Frustrated by the Dinner Train debacle in May 2024, Sam, Danny and I looked for an alternative activity. As Sam is water baby, we and we don’t object to swimming pools, whirlpools and wellness facilities either, we booked three nights and two days in August 2024 at Aqua Dome – Tirol Therme Längenfeld. This ‘Signature Spa of the Alps‘ is located in Oberlängenfeld, in Längenfeld, in the Ötztal or Ötz Valley in Tyrol, in Austria.
While the Therme or spa / wellness side was covered two weeks ago, let’s take a look at the Aqua Dome Hotel.
Presentation
“A feel-good oasis, a retreat to replenish your strength and the perfect haven to revitalise your body and soul. The Aqua Dome unites the alpine charm of the mountains with the elegance of contemporary architecture: Finishes of natural resources such as wood and stone combined with the modern glass and steel construction are perfectly embedded in the untouched nature of the Ötztal Alps“, the Aqua Dome website says.
“The Aqua Dome Tirol Therme Längenfeld awaits you with its Tyrolean hospitality and international flair in a welcoming atmosphere. As part of the VAMED Vitality World Resorts, and thus one of Austria’s best thermal hotels, we offer superior wellness in Tyrol with personal service and a luxurious variety of bathing, wellness and sports offers.”
“Whether a thermal bath vacation with the family, a wellness weekend for two or simply a break from the daily routine: Immerse yourself, revive your health, find inner peace, revitalise your body and soul with the magic of the water.”
I love such pieces of texts written by some copywriter at some expensive public relations agency. They use well words and sentences, but say nothing.
Just like a gastronomic restaurant somewhere in the countryside offering some rooms, rather than the opposite: a hotel having a fancy restaurant; the raison d’être of this four-star superior hotel is accommodating guests of the Therme, rather than a fancy hotel having a nice pool and top wellness area.
Reception and getting to the rooms
Reception was very friendly and efficient. During the paperwork, we were offered a glass of apple juice.
We received bracelets which worked like a cruise card. It’s waterproof and grants you access to areas you’re allowed into.
The room numbering is a bit weird. It starts ‘normal’ and then it jumped numbers. I was lodged in the old section, with a red tartan rug. A bit like a Senate. My room was 103.
Danny and Sam were lodged in the newer area, with a green tartan rug. A bit like a Lower House. Their room number was 175. Yet, we were only perhaps 25 metres away from each other.
Auszeit Alpin Room
Danny and Sam stayed in an ‘Auszeit Alpin Room‘ or ‘Time-out Alpine Room‘. Situated in the more modern, green wing of the hotel, it has a different lay-out than the older rooms.
“Stylish living environment with 355 square feet (around 33m2) of space. The alpine flair flows discreetly through the entire space. The interior captivates with good taste. Chic, elegant, and sophisticatedly equipped: with fine oak wood and two exclusive armchairs. The black and white photography of the Ötztal Alps completes the mountain feel and stretches in full splendor in front of the panoramic window. In summer, you can relax and enjoy the balcony. Experience a special ‘time-out’ in the mountains”, the website says.
The room features a double bed, a desk, a minibar included in the price (and restocked once a day), a sofa, a low table and a chair. Obviously it has a television set. The balcony is large and has balcony furniture. There is a kettle for instant coffee and for tea. Per person, an apple and a Mozartkugel is offered
The bathroom is half open, a design option we’re no fans of. Dear hotels, stop thinking guests are per definition couples. Yes, Aqua Dome is a spa wellness resort and we will and did see each other naked, but even within relationships bathroom time is private.
The door to the bathroom is transparent and some other windows give an insight. The toilet is separate, which is a nice feature. The toiletries are branded ‘Thermal Deep‘.
Auszeit Double Room
I stayed in an ‘Auszeit double Room‘ or ‘Time-out Double Room‘.
“Live comfortably in 376 square feet (around 35m2) with clean lines and restrained charm. With warm woods and finely designed accessories. A harmonious interplay of sought-after materials and natural color composition. Fresh fruit in the room. Minibar refilled daily with non-alcoholic drinks. Free internet access / WiFi guarantees uninterrupted communication. The balcony offers a view of the surrounding greenery”, the website says.
This room features a double bed, to seats and a table, a desk, a tv, a wardrobe. The bathroom is more closed. As I stayed alone in the room, I forget to check what type of door – open or closed – it has. Toiletries are by Hydro Basics.
A funny feature was that despite having a double bed, the duvet was for one person only. To prevent a second guest sleeping? The next gay on Grindr was 8km away so I was a good boy.
I made use of the balcony a few times. I slept with the large window open, as the room (neither of them, as a matter of fact) doesn’t have air conditioning. An American-style ceiling fan would be nice. An upside was: no mosquitoes. But there were a few annoying flies. Still, I could sleep with the window open as it was so quiet outside.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the restaurant and has generous operating hours. It contains a large buffet with all you expect: bread products, cereals, yoghurts, fruits, juices, cold cuts, salad ingredients, … There’s an egg station and sweet hot breakfast items such as an intriguing apple couscous.
The tea station features a tap with boiling water. A special contraption. The tea selection is large. And, being in Austria, there is Sekt or sparkling wine for breakfast.
Dinner
We had half board and it seems everyone does. The restaurant is large enough to accommodate everyone.
The menu changes every day and dinner offers five course. The ‘main starter’, the salad and the soup you can fetch yourself at the buffet. When you’re ready, you order your main course.
There’s always a choice of meat, fish and vegetarian. There are four dessert options: two for order, ice cream and cheese. If you’re smart and quick, you can have an ordered dessert, cheese and ice cream.
Not mentioned on the menu are the small portions of cakes.
A cruise on land?
Being a resort, I sometimes felt ‘on a cruise’. The bracelet acts as a cruise card and every day there’s a newsletter with that day’s activities and the menu for the evening meal service.
So?
We had a very nice stay at Aqua Dome. The spa wellness side and the hotel work wonderfully together. The vibe is relaxed. The rooms are really nice and inviting.
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