Hotel Karl Schranz — Hotel in Sankt Anton am Arlberg

Having just returned from a really enjoyable 7 night half board stay at the Karl Schranz I felt compelled to write a glowing review. This was our first visit to St Anton and having stayed at many family-owned 4* hotels in Austrian ski resorts this was perhaps the overall best to date.

This is an excellent base from which to enjoy St Anton and the Arlberg region. Although situated up the hill, the position was quiet and the frequent and friendly hotel shuttle bus ran from just before 0830 each morning (maximum wait of 10 minutes). The entire hotel was maintained to a very high standard - no scuffed walls or carpets, high quality interiors and robust amenities (including the ski room). The Karl Schranz ski trophy cabinets and photos of his celebrity encounters were nice to see.

Austria really has perfected high quality hotel interiors (built to last) and beautiful and modern ski resort infrastructure.

We booked half board through Tui. Our room was spacious (certainly above average), spotlessly clean, had multiple storage and hanging options (for all that ski kit) and it enjoyed a view of the valley. The bathroom lacked a bath tub (available for non-package guests) but the shower was good and the heated tile floor was an unexpected luxury.

Breakfast: very large selection of breads, cereals, yoghurts, meats and cheeses. The croissants and pastries were the tastiest we’ve had in Austria.

Afternoon snacks: complimentary food was provided in the bar each day (3-5pm) and included a warm savoury option (e.g. goulash soup), breads and cake.

Dinner: essentially six courses (of a high quality) when including the substantial salad buffet to start and cheese board to finish. Soups and starters were all tasty. Mains (two options) were mostly Austrian favourites of meat or fish cooked to perfection (vegetarian option available). Expect to pay for table water in Austria.

Pool/spa: spotlessly clean and well maintained facilities. The pool was large and inviting with poolside views of the valley. The spa (‘nude zone’) included a very large sauna with picture windows onto the valley, and a very steamy steam room. Towels provided in the pool/spa area. Robes provided in each room.

Bar: great selection of good value drinks in a very elegant lounge area (lounge was more like 5*).

Service: friendly service with a smile throughout, including in the reception, bar and restaurant. The delightful Greek waiting staff were an asset to this hotel.

We loved skiing in the Arlberg and will return...

Our second stay at the Karl Schranz which, unfortunately, did not fully live up to our favourable memories of 2023. This review would be 4* but for aspects of the service which are slow and complacent. |The hotel is very clean, comfortable, and generally well run with a nice wellness facility. |In the dining room, at both breakfast and dinner, we frequently had to ask for some of the salads to be refilled, which was done but the bowl/s had been depleted for some time while waiting staff were apparently ignoring it, or perhaps considered it was someone else's job?|This was true of breakfast e.g. when the muesli bowl was empty. Despite staff passing by, it remained empty until a refill was requested.|Tables were repeatedly being cleared whilst one or more of us was still eating, creating a sense of urgency rather than a relaxing meal with friends after a physical day.|The bar service, though infallibly polite and good humoured, once under pressure continues at its own leisurely pace irrespective of how many guests are waiting service. |We left with a sense that everything has got a bit too 'comfortable', and presumptuous of its customer loyalty.|A shout out to Goran the driver - unfailingly smiling...

The food was excellent. The staff was excellent. The rooms were very clean. The lobby area was very nice. They had some rules we thought were odd like we couldn't get tap water at dinner. We had to buy bottled water. I loved it except for the water issue and an event with the hotel manager.

I brought to her attention, through the bartender, that there were 3 items left outside of our window and it was there when we got there. I was nice enough to bring this to the hotel's attention and when I did I asked that if they want to get those items they need give me a warning and to knock. These items were not in our way so we were in no rush to have them removed. While I was upstairs, she walked in on my roommate unannounced and it was TOTALLY inexcusable and unprofessional. When I spoke to her after the fact, she said since I was upstairs it should have been ok. It was NOT ok. Even if I didn't have a roommate she should have warned me that she would like to go in to get the items. Of course I would have gone with her. My room was not prepared for visitors. I could have had personal items out and my purse was sitting out. ARG!! I will not...