The Die Hochkönigin hotel in Maria Alm, Austria: ski-in, ski-out with a ten-seat starred restaurant

In Maria Alm, in the Salzburg region, the Die Hochkönigin hotel brings together a MICHELIN Key, a ten-seat starred restaurant and an adults-only rooftop spa, right at the foot of the slopes. Winter stays resume on 4 December 2026, the day before the Hochkönig ski area is due to open on 5 December.

☰Contents

1. From a 1979 village inn to a MICHELIN Key
2. Ski-in, ski-out from 5 December 2026
3. A 17-metre pool facing the peaks
4. On the roof, a spa with no children allowed
5. Why does RAR have only ten seats?
6. 76 rooms, from Cosy to suites with a sauna
7. How much is a night in January 2027?

From a 1979 village inn to a MICHELIN Key

The story begins in 1979, when Notburga and Alois Hörl opened the Thalerhof, a village inn with a handful of rooms. Enlarged generation after generation, the house became the Hochkönigin in 2019, after major building work, then gained a rooftop spa in 2024. Since 2023, Stefanie Geisler-Hörl and Thomas Hörl have run it together.

With 76 rooms, the house has been awarded a MICHELIN Key, the distinction the guide reserves for hotels, for the second year running according to the hotel.

Ski-in, ski-out from 5 December 2026

The hotel bills itself as a ski-in, ski-out property: just a few steps separate the front door from the Hochkönig slopes, with no shuttle needed. The area is part of Ski amadé, a network of more than 760 kilometres of runs. According to the Austrian National Tourist Office, the Hochkönig’s 2026-2027 season will run from 5 December to 4 April. For comparison, see the new luxury ski hotels this winter.

A 17-metre pool facing the peaks

The QUEEN Spa is spread over two levels. Outside, a heated 17-metre infinity pool and a hot tub facing the Hochkönig; inside, a pool, a steam room and two saunas. The saunas are open only to guests aged 16 and over, while families have their own Family Spa and a 600 m² games room.

On the roof, a spa with no children allowed

Added in 2024 at the very top of the hotel, the TIARA Spa is reserved for adults. It features a relaxation pool with a built-in whirlpool, a panoramic Finnish sauna, a bio sauna, relaxation rooms and terraces, facing the cliffs of the Steinernes Meer and the bell tower of Maria Alm. Fans of mountain spas should also read our review of the Mountain Resort Feuerberg, in Carinthia.

Why does RAR have only ten seats?

RAR Fine Dining won its first MICHELIN star in 2026, in the Austrian selection published on 18 March. Beneath a vaulted ceiling, it lays just ten places, Wednesday to Saturday. Chef Maximilian Reuter, who trained at Bobby Bräuer’s EssZimmer in Munich, pairs Alpine tradition with Asian touches, using beef from the family’s organic farm and herbs from the garden.

Two menus of five or seven courses: Asian Alpin and Asian Green, entirely vegan, with a non-alcoholic drinks pairing. Allow about three hours, from age 14, and book separately: dinner is not included in the board. The hotel also claims three toques in Gault&Millau.

76 rooms, from Cosy to suites with a sauna

Oiled oak and patterned wallpaper: rooms range from the 25 m² Cosy to studios of 30 and 35 m², then the Comfort (43 m²), Premium, Sky and Penthouse Spa suites, some with a private sauna. The gourmet board includes breakfast, an afternoon snack and a six-course dinner. Worth knowing: the Westflügel studios overlook the Dengl Alm, a nightclub open in winter until 4am.

How much is a night in January 2027?

Checked on 21 October 2026: €565 for the night of 12 to 13 January 2027 for two adults in a 22 m² Comfort Double room, breakfast included and free cancellation until 13 December; €634 with half board. Booked direct, the Advent package (three nights with gourmet board, from 4 to 20 December 2026) starts at €663 per person. More ski-in, ski-out addresses feature in our selection of hotels at the foot of the slopes.