Elegant yet warm boutique hotel in lakeside Bregenz with relaxed vibe and soft design

Hotel Kleiner Löwe / Bregenz / Vorarlberg / Austria

The first time I went abroad on my own was when I was 16 and signed up for a Summer course to improve my German. I chose between Salzburg and Bregenz and in the end decided for the latter, considering the lakeside location. I had a great Summer, staying with my Austrian host family, forever cementing my love for this country and for this region in particular. So when we decided to return, I already had a bias. I knew I was going to be overly positive with everything that had to do with this town. But the thing is, even if I would have been the grumpiest of travelers, it would have been impossible not to fall for this gem of a hotel, the Kleiner Löwe.

Local couple Lisa and Johannes have created something truly unique. An urban hotel with contemporary design which still feels warm and homely. When they set out on their journey they contacted Swiss architect firm Herzog & de Meuron who have created stunning buildings like the Elbe Philharmonie in Hamburg and the iconic National Stadium in Beijing, better know as the Bird’s Nest, for the 2008 Summer Olympics. It took a couple of conversation before they were fully onboard to take on this boutique hotel project. And when seeing the result, I am really happy they did.

This 8-key boutique hotel is squeezed in between two other buildings on the leafy Kornmarkt Square in central Bregenz. The facade is classic Art Nouveau but what stands out as soon as the hotel comes into view, is the curved, white roof, which has an almost industrial element to it.

If I were to choose one word to describe the look of Kleiner Löwe, it would be soft. There is a softness, both when it comes to the color scheme and the shapes and angles of the interior. Everything feels like it has been made to be touched. The gentle curve of the bathroom shelf, the intarsia wooden floor made to look like a carpet, the soft pistachio-colored head board or the curved, tiled wall of the shower.

Kleiner Löwe and Bregenz are both perfect for lazy days by the lake. If you are after a more active vacation there are ample options. Or you just gear down and adapt to the local pace and have another aperitif in the shade.

The reception/bar/lounge area with its beautiful floors and tall ceilings.

M is having a sit down during check in, enjoying a cup of coffee.

I am a sucker for intarsia. I love to see how they have created what looks like a carpet in the wooden floor.

There are very few straight angles in the design. Most items have a curved, soft look.

There is an honesty bar on both floors (the 8 rooms are spread over two floors) where you can make a cup of coffee or something stronger if you prefer.

M is heading downstairs to go to the lake for a morning dip. The design of the stairs has a ship-like look to it.

M is enjoying the cool waters of Lake Constance.

Back at the hotel after the dip, in time for breakfast.

In the afternoon you can have something cool to drink or maybe some ice cream.

M is enjoying a fresh drink in the hot Austrian Summer evening.

One of our favorite places to visit was this bar on one of the old wooden piers. A perfect place for an afternoon aperitivo.

If you want to explore other parts of the lake, Meersburg a bit further up the coast, on the German side is well worth a visit.

We are always on the lookout for great coffee and bake goods. Found a great French-inspired bakery with a couple of outposts just outside Bregenz.

The almond croissant and the lemon meringue cake were insane.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…want to experience a uniquely designed boutique hotel where lake-life is infused with Austrian hospitality in a beautiful building, combing old Austrian traditions with contemporary ideas.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is that the Lisa and Johannes are not just the owners of the hotel but they are present in the everyday. I love when the people that own the hotel show up for breakfast, to check you in or to serve an aperitif in the afternoon sun. No one will ever look after you better than the owners themselves.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to go for a morning dip in Lake Constance. We went down early in the morning and hung out with the locals on one of the nearby piers and enjoyed letter the chilly lake water start up the body. And after the dip, to head back to the hotel in time for breakfast. And coffee!

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Aggershøj / Ærø, Denmark

Tuba Club / Marseille, France

Casa Modesto / Olãho, Portugal