Badgastein Hotels

The Gastein Valley was originally a gold mining area and in the Middle Ages, an important trade route crossing the Central Eastern Alps. The healing powers and the popularity of the hot spring water had been know for centuries but it wasn't until the middle of the 19th century that Bad Gastein became a popular spa resort. The discovery of radon in the water led to radon therapies which have been used to cure or ease a variety of conditions including Ankylosing spondylitis. Notable guests included kings and queens, the German Emperor Wilhelm l and his chancellor, Otto von Bismarck. Today, Bad Gastein has re-emerged as a delightful holiday destination in Austria.

Situated 1,000 meters above sea level, this region of Austria has a moderate climate with four distinct seasons and moods. January is traditionally the coldest month and July the warmest but no matter what the time of the year, Bad Gastein is always beautiful and always provides plenty of recreational activities for the whole family.

Many Bad Gastein Hotels are characteristic in appearance of the 'Belle Epoque'era and reflect the architecture of the late 19th century. With original fittings and furnishings of the last century, Bad Gastein Hotels offer magnificent views over snow-covered mountains in winter, emerald-green valleys in the summer and picturesque countryside whichever way you look. With balconies and terraces guests have every opportunity to breath in the pure mountain air, free of dust and pollution.

Offering simple bed and breakfast accommodation, hill farms, high altitude ski lodges or luxury and family accommodation, Hotels Bad Gastein cater for all guests. Some hotels are a stone's throw from the Graukogel lift which is for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer months while others are in the center of Bad Gastein, close to the golf course, waterfalls and the casino. Many hotels are family owned and have been in the same family for generations so guests can be assured of friendly and heartfelt hospitality.

The day begins, in Bad Gastein Hotels, with a superb hot and cold breakfast buffet which is guaranteed to provide enough energy for a day's adventuring and activity. Many hotels offer half board which includes a five course dinner or full board with delicious snacks. Dinner buffets are popular and include vegetarian dishes as well as exquisite Austrian and other continental dishes. Special meals are available for children and in some Bad Gastein Hotels, once a week, dinner is replaced by a gala dinner and buffet. Superb restaurants are to be found throughout the region ensuring that all guests are well satisfied.

Bad Gastein Hotel guest rooms are spacious and many are decorated with furnishings and fittings made by local craftsmen, ensuring a pleasant and homely atmosphere. Twin and queen size beds are beautifully fitted with fine white linen and warm, cozy duvets while heating and air conditioning is standard. Satellite television, pay movies and internet access are provided and a desk with a lamp and comfortable arm chairs ensure guests are able to relax. Other room amenities include direct-dial telephone, complimentary newspapers, mini-bar and a hair dryer. Suites have separate living quarters with elegant sofas and overstuffed chairs. Decorated in warm, rich colors with black out curtains, guests are guaranteed a good night's sleep. Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations, make-up mirrors, bathrobes to keep out the chill and complimentary toiletries are a great place to prepare for the evening's entertainment at the casino or around the hotel fire.

Other amenities to be found at Bad Gastein hotels include transport from and to airports, business centers providing fax and photocopying facilities, concierge desk to assist with planning of recreational activities, dry cleaning and laundry and safety deposit boxes. Some luxury Bad Gastein Hotels offer meeting rooms for small groups as well as fitness centers with cardio-vascular equipment and free weights, saunas, steam rooms and solariums. Heated Indoor and outdoor swimming pools are popular as are spa tubs. Ski storage and ski shuttles are all taken care of by the hotel staff. Games rooms are popular with billiards and darts and games for children.

Many hotels have their own spa facilities providing guests with wonderful relaxing massages and beauty treatments to leave them feeling relax and invigorated.

Bad Gastein Hotels provide guests with so many leisure opportunities that they will have a tough time choosing how best to spend their days. In winter, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, downhill racing, snow shoeing as well s ice hockey games are favorite pastimes.

In the summer months, golf, kayaking, rafting, rowing, canoeing and fishing are popular in the many rivers and streams that abound in this region. Golf, tennis, volleyball, aerobics, mountain biking and bicycle rental as well as running and walking tracks, hiking and bungee jumping ensure that everyone is well attended to.

Bad Gastein Hotels provide guests with a unique opportunity to enjoy some of the best ski slopes in Austria while at the same time enjoying the wonders of the hot healing spa waters. Providing entertainment for the whole family, lovely accommodation and exquisite dining, Bad Gastein is indeed a delightful town in which to spend a holiday or even a romantic weekend getaway.