HotelChatter

The Lebenberg is a short drive from the Kitzbühel’s center, up a winding road. Although this hotel is called a Schloss (Castle), the old castle section of the hotel which dates back to the 16th century is dwarfed by the hotel’s thoroughly modern wing, added last year. While rooms in the castle section may have more classic Tyrolean charm, most guests come for the new rooms with walls made entirely of windows with killer mountain views.

The place is sleek and modern, and seems to be favored by Russians and possibly voyeurs. Yes, some rooms have those popular freestanding, extra large bathtubs sitting on platforms in front of windows. This makes bathing uncomfortable if you are rooming with someone with whom you'd like a little "mystery." And if you don't want the rest of Kitzbuhel to see you bathing.

Downstairs, the hotel’s bar has a huge fireplace and lots of plush armchairs where guests gather for expensive après ski drinks. The new three-level wellness center includes a 45-meter-long blue pool flanked by a wall of (more) windows. There’s also an extensive collection of sauna and steam rooms, but be forewarned that, like many Austrian hotels, most of them are in the coed nudist area. Yet don't be shy. Sweating in the outdoor Finish sauna, which has a glass wall facing the mountains, is reason enough to book a room here.

Room rates here begin at 265 euros or $335.

Note: The author’s stay at this hotel was provided by the Kitzbuhel tourism board.

[Photo: Hotel-Rates]