Hotel Gasthof Post, Lech, Austria

Hotel Gasthof Post, now known as Post Lech Arlberg, is the original grand inn of Lech am Arlberg, one of the most exclusive and beautiful ski villages in the Alps: a cluster of chalets, a white onion-domed church and a rushing river, surrounded by some of Austria's finest skiing. Run by the Moosbrugger family since 1937 and a member of Relais & Châteaux since 1976, it is warm, elegant, full of history and beloved by generations of families who return year after year.

Location: Lech, Austria

The hotel stands in the centre of Lech, at around 1,450 metres in the Vorarlberg region of western Austria. The village is part of Ski Arlberg, Austria's largest linked ski area, which connects Lech and Zürs with St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben and Warth-Schröcken. The lifts, ski school, shops and cafés of Lech are all within a short walk.

The nearest railway station is Langen am Arlberg, about 15 kilometres away, with connections from Zurich and Innsbruck. Innsbruck Airport is around 120 kilometres away, and Zurich roughly 190. The hotel is open in winter and summer.

Rooms and suites at the Post

The Post has 46 rooms, suites and apartments, each with its own character. The style is traditional Austrian, enriched by a collection of local antiques, painted wooden furniture, rich fabrics and loving attention to detail. Rooms are notably spacious, and the result is a cosy elegance that feels fresh rather than fussy.

A newer wing houses larger suites and a multi-bedroom apartment that is ideal for families, while the original building retains the historic feel of the old inn. Many rooms have balconies looking over the village and the surrounding peaks.

Facilities at the Post

The spa and wellness area is outstanding. Its highlight is one of the largest heated outdoor pools in the Alps, reached through an indoor pool via a sliding glass door, and surrounded by gardens and mountain views. There is also a children's pool, a sauna world with relaxation areas, a fitness room, a yoga room and several treatment rooms set in the hotel's garden.

Food has always been a strength. The hotel's restaurants include a gourmet dining room and a panoramic restaurant with views over the village, as well as a sunny terrace famous for its homemade cakes and strudels. The cooking combines Austrian tradition with contemporary refinement, and the wine list is excellent.

The Post has a strong sense of history. Afternoon tea is served by the fire in the library, next to Bemelmans Bar, named after the American author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans, who was a regular guest until the 1950s. Children are well catered for, with a playground, organised activities and family-friendly facilities, and well-behaved pets are welcome.

The mountain moment

The defining Lech experience is the Weisse Ring, a legendary ski circuit of around 22 kilometres that links Lech, Zürs, Oberlech and Zug, combining wide pistes, off-piste opportunities and spectacular high-alpine scenery. Completing the circuit, then skiing back into the village and walking straight into the warmth of the Post, is a quintessential Arlberg day.

In the afternoon, the moment to savour is a swim in the heated outdoor pool, snow lying on the gardens around you and the peaks above Lech turning pink in the evening light, before tea by the library fire. In summer, the same valley is lush and green, with superb hiking, the source of the Lech river and wildflower meadows all around.

Why the Post is one of the best mountain hotels

The Gasthof Post earns its place because it represents the very best of traditional Alpine hospitality. Family-owned and run for almost 90 years, it offers genuine warmth, beautiful rooms, excellent food and a superb spa, all in the heart of one of the world's finest ski villages.

It is neither cutting-edge nor minimalist; its appeal lies in tradition, character and impeccable service, often from staff who have worked there for decades. For families and couples who love classic Austrian style and world-class skiing, it is a timeless choice.

When to go to the Post

The Post opens in winter and summer. The ski season in Lech typically runs from early December to April, with Christmas, New Year and February the busiest periods; many regulars rebook the same week every year, so reserve early. March brings longer, sunnier days and relaxed lunches on the terrace. Summer turns the valley green, with wildflower meadows, hiking to the source of the Lech river and long afternoons by the outdoor pool, at a gentler pace and price than winter. The hotel closes between seasons, so check dates before booking a spring or autumn trip.