Adults-only Austrian lifestyle hotel with whimsical design and outstanding breakfast

Hotel SEPP / Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer / Salzburgerland / Austria

The Austrians sure know hospitality. Sometimes I think it is somehow in their DNA. The way they welcome you, look after you, feed you and always making sure that nothing is missing in your life. This art (yes, especially nowadays it deserves to be called an art) of hospitality was something I discovered in my early twenties when I was living and working in Austria and that I have been addicted to ever since. And this art form is very much alive and present at this place, Hotel SEPP in Maria Alm.

As you approach the SEPP it is difficult to know what to expect. The exterior is this fascinating mix of traditional and modern with some really quirky elements thrown in, like a vintage Air Stream caravan hanging on to the edge of the roof. But the thing is, what you see on the outside is exactly what you’ll get on the inside. Isn’t it great when the book matches its cover? It is unconventional, quirky, unexpected but at the same time traditional, subtle and classic. What does this mean in reality? I hope my photos give you an idea.

This 40 key hotel offers rooms in five different categories ranging from Cozy via Roomy and Sporty to Woody and Luxury. And what could be good to know is that SEPP is adults-only meaning that you have to be over 21 to stay here. This is one of the things that adds to this hotel’s urban, relaxed vibe. For example when lounging by (or in) the roof top infinity pool with views of the surrounding peaks, all you hear is the low voices from fellow travelers accompanied by soft loung music. My favorite sound combo during my afternoon snooze in the shade.

As you might have figured, Hotel SEPP is like an Alpine small scale resort. One of those kind of hotels where you can hang in your hotel throughout your stay if you want to. But the thing is that you will want to leave. There is so much to see and do in the Hochkönig region, offering some of the most stunning sceneries Austria has in store. And once you are done exploring, there is a sun bed and an Aperol waiting for you on the roof top terrace.

I don’t know if it get’s any more Austrian than this. This is the cute village of Maria Alm and…

…it’s here you’ll find the fun and quirky Hotel SEPP. And yes, that is an Airstream hanging on to the edge of the roof…

…and when you stand beneath this is what you’ll see when looking up. Why is there an Airstream on the roof one might ask? Good question, but more about that later.

The exterior of the SEPP is an inspiring mix of traditional and contemporary, put together in an almost anarchistic manner, ignoring architectural design rules.

The reception is on the 4th floor so the first thing you’ll see is the elevator made to look like an old cable car gondola. There are live screens showing outdoor scenery from Maria Alm to make it feel like you are actually in an gondola riding up the mountain..

When you reach the 4th floor it is all open plan. The reception, bar, restaurant and outdoor terrace melts into one open, friendly and vibrant space.

I took the stairs down two floors to our room. Always like to check out the stairs. You know, for me that is a good way to see if a hotel takes their design idea all the way or if they cheat on the details. At SEPP the design scheme includes every single corner of the hotel.

Fell in love with this vintage bubble gum machine standing by the entrance.

Our cozy room with floor to ceiling windows flooding the space with light. The design is so tactile, with the bed frame being made out of repurposed wood and…

…the wall covered in sage colored tiles. Not often you see that in a hotel room. I appreciate the traditional touch of having embroidered pillow cases.

The shower room with the same tiles as the wall behind the bed. A great way to connect the different corners of the room and creating a cohesive look and feel.

This is from the bathroom closes to the pool. Another example of unexpected design in the SEPP. A sleek, black shower room with contemporary mirrors and light fixtures.

One of the best features of the hotel is the roof top pool. Our favorite thing was to get up early, just as the sun rose…

…and we had the place all to ourselves. I guess it is true what they say about the early bird.

So back to the Airstream. Why is there one parked on the roof of this hotel?

And this is how it looks inside. So unique and clever.

Ok, I have to rave about the breakfast. Have you ever seen a breakfast look more enticing than this!? I didn’t know where to start.

Just a piece of advice, don’t eat dinner too late because you will want to come to this breakfast hungry like a bear.

When in the Alps, you hike. It is a must. It is like the mountains are calling your name. I totally understand what Maria von Trapp in Sound of Music was on about.

And the best way to end a hike is to find a creek somewhere (there is always at least one in every village) to cool off in the fresh water.

And after som R&R by and in the hotel pool, followed by some sauna time, I love to go for a walk in the village to build up an appetite before dinner. The mountains are their most stunning at sunset.

And when in Austria it is mandatory for me to dig my spoon into a traditional Kasnock’n. You will need at least one Schnapps afterwards to digest this rich and delicious dish.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…like me, love the mountains but you still think it is a great idea to stay in a hotel with an urban feel while being in a picture perfect Austrian village. If you like your service to be warm and friendly (basically typically Austrian) and you prefer your hotel to be adults-only, then you are going to love SEPP.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the breakfast. It is like something I have never seen before. The presentation was like some kind of art installation and the selection was beyond imagination. We had breakfast for hours stuffing our faces with all the different goodies.

What not to miss when staying here is…

…to go out for some proper Austrian grub. We were recommend a restaurant called Bauernkasten, a short walk from the hotel. The Kasnock’n there was so delicious! And rich! We felt a need to hike both before and after to make up for it. Worth every single bite of cheesy magnificence.

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AEON Hotel, Soprabolzano, Italy

Milla Montis, Maranza, Italy

Wiesergut, Hinterglemm, Austria