Bio- und Wellnesshotel Stanglwirt — Hotel in Going am Wilden Kaiser

This place has a special place in my heart. The same family has been running it continuously for over 300 years and it first opened in the 1600's. There's just too much about the place to put down in a small review, but in a few words it's magnificent. The same family has run this business for generations. The attention to detail is mind-blowing. At first (being a ski travel junkie) I thought the great attraction for me would be skiing the mecca of Austrian skiing, The Hahnenkamm in Kitzbuhel which is a short drive away. But the Stanglewirt Resort quickly stole the show. It's definitely a family affair and lots of stuff to do for kids however It's like Disneyland for adults. The relaxation in the spas, the myriad tunnels of granite steam rooms, the clothing optional saunas and Glacier pool, tennis, golf, skiing it just goes on and on. Just when you think you've seen it all, there's another passageway to another massive relaxation center or spa. And wherever you go it all looks brand new. The staff there must be paid well because they all just seem so happy and it shows in every detail. I spoke to a few families who have been coming there every year for a decade. When you first walk in the lobby, there's a huge glass wall where you can watch equestrian lessons with gorgeous Lipenzzaner horses. (We took a lesson and it was fantastic) As you walk through the maze of halls there are photos on the wall of celebrities who've been there like Muhammad Ali, George Harrison of The Beatles, Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the list goes on. Most of the photos are taken with the owner Mr. Hauser, who came to our table on several different nights, always with a big smile and great stories. His own story of building this incredible resort is worth checking out. It is an echo warriors wonder. The way he was able to incorporate bio technology, that's good for the planet yet keeps a traditional look is worth visiting just on that alone. I just can't write enough about it. You really have to look into for yourself. I'm still humming from it. The food, I just smile when I think about it, there was just so much variety. The cheese is all made on site and is fit for kings and queens. There are so many little eating areas in the resort. I don't believe I visited them all but the ones that I did were all so different. There's one restaurant where one part of the wall is all glass and on the other side are milking cows all with their names above their station. It was absolutely mesmerizing. You literally have your meal inches away from these beautiful creatures. All the children seem to love it but not as much as I did . Meanwhile, all the staff are dressed in traditional Austrian garb. It just gives you a great sense of history and pride. When we were there there were only a few Americans mostly Europeans, but I think when Americans find this place it will become a huge destination. It really is absolutely wonderful and worth your time to do a little research about it and visit it. You won't be...

On a trip through the area we spent three nights at the Stanglwirt. The first impression is not inspiring: the location is directly on the very busy 178 highway, and finding a parking spot can be a problem. (No help from the front desk, just a remark to park anywhere.) Our room was cozy and spacious, and since it was away from the highway, it was very quiet with a stunning view of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range. The beds were comfortable, but the bathroom had a defective hand-held shower head. We left a written remark, but the problem was not repaired. So we continued to hold the shower head with one hand and using the free other hand to wash ourselves... Not a five str orning experience!~Breakfast is an extremely varied and plentiful buffet, but one morning the self-serve coffee machine did not work. No problem, we thought: we'll order the coffee. But in this buffet setting the waitstaff was hopelessly overloaded, and the coffee took about 15 minutes to arrive. We enjoyed dinner at the Gasthof Stangl, and the food was excellent. We cannot comment on the wellness area, since we did not use it. The outdoor pool was very nice, however service is missing. You have to look for help to get a cot, and this will take a while. Another issue were insects in our room. It is impossible to leave the windows open, since there are no screens. |While we enjoyed our stay at this hotel, it becomes obvious that this is not a five star establishment: a shower fixture that is not repaired, lack of service at the pool, and the condition of the grassy area, which is riddled with mole heaps are not the hallmark of a five star hotel. We find that the price/value ratio is not in order. There are other establishments that are available for less. High marks go to the staff. They are very friendly and obviously care about the guests and...

The Stanglwirt is a beautiful experience.

This was our second time at the Stanglwirt and we were as equally impressed and happy with it as our first time. The hotel is surrounded by the beautiful mountains and there are also animals on the property which can be seen from the rooms. The rooms are made of wood with luxury details and bedding. The property has several activities available for the guests. You are able to participate in yoga or horseback riding for example. Everyday there is a different set of activities for the guests. The food is typical Tyrolean and made with fresh and local ingredients. Room service is available which we made use of a lot having two small children. The rooms, view, and room service are so nice that some nights we did not leave our room and just enjoyed the dinner in the room with the view. There are both indoor and outdoors pools as well as children’s pool with a very fun slide even for the adults! There is also a beautiful spa, in which I received a massage which turned out to be top 3 best massages I’ve had.

We loved our stay and look forward to more holidays there.

Two minor things for international travelers to make note of. It seems the majority of guests are primarily German speaking, thus, naturally, the staff is also mostly German speaking. This was not an issue for us as we speak German but it could be for international travelers who only speak English. Most staff did have some knowledge of English but not all. Other small thing to note if you come from a country with air conditioning is that there seemed to be none. So, that would be something to consider if you are used to that in the summer months.

Other than those two minor things, this hotel is amazing and highly recommended! It is the perfect blend of nature, tradition,...