Whilst doing a pre-Christmas road trip through the Alps we stopped by Lech and the fairly new 5 star superior Hotel Aurelio. We pulled off the main street of Lech and started heading uphill along winding little roads, not far and we saw the sign off to the right for our final destination. We drew up next to an array of various Bentleys, who were partnering with Hotel Aurelio; we jumped out of our car and had to take in the sight of this beautifully designed hotel in its perfect winter setting. The Hotel Aurelio is ideally located right on the side of a main piste down to Lech making for some easy morning starts when it comes to skiing yet it is only a very short walk into town if heading out for the nightlife or fancy shopping. We made our way through the labyrinth of Bentleys and in through the main entrance to a very warm welcome at reception. The interiors were a stunning balance of traditional alpine and modern design culminating in a cosy residence that any guest would be able to make themselves at home in. We poked our head into the lounge and realised this was going to be one place that we would be happy to frequent.After a very efficient and friendly check-in, it was time to be shown our room, one of 18 individually designed rooms and suites. We entered into one of the most delightful rooms I have had a chance to stay in. The walls and ceiling were covered in warm coloured wood and the carpet was thick and soft, making for a very intimate and snug space. At the far end was floor to ceiling windows opening out to a balcony and a most fabulous view across Lech. I have said it many a time before, ‘the devil is in the details’ and this was no exception, the designers had thought of everything from the storage space, giant bed, dressing room, spacious bathroom with various lighting settings and even the separate shower room and toilet. If only there was a kitchen, then I would have bolted the door and never left. At night the view came into its own, for the when the sun went down the town lit up its twinkling lights making Lech looked magical; a full moon hung above the clouds and lit up the Omeshorn mountain – the giant that looms over Lech. This was one amazing location to be staying in.Once settled in, we readied ourselves for a day of skiing. Reception had already taken care of our ski passes, so it was down to the ski room and on with ski boots. Just a hand full of steps and we could clip into our skis and we were off skiing. At the end of the ski day, we could just ski the piste down to Lech and hop off the piste before it ended in Lech and again take a couple of steps to the hotel; this was my kind of Ski in/Ski out. After a long day on the slopes it was time to experience the spa, aid the muscles in their recovery and generally stimulate our health. With the various sauna cabins, aroma salt steam rooms, herbal baths and the cold water plunge pool and snow atrium I was in my element; taking my body from dry heat to damp heat and fully immersing myself in cold water I felt alive; when you visit try to slowly immerse yourself up to your neck in the cold water. The beautiful 23 metre pool also provided the opportunity for a little upper body workout too. After a little pampering it was time to prepare ourselves for dinner at the Gourmet Restaurant “Aurelio’s”.Once suited and booted, we made our way down to “Aurelio’s”. In a contemporary yet comfy space with fantastic views across Lech we made ourselves comfortable. Just outside the expansive windows the snow gently covered the pine trees and the purple up-lit Bentley. From a fine à la carte menu of traditional and modern Austrian specialties as well as international dishes we made our choices but to start a little amuse bouche arrived in the shape of tiny baked potato in edible silver foil with caviar, a very inventive and tasty little treat. Next Cheeky had opted for the delicate and fresh Black Angus carpaccio with rocket, pine kernels and Parmesan whilst I chose Aurelio’s Wagyu Beef Tartare with truffle a spicy but perfectly seasoned dish. We shared two main dishes which were both sublime; the venison saddle with parsnip, spinach and quince, the sauce was meaty with a lovely hint of liquorice. The second was a fillet steak from the charcoal grill with potato cream and vegetables, an incredible cut both rare and perfectly seasoned. After experiencing these dishes I can see why Gault Millau have awarded the chefs Christian Rescher and Markus Niederwanger, along with their team, 3 toques; and 17 points out of 20!!! Even though we were full we had to experience the renowned topfenschmarrn with blueberries which was light and fluffy plus a plate of the Aurelio Cake a beautifully decorated chocolate mousse. Skiing in Lech is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives, and when one does then I am certain that one will want to keep coming back time and time again. The Hotel Aurelio has the same charm and draw as Lech and I have no doubt that I will be returning again one day, *Note to self- I must visit in spring to drink cocktails on the sun terrace and to go trekking with their Alpacas. The design inside and outside is wondrous, the position is superb and picturesque, the food is just delicious and the staff are so friendly; nothing is a problem for them creating an easy going and relaxed atmosphere. I understand why The Hotel Aurelio was awarded the ‘World´s Best Ski Boutique Hotel 2018’ at the World Ski Awards!
Hotel Aurelio Lech
Tannberg 130
6764 Lech
Austria
