Review of Hoteldorf Gruner Baum, by Christoph Hargreaves-Allen

A little world in itself, the Hoteldorf Gruner Baum is an isolated hideaway - a luxury hotel and a village in one. Situated in the middle of the picturesque Koetschach valley, the entirety of which is a national park, here you stumble upon fairy tale territory.

The original inn of this luxury hotel was built by Emperor John of Austria. He used to eat his sausage breakfast in the same building, not so long ago. Now, this luxury hotel has its own spa gurgling radon-rich water for the ion-conscious guest, surrounded by the silence and seclusion of the forest all around.

In true hideaway style, the Gruner Baum stands alone, a little beyond the perimeter of the ancient spa town of Badgastein, looking all the way down the valley. Guests of the delightfully eccentric Blumschein family will understand exactly why Austrian hospitality has its reputation.

The facilities

Hoteldorf Gruner Baum is set out like a resort village. The luxury hotel provides a variety of accommodation to suit everyone from couples to families, fun-seekers to sports enthusiasts. Every chalet has its purpose.

One of them is for the spa with its naturally-heated pool and array of treatments. There is one for families and another for the restaurant where you will delight in great food and wine. Outdoors, there are opportunities for sports and games for the young and young-at heart. Best of all, the charming staff will help you discover the joys of this exciting Austrian Eden.

The rooms

There are 80 rooms in this luxury hotel with several high-class ones included. Take your pick of roomy apartments with a cosy living room, bath, balcony, mini bar, safety deposit box, entrance hall and walk-in closet.

Choose the Ladies Suite for single travellers and enjoy the comfort in a cosy roomy studio with grand lit, entrance hall, balcony, bath, mini bar, and safety deposit box. Take advantage of the Double Junior Suite for comfortable relaxation in open-plan living and bedroom, bath, bidet, separate bathroom, entrance hall and balcony that overlooks the National Park.