General PR text
The Art of Encountering
The Arlberg Hospiz Hotel surprises the senses - with skiing, wine and modern
art
It is a landmark of the Arlberg: the Arlberg Hospiz Hotel, located in St. Christoph at over 1800
metres above sea level. Its name already reveals something of its history. It was built over 625
years ago as a sanctuary for travellers crossing the Arlberg pass. Centuries later, it witnessed the
birth of Alpine skiing and was soon part of the flourishing winter sport in one of the world’s most
beautiful skiing regions. People of distinction flocked here, to one of the region’s first 5-star hotels.
“Things have changed somewhat since then,” explains the 43rd proprietor of the Arlberg Hospiz
Hotel, Florian Werner, “as standing still won’t move us forward.” This is an attitude that he shares
with his father, Adi Werner. As a man of action, always devoted to the wellbeing of his guests, the
latter successfully transformed the hotel and the Hospiz Alm, which was built in 1988, into a Mecca
for wine lovers. Treasures from the most renowned châteaux in Bordeaux are now stored in the
two cellars - 5000 of them in larger format bottles. “Whenever there’s something to celebrate, an
Imperial or a 15-litre Nebukadnezar rounds off the evening perfectly,” explains Florian Werner
knowledgably. “Even more so when it’s an exceptional vintage from Château Cheval Blanc or Haut
Marbuzet.”
You can sense that the host is keen on continuity. Tradition in the best sense of the word. The
restaurateur spent his formative years in renowned restaurants and hotels throughout the world.
In 1993, he returned to his parents’ business. Four years later, Florian Werner took over the
management of the hotel. Today, he is actively supported by his wife, Ursula. Wine and skiing are
still a firm part of the philosophy of the establishment.
And yet: “To advance, a company needs to undergo a kind of mini cultural revolution every fifteen
to twenty years,” says Florian Werner with conviction. With this in mind, he has been extending the
offers available to his guests for some time now: modern art has found its way into the historic
building. “The works of art are stimulating, they represent feelings transformed into images,”
explains Florian Werner, himself an enthusiastic painter and collector. The hotel’s own gallery
measures over 1400 square metres. With an artist-in-residence programme, Florian Werner brings
budding artists to St. Christoph every year, initiating exciting encounters for his guests along the
way. In 2009, an annex exclusively dedicated to art also opened its doors: the Hospiz Galerie
Kunst Villa in Bregenz. This complements the Hospiz Galerie in St. Christoph and offers the
opportunity for further artistic encounters.
It’s not just art that gives Florian Werner the great serenity that he exudes. “In the mountains, we
know how to cope with extreme situations. Nothing much fazes us,” he explains pragmatically.
These are good characteristics for a strategist and thinker who takes his time to make decisions.
And always makes sure that the fire never goes out.
Moments of joy
The multitude of unique moments makes a holiday in the Alpine hotel something really special. The
new guiding philosophy of the establishment expresses this perfectly: “Our devotion to the ‘art of
the encounter’ means approaching people with a smile and with open eyes and ears. Making their
time as pleasant, varied and authentic as possible,” says Florian Werner. Accompanied, of course,
by everything that makes life so enjoyable.
“Naturally, everything is different today, grander, more beautiful and more elegant than it was
when the hotel was built. However, we are still inspired by a desire to bring people a little
happiness. In that sense, nothing has changed in the 625 years since the days of the first
proprietor, Heinrich Findelkind.”
And that’s exactly how it feels when you’re personally greeted by the proprietor; when you meet
senior proprietors Adi and Gerda as well as Florian’s wife, Ursula, and little Thaddaeus - a little ray
of sunshine - who was born in May 2010; when expert sommelier and cellarmaster, Hannes
Mossauer, lets you in on the secrets of the great wines, and when you return to the Arlberg Hospiz
Hotel after an exciting day’s skiing in the mountains. Exquisite cuisine, cosy lounges and the warm
hospitality of the Werner family combine to make a holiday here a unique experience. That’s the
art of encountering.
Summary
The art of encountering
It’s really just a building. Many, many years ago, it offered rest, recuperation and protection to
travellers. Not much has changed to this day. And yet, the people are very different now. The hosts
promote respect and an open mind, the staff are the epitome of authentic hospitality and the
visitors delight in every new development. And so, the building has become a hotbed of inspiration.
The art of the encounter – celebrated at the Arlberg Hospiz Hotel.
Culture is all around you here. On the walls, thanks to the host’s passion for art. In people’s
contact with each other, thanks to the honest belief that exceptional quality is more than just
outstanding service and exemplary furnishings. The stage is set for generosity and excellence. A
further masterpiece is the grandiose wine cellar with treasures the like of which will not just make
distinguished experts go weak at the knees.
The Arlberg Hospiz Hotel teaches you to see the world through different eyes, far from the hustle
and bustle of daily life. Despite the location right in the heart of a tranquil mountain world, “high
living” can also be understood in a completely figurative sense. Body and soul find peace here and
give the mind the necessary room to unfurl itself.
Emotions and atmosphere. In a place that stands for culture around the clock. On all the stages
that the building has to offer. This allows room for special experiences and personal encounters in
a unique environment.
The final applause goes to the Brotherhood of St. Christoph which resides at the Arlberg Hospiz
Hotel. It unites over 18,000 members and is there, without any great fanfare, when it’s needed for
charitable matters.
Arlberg Hospiz Hotel
Michaela Seyrling, MSc
Direktor Sales & Marketing
A-6580 St. Christoph / Tirol Austria
Tel. +43 (0)5446 2611
Fax. +43 (0)5446 3773
[email protected]
www.arlberghospiz.at