Alpine resort in Austrian Alps with warm, colorful design oozing of 60s nostalgia
The Comodo / Bad Gastein / Salzburgerland / Austria
Bad Gastein, Austria is a place close to my heart. I used to work here as a ski guide in my twenties and to return is a feeling of nostalgia. And nostalgia is a word that is suitable to describe the Comodo Hotel, sitting on the northwest facing mountainside in the outskirts of this sleepy mountain resort. The reason for the nostalgia is the 60s design aesthetic that is the key element of the interior, being a showcase for modernism and eclecticism that were the cornerstones of that time.
The original building was constructed back in 1881 which was a period where Bad Gastein saw most of its expansion, where the rich and famous of the time came here for their spa treatments. This used to be a health resort in the 60s and like many buildings in this town, stood empty for many years until Berlin based architect Barbara Elwardt came across it during a vacation here and managed to later buy it. She enlisted Polish designer Piotr Wisniewski who took this on as his first solo project, creating a warm, colorful and unique design scheme oozing of positivism and happiness with a touch of 60s nostalgia. Elwardt has a plan to open 10 hotels in 10 years and her next project is a hotel just outside Berlin.
This 70-key hotel is all about contrasts, relaxation and activeness, inside and outside, traditional and contemporary. The hotel is leaning against the Graukogel mountain, opening up to the outside through floor-to-ceiling windows exhibiting the splendor of the Gastein valley. You’ll find custom made furniture and wall paper combined with original terrazzo floors and plush carpets. And all of this is embedded in rich, full colors ranging from deep red wine to a sunny, almost orang-y yellow framed by locally sourced wood.
Regardless when you decide to come here, I can ensure a stay with great food, unique design and some excellent views. I know that I am already looking forward to my next dose of Gastein nostalgia.
Welcome to the Comodo! A warm Alpine resort with a nostalgic 60s vibe.
The light lobby area is the first thing that catches your eye when entering the hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows exposing the stunning Gasteiner valley.
The reception area is designed in a rich red wine color combined with wooden elements.
A matching espresso machine that fits with the color scheme of the reception/bar area.
Heading up to our room. The different floors are designed with different colors.
Our room had several interesting design elements, like an exposed concrete wall against painted wooden paneling, original artwork and plush carpets.
Next to the window we had this 60s looking leather day bed, perfect for an afternoon snooze.
I love our bathroom with the bottle green tiles and soft lighting.
The bath room products from Viennese brand Saint Charles, especially made for the Comodo.
One of the elements that stands out at the Comodo, is the use of different lamps and lighting. This one was hanging in one of the corners of our room and a great mood light.
We stayed here early Autumn and my favorite thing to do was to get up early, bring my duvet with me and sit on the balcony in the chilly morning air watching the rising sun chase away the morning fog.
I love hotels that dare to use color in the design. This is the pool area, beautifully mixing tiles, wood and light.
A gentle morning swim while the sun is rising over the peaks of the Gasteiner valley.
One floor above the pool, you’ll find a huge outdoor terrace…
…and the sauna space. This is one of my favorite photos from my stay at the Comodo. There is something about the colors of the tiles, the geometric shapes, the light coming in through the windows and dark frame.
The spa reception in the same look and color as the main reception, showcasing the selection of Saint Charles products.
A gym with a view.
The library and co-working space, hidden in the back of the hotel.
Everywhere in the hotel you’ll find these bespoke carpets, making the hotel feel homey and warm.
The restaurant with original terrazzo floors and 60s looking furniture.
The space is framed by green plants which softens it up.
Out hiking with my friends Fanny, Malin and Susanne in the mountains of Gastein during a sunny, lovely Autumn day.
When in Bad Gastein it is almost mandatory to go into Salzburg, located 100 k north. A stunning little town by the Salzach river.
The narrow, cute streets of Salzburg.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…like conflicts in your design. If you like the feeling of an urban design hotel with an air of the eclectic 60s while staying in classic Alpine surroundings. If you are a fan of full service hotels with a colorful look, great food and excellent views you are going to feel right at home at the Comodo.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the bold use of colors. I have said it many times before in this blog, but I always want to salute hoteliers that dare to go for design that makes a statement. Here you’ll find burnt orange, bottle green, deep red wine and soft, sunny yellow. And this is inserted into this old 19th century building without destroying the heritage. Actually the opposite, it heightens it.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is to balance the time you spend indoors and outdoors. You don’t want to miss all that the Gasteiner Valley has to offer regardless what season you stay here, but you also don’t want to miss enjoying all that Comodo has to offer. The library, the food, the saunas, the roof top terrace, the pool, the bar and not to forget, the room.
If you like this hotel you might also like…
Ullr House, St. Anton, Austria
Hotel Sepp, Maria Alm, Austria
Icaro, Alpe di Siusi, Italy
