Bregenzerwald, AustriaDamuls
Hotel Alpenstern
Stepped timber ski lodge
Damuls Bregenzerwald, Austria
Renovated
2020
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Wellness LocalOutside the door
Stepped timber ski lodge
Guests step straight from the spruce pavilions onto the mountain pistes, returning at dusk for multi-course cellar dinners.
What it’s good at
Notable
Johannes Kaufmann designed stepped native spruce pavilions anchored by concrete bases in Damüls.
Listed
Oberdamüls slope access connects winter ski runs directly to high alpine summer trails.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The design is clean and understated, with natural wood and generous windows keeping the focus on the surrounding peaks.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set in Oberdamüls at 1,580 metres, the hotel sits directly along the Damüls-Mellau network beneath the Damülser Horn.
The rooms
Spruce walls frame valley vistas across the Bregenzerwald, with private balconies oriented toward the surrounding summits.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated 14-metre indoor pool reflects slatted timber ceilings, and a 12-metre outdoor infinity pool extends toward the valley.
The spa
Relaxation daybeds line floor-to-ceiling windows in Himmelreich Spa, and saunas run scheduled eucalyptus and lavender infusions.
The gym
Cardio machines and stationary bikes sit right before floor-to-ceiling windows facing snow-capped alpine peaks.
At the table
Terrace tables and panoramic dining rooms look across the summits, and Bar Novum mixes cocktails inspired by the 1920s.
How it began
Three generations of the Bischof family evolved the property from a modest 1960s alpine farmhouse into today's lodge.
Bregenzerwald
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.