At first glance, the romantic hotel at the foot of the Schlossberg has the appearance of an idyllic small townhouse. But hidden behind its walls is an ambience truly worthy of any castle.
A hotel with all the comforts, tightly pressed up against the mountain’s rocky face, yet only a three-minute walk from the pulsating centre of the city. But behind its blue façade, it is dominated by an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity combined with urbane elegance.
Looking at it from the exterior, you would probably never guess that this building, whose history extends back to the year 1450, is home to 54 rooms, including 4 suites, each of which, though equally matched with regard to luxury and standards, otherwise bears no comparison to the other. Whether romantic seclusion, or bright and open spaciousness, combined with priceless interior design in a magical Biedermeier setting; each room is precious gem unto itself. No matter where you go, you are surrounded by stylish antiques, or encounter either old or, more frequently, modern sculpture and paintings, attesting to the owners as the patrons and lovers of the arts they are.
“Life, art and soul” is the motto true to which the owner, Helmut Marko, presents this hotel jewel, with its interior courtyards, terraced gardens and numerous other smaller highlights, to his discriminating guests. Let us take, as an example, the comfortable conference and meeting rooms, which combine the ambience of the old chambers with state-of-the-art seminar equipment.
Sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin, fitness room and swimming pool on the rooftop gardens have been such permanent fixtures in Helmut Markos’ hospitable inner-city oasis for so long now, they are barely worthy of mention.
Yet another attraction is the romantic conservatory, where guests can enjoy breakfast on those cooler mornings. And there is no better place to start your summer’s day than out by the swimming pool on the rooftop terrace – where guests can also wind things down at the end of the day – “comme-il-faut” – with a wonderful glass of champagne. |
