You can hear the roar of the waterfall even before you can really see it. It plunges right through the heart of Bad Gastein, past old facades and grand hotels that still bear witness to the resort’s glamorous past. The mountains loom close to the houses, and the streets wind their way up the hillside. In winter, Bad Gastein reveals its quiet, almost enchanted side. It’s a place where you can easily spend a few days. And there’s one place where that’s especially easy: the cōmodo.

A former spa hotel serves as the setting for the cōmodo. Its history is still palpable, yet there is no attempt here to simply revive the past. Instead, the architecture of the old building blends with a design inspired by the mid-century style of the 1960s and 1970s.

Depending on the category, the 70 rooms and suites offer a wide variety of views of Bad Gastein. Some overlook the valley, while others face the quieter forest side. The amenities are designed for relaxing days: spacious rain showers, comfortable beds, and plenty of space to unwind after a day in the mountains. The four suites feature a freestanding bathtub, and the Garden Suites are also equipped with a record player. These small details make your stay enjoyable without being overly conspicuous.

The Gastein Valley awaits outside. In winter, some 220 kilometers of slopes offer plenty of opportunities for long days on skis. Those who prefer to take it easy can explore the snow-covered landscape on foot or simply start the day a little later. Back at the hotel, it’s time to head to the spa. You can swim a few laps in the 11-meter-long indoor pool, followed by a visit to one of the two saunas or a spa treatment. A sunny spot on the terrace is also part of the experience.

All in all, the cōmodo is a place where you’ll want to linger a little longer. The lobby feels more like a spacious living room than a traditional hotel lobby. Books, art, and carefully curated finds sit alongside vintage furniture, and at the bar, the evening’s drink is being mixed. The restaurant serves modern Austrian cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients and local products. Winter outside, a set table inside, and the tranquility to let the evening unfold slowly. You could definitely get used to that!

There are many reasons why Bad Gastein is worth a visit. Its distinctive architecture, alpine landscape, and long history as a spa town make it an interesting destination even away from the ski slopes. The cōmodo fits right in here. Not as a classic mountain hotel, but as a relaxed base for a few winter days. With plenty of reasons to be outdoors and just as many to stay indoors.

Photos: the comodo (PION STUDIO)