain views, multiple saunas, steam baths, and relaxation rooms. Its direct ski-in/ski-out access to the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski region is a significant highlight for winter sports enthusiasts. The hotel's culinary offerings also stand out as a key highlight.

Room Quality

The rooms at Hochfirst are described as luxurious, featuring high-quality amenities and often including a balcony with impressive mountain views. They are designed with a contemporary blend of natural wood and plush textiles. Each room typically includes a minibar, safe, flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and high-quality care products in the bathroom, along with a wellness bag containing bathrobes and slippers.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at Alpen-Wellness Resort Hochfirst is highly celebrated, with guests describing the food as "excellent," "fantastic," and "exceptional." The half-board option, which is available to all guests, includes a varied breakfast buffet and a 6-course gourmet dinner prepared to Gault&Millau standards. The à-la-carte "Gourmetstube Hochfirst" has been recognized with 3 toques by Gault&Millau and 2 forks by Falstaff, affirming its high culinary standards. A weekly wine tasting is also offered in the well-stocked wine cellar.

Service & Staff

The hotel's staff receives widespread acclaim for being "fantastic," "wonderful," "helpful," "unbelievably attentive," and "professional." Guests often remark on the staff's friendliness and willingness to go out of their way to assist, with the owners frequently present and hands-on in the hotel's operation. Services like twice-daily room checks and excellent spa treatments further contribute to the high level of hospitality. The staff is multilingual, assisting guests in German, English, Italian, Hungarian, and Croatian.

Location & Accessibility

The resort boasts a perfect location in Obergurgl, offering direct access to the slopes and lifts, making it a true ski-in/ski-out property. It is situated next to a ski lift providing access to the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski region. The hotel is within the village, offering beautiful mountain views and a quiet ambiance. The surrounding area provides opportunities for romantic winter hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

Value & Pricing

While recognized as an expensive hotel, guests generally feel that "every cent paid is worth it" due to the high standards and comprehensive offerings. For instance, a 7-night stay might be priced around £2057 per person. Room rates can start from approximately €586.

Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some minor criticisms have been noted by guests. These include the lack of complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities in the rooms, with tea often incurring an additional €8 charge. Some vegan guests found the specially prepared dishes to be bland and overly vegetable-forward. Additionally, a few guests reported uncomfortable sofa beds, although the hotel reportedly addressed these issues when raised. Lunch meal preparation can also sometimes be slow, and the ski room has been described as needing an update.

Sources

1. booking.com
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5. igluski.com
6. falstaff.com
7. hochfirst.com
8. hochfirst.com
9. thehotelguru.com
10. michelin.com
11. ohotel.uk