Lech

In a grand Arlberg mountain setting, rests the charming alpine hamlet of Lech. Until the end of the 19th Century Lech spent the winters cut off from the outside world, and the traditional village look remains - indeed most of the best places to stay in Lech are very alpine traditional on the outside, though some have had fairly modern makeovers inside.

Pretty and popular, Lech is the kind of place you're likely to see Bentleys with snow chains. Lech's traditional look is complemented by the old chalet style of many of the hotels - and the fact that the streets do get quite snowy. The sunny position is another draw, and from the top of the slopes there are some breathtaking views. So this is a great place to come for photography enthusiasts and snow sport enthusiasts alike.

What Not To Miss

• Enjoy world-class skiing. In addition to good ski schools and plenty of sunshine, the snow record is excellent, one of the best in Austria. Between them, Lech, and its twin resort Zurs, have something to suit every kind of skier. Zurs has the nursery slopes, but Lech has a good assortment of gentler pistes, plus there's plenty of runs to challenge intermediate skiers and off-piste options for the more adventurous.
• End a fantastic day's skiing at the Tannberger Hof Apres Ski bar with excellent food and drink making it a must-do for the full Lech experience. Located near to the ski lifts, the music here will help you forget those tired legs and have you up and dancing in no time.
• Ride the Ruefikopf gondola to the summit for the most spectacular panoramic views of the alpine landscape.
• Experience other sporting pursuits at the Sport Park Lech with opportunities for 10-pin bowling and a climbing wall, alongside various ballsports - all promising to keep you entertained during your time off the slopes.

Whilst being a world-renowned ski resort, Lech offers activities for all outdoor enthusiasts year round so expect the best places to stay in Lech to be in hot demand.

Central Lech

• For a wonderful, traditional alpine experience, you can't go past the Hotel Arlberg. It's a five star luxury chalet right in the centre of town, and one of the best hotels in Lech if you're looking for a ski-in ski-out location with fur throws, wood paneling, open fires and antlers. If you're picky about your tipple it will also tick all the boxes - they have a wine list with around a thousand choices.
• The Hotel Monzabon is a good option if any of your party is learning to ski: it's right in the centre of town, beside the ski school, cable car and ski lifts. This is a traditional mountain hotel, so there's plenty of bare wood and roaring fires. There are family sized apartments, which have a self catering option, but if you get hungry on the slopes opt for their half board, which includes five course dinners.

Lech with a Family

• The Hotel Sandhof is a traditional family run chalet with rooms, suites and apartments, and cosy public areas. Add to this the location, close to the pistes in the centre of town, and you have one of the best properties in Lech for families. This is another appetite friendly hotel, with a good restaurant serving five course menus.
• The Hotel Stulzis is great for families on a budget. It's got three stars worth of exposed wood and whitewashed decor, and it's centrally located, just three minutes from the lifts and the centre of town. As well as a choice of rooms they have one apartment, which sleeps four.
• The Der Berghof - this family friendly chalet, with direct access to the slopes, is great for all ages. Spacious rooms are decorated in a country style with alpine accents and private balconies. A hearty, continental breakfast is served and dinner is available. There is a heated pool and spa to rest weary ski legs.
• With plenty of activities for families, Hotel Goldener Berg is a charming lodge boasting 360° mountain views. Simple, traditionally inspired rooms feature crisp white linen, parquet flooring and pine furniture. A choice of three restaurants and a wine bar for evening entertainment. Plenty of organised activities for children. A great choice for families.

Lech on a Budget

While it's got a reputation for attracting wealthy skiers, there are still affordable options in Lech. The bus between Lech and Zurs is free and there are also free buses to the St. Anton and Alpe Rauz areas.

• With rooms starting from £126 per night, the Hotel Staefeli is one of the best places to stay in Lech if you're watching your wallet. You're saving money on the location - which is just outside town - not the accommodation, which is four star. The decor is comfortable and elegant, and there's a wellness centre. There's also a kid's playroom and an apartment which sleeps up to seven.

Luxury Lech

This was the favourite ski resort of Diana, Princess of Wales. And some of the seats in the cable car are heated.

• If you want to be pampered, Kristiania Lech, with its bath butlers, book butlers and ski valets is one of the top spots in Lech. You're right in the centre of town, and just five minutes from the slopes, yet the views from the terrace, are gorgeous and unsullied. Each of the 29 rooms has its own decor and personality, there's a fine dining restaurant specialising in Austrian food, and they're also prepared to welcome your pets.
• The Almhof Schneider has a charming blend of contemporary luxury and traditional alpine chic, making it ideal if you're looking for a super high-end skiing holiday. There's an excellent restaurant, wonderful oil paintings, a vast wine cellar and a very good spa. And room rates also include access to the spa and half board.
• After a long day's sking, the Hotel Haldenhof is a luxury hotel with an enviable position just a few minutes walk from the lifts. Chic rooms feature open fireplaces, pine clad walls, crisp white linen and private terraces. A cosy restaurant serves hearty regional cuisine. The spa will ease away any post-activity aches and pains. Alpine perfection.
• For stunning views, Hotel Aurelio is a super-luxury chalet and spa located right on the slopes. Well proportioned contemporary rooms with floor to ceiling windows opening onto epic mountain views. The bathrooms are something of one's dreams. A world-class spa to ease weary limbs and exemplary Austrian cuisine.

Lech out of season

Because of the excellent snowfall - the average is around 8 metres - plus good grooming and snowmaking facilities, Lech's ski season often lasts into April. But out of season this area makes for a spectacular backdrop for hiking.

• If you're looking for somewhere perfect in every season, one of the best places to stay in Lech is its traditional treasure, the Gasthof Post. It's been owned by the same family for the past 75 years, so they can advise on all the most scenic hikes. The outdoor pool is heated, so you can use it all year round, and ithe hotel is filled with lovely wooden paneling, painted furniture and antiques.
• Pension Fortuna is a charming traditional property with gorgeous mountain views. Cosy wood panelled rooms with private balconies. Homely Austrian cuisine served in the restaurant. A sauna provides a space for some post-activity indulgence. Numerous activities to keep all entertained year-round. A lovely alpine spot.
• The Hotel & Gasthof Rotewand - located in the chocolate box hamlet of Zug just outside Lech - is an idyllic place to stay. Exteriors are traditional & rooms contemporary. Activities for all the family: skiing, cross country, sleigh rides and walking. Warm Austrian hospitality, good food, pool and spa.

For an Apartment or chalet

• If you'd prefer your own space, don't hesitate to visit our online partner, Booking.com for a wide range of apartments and chalets situated throughout the village.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Lech?

• Fly to Innsbruck Airport located 116km (72 miles) from Lech with plenty of connections to the rest of Europe
• Travelling overground? Take the train to Langen am Arlberg located 15km away, or St Anton located 20km with regular bus and taxi connections
• Visitors may prefer to drive to explore the beautiful alpine landscape further, for prices we recommend our online partner, Rentalcars
• Best time to visit - the Winter months even through to April can provide excellent snow conditions for skiing whilst the summer provides warmer temperatures for those looking to hike around the mountains.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Lech
• Expand your search to include our recommendations in St Anton or Kitzbuhel
• Or contact one of our friendly gurus for advice

Weather

Monthly Weather in Lech