Hotel Alpenland

For a reasonably priced place to stay in Lech, the Hotel Alpenland is truly a jewel. It is built in the Tyrolean style—a pretty, white chalet with wood trim, carved balconies, green-shuttered windows, and flowerboxes spilling over with red geraniums. The location is perfect—sitting in a meadow above Lech’s main street, yet looking out to the mountains over meadows of wildflowers. Although the exterior is attractive, it is what you find within that sets the Hotel Alpenland apart from the many similar chalets nearby. The gracious owner, Priska Jochum, has both a talent for decorating and a flair for making guests comfortable. From the moment you enter you find a romantic mood enhanced by Oriental carpets, beautiful chests, hats hanging on the walls, fresh flowers, painted armoires, spinning wheels, and antique dolls. But there is no clutter: everything is fresh and pretty. Beyond the reception area is the attractive dining room, retaining the country motif with paneled walls and ceiling. In summer, only breakfast is served but dinner is also available in winter. The bedrooms are located on the three upper floors, those on the top level tucked cozily up under the eaves. The comfort and ambiance rival many of the deluxe hotels in town. Frau Jochum is constantly making improvements, and after looking at every room, I decided that those with the pine-paneled sitting areas were certainly my favorites.