AUSTRIA - Obertauern, Valamar Kesselspitze Hotel 4*S

Obertauern ski area

Obertauern is located about 90 km south of Salzburg, an hour's drive. The Obertauern ski resort is one of the high-altitude ski resorts in Austria. It is located at an altitude of 1600 - 2300 m above sea level, so snow is usually guaranteed here from the end of November to the beginning of May. There are 100 km of ski slopes, most of which are blue, but of course you can also find red and black ones. Both opposite hills are connected by cable cars, there are a lot of them. Interestingly, some connecting slopes lead between houses or you go through tunnels or over bridges. You can also find ski schools and slopes for children and fun parks. And the apres-ski is famous. Of course, it is busier here on weekends. We were here before Christmas, there were quite a lot of people especially on the weekend, but there were no queues. There are two large parking lots for skiers directly below the hotel, free of charge. But in the regular season I would recommend getting there early.

Price of ski passes in the 2024/2025 season: all-day 65 Euros for adults, seniors 62 Euros, children born before 2009 for 32.5 Euros, youth 49 Euros, children under 6 years old free.

Kesselspitze Hotel & Chalet, Valamar, Obertauern

The luxurious 4* superior hotel belongs to the Croatian Valamar hotels chain, specifically to the Valamar Collection brand, which includes the best 4* and 5* Valamar hotels. As the name suggests, in addition to the hotel, you can also stay in a chalet, which is connected to the hotel. And it's true - this hotel is really located right on the slope (because we know how those hotels write it, right? And then it's 200 m to the cable car). You climb out of the ski room and stand by the chairlift. Or you can ski down a little lower and there is another cable car. Each on a different side of the saddle. The location is really absolutely excellent. The hotel is located on the edge of Obertauern, on the side when you are driving from Graz. The advantage is that it is quiet here in the evening. Last time we stayed in the center of the town and it was not quiet at all, people want to have fun there. If you want to go to the center, it is quite uphill, you can take a taxi or walk. There are two restaurants for skiers right below the hotel, so during the ski season it is no problem to eat outside the hotel, even if you are not skiing. The hotel also offers a Concierge service if you would like to arrange a trip or experience.

Accommodation

CHALET

Lovers of luxury and privacy can stay in the cottage. It is a separate two-story house, which is connected to the hotel. Of course, you can use all the hotel services. The cottage is for up to 8 people. You will find 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room with a fireplace. Total area 190 m2.

HOTEL

The hotel has 66 rooms and suites. Rooms for 1 person, for 2 people, family rooms and a presidential suite, which also has its own wellness (massage bath and sauna). The rooms are furnished in a modern Alpine style. Some have balconies.

I will describe our room V level room for 2+1 in detail:

Spacious room approx. 30 m2. Balcony with mountain view, comfortable bed, carpet, large sofa bed, desk with stylish armchair, minibar, TV, Nespresso coffee machine including capsules, electric kettle including tea selection, mugs, glasses, wine glasses, corkscrew, spoons, plates, water, wellness bag including bathrobes, rubber slippers and pool towels, cloth slippers, illuminated wardrobe, safe. In the bathroom: towels, hairdryer, large pack of hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, well-lit mirror including zoom, tissue paper and then a bag in which there were incredible treasures :) - make-up remover pads, ear buds, dental kit, hair ties, shaving kit, shower cap (not necessary, the shower normally has a hand-held shower head).

Food

I dare say that gourmets will not be disappointed here. The hotel offers half board including an afternoon snack, where you can have fruit, a snack or dessert or champagne in the bar next to the reception. Water and tea are also available. As for breakfast and dinner, it is a concert for all lovers of good food. Cold breakfast is served buffet style, hot from the menu (included in the price). I had my favorite avocado toast with salmon and a poached egg, you can have eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs with smoked trout, ham, omelet, croissant with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, French toast with mascarpone, chia pudding, various types of oatmeal, smoothies, fresh juices. Of course, there are sausages, hams and salamis, bacon, cheeses, smoked salmon, hashbrowns, fruit, vegetables, yogurts, cereals, various types of milk, jams and honeys, spreads, pâtés, a large selection of pastries including sweet ones and my favorite donuts! Coffee on request, a wide range of teas, champagne. How else to start the day than to eat great food, right? The half-board price also includes a light lunch buffet.

Dinner was served. You can choose from 2 soups, 2 hot starters, 3 main courses, one of which is vegetarian, and a dessert. In addition, you have a cold buffet with a selection of salads, fruits, vegetables, canapes and other delicious starters, cheeses, a huge number of desserts, including Sacher Torte, for which there are queues in Vienna, macaroons and ice cream. So forget about losing weight! :) The hotel offers room service.

The hotel also has a lobby bar, where you can have a drink or coffee.

The hotel has an indoor heated swimming pool including a beautiful relaxation area with a view of the mountains, an outdoor jacuzzi and 3 saunas (Finnish, bio, steam). It is also possible to book a massage or cosmetic treatment. The hotel has a well-equipped fitness center for cardio and strength training.

Fun for kids

In addition to the pool, children can have fun in the famous Maro club by Valamar. The games room has various games and building sets, and for teenagers there are even game consoles with huge screens. Next to the hotel there is a children's slope and a ski kindergarten.

Other services

Parking - you can park right in front of the hotel, but the hotel also has underground garages, which are certainly useful especially in winter, and you can also charge your car there (for a fee). The garages are free! I didn't expect that.

Wifi in the whole hotel.

Ski storage - each room has its own lockable heated ski box. The ski storage room is directly next to the chairlift.

Shuttle service for hotel guests (free of charge)

Ski rental

Summary

I am looking in vain for some criticism, and that is what I have to say! :) A luxury hotel for all lovers of skiing, great food, relaxation and SPA. The rooms are beautiful, spacious, suitably equipped, with a view of the mountains. You don't have to sweep the car from the snow in the morning, because it relaxes in the underground garages. The hotel is in a quiet place, so you will sleep well. And it really is right on the slope and by two cable cars. So visit? For me 100%!

My rating - 10/10

I would like to thank the PR department of Valamar Hotels for allowing me to visit this beautiful place and write this detailed article for you.

Do you want a 100 Euro discount to this hotel? Check HERE. 

You can also read an article about the second hotel from this chain in the same area - Valamar Obertauern 4*.

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