Escape to Austria: Luxurious Sauna Apartment in Sankt Lorenzen!
Escape to Austria: My Sauna Sanity Saver in Sankt Lorenzen (A Review That's Probably Too Long)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Escape to Austria: Luxurious Sauna Apartment in Sankt Lorenzen, and honestly, I’m still decompressing. And writing this… well, this isn’t going to be your standard, cookie-cutter review. Expect rambling. Expect oversharing. Expect me to probably forget some stuff, but definitely, definitely, expect to want to book this place immediately. (After you read this, of course. Gotta know what you're getting into, right?)
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Keywords: Austria, Sankt Lorenzen, Sauna, Apartment, Luxury, Spa, Wellness, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Family Friendly, Pet-Friendly (Not available), Air Conditioning, Mountain View, Review, Travel, Vacation.
Metadata Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of Escape to Austria: Luxurious Sauna Apartment in Sankt Lorenzen. Includes accessibility, amenities, dining, and personal experiences. Learn about the highs, lows, and quirky details for your next Austrian getaway.
Initial Impression & Holy Sauna, Batman! (And Other Ramblings)
First off, the drive was a bit… scenic. I mean, Austria. Duh. Mountains everywhere. But it also involved a slightly terrifying hairpin turn or two. (My inner child was screaming.) But when I finally pulled up, the place looked exactly like the pictures. Modern lines, that perfect mountain lodge vibe, and… wait for it… a sauna in the apartment. In the apartment! My jaw legitimately dropped. Like, the kind of drop that makes you look vaguely idiotic while you’re trying to simultaneously take your breath and your bag out of the car.
And let's be honest, this wasn't just any sauna. It was a proper sauna. Wood-paneled, with that heavenly cedar smell, and the promise of sweat-induced bliss. After a week of back-to-back meetings, work, and the general existential dread of modern life, this was exactly what I needed.
Accessibility & Navigating the (Mostly) Smooth Path:
Okay, so I booked this specifically because I'd heard good things about accessibility – my partner uses a wheelchair.. They claimed "wheelchair accessible" but let's get real, that can mean a lot of things.
Wheelchair accessibility: The apartment itself was fantastic. Wide doorways, everything on one level, and a roll-in shower situation that was actually functional. That alone deserves a gold star. Public areas? Mostly good, ramps where needed, and an elevator that worked! The biggest issue? The restaurant. Accessing some tables required a bit of maneuvering and the outdoor terrace had a slightly weird ramp, manageable but not ideal.
Elevator: Yes! Crucial for getting to higher floors, and thankfully, it was pretty speedy. No waiting around for the elevator, which is a huge win.
Additional Toilet: A lovely edition that saves on the 'morning shuffle'
Facilities for Disabled Guests: Well thought out and accessible.
Rooms Sanitized between stays: This made me feel a little safer in the world.
The All-Important “Things to Do” & Relaxation Factor (Yes, I'm Talking Sauna Again)
Okay, so. The sauna. Let's get real. I spent a shameful amount of time in that sauna. Like, hours. I'd crank the heat, pour water over the rocks, and just… exist. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. The kind of peacefulness that makes you forget you're staring down the barrel of a global pandemic.
Sauna, Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: YES, YES, AND OH MY GOD, YES! Besides the in-apartment sauna (which, again, was the highlight), there was a communal spa area with a gargantuan sauna, which I also tested. Steam room was a little too steamy for my taste, but hey, options are good.
Swimming pool and Pool with view: The outdoor pool was… well, breathtaking. The views were spectacular, even if the water was slightly chilly at first.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I intended to use the gym. I really did. But, you know… sauna. And mountains. And wine. Let's just say, my commitment to fitness wavered.
Ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage: Did not get a massage - regret. The foot bath looked amazing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because Food is Life)
Honestly, I was a little nervous about the food situation. My partner has dietary restrictions, and I'm a picky eater. But the restaurant at Escape to Austria did a surprisingly good job accommodating us.
Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement: They offered a buffet, which was pretty standard, but also had an a la carte menu with vegetarian options. They were very flexible about modifying dishes to suit my partner's needs.
Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: The breakfast buffet was… decent. Standard European fare: bread, cheese, cold cuts, fruit, cereal… I'd recommend ordering room service for some extra specialness!
Room service [24-hour]: This felt very luxurious! Being able to order a coffee whenever I could, after sauna-ing, was amazing. Coffee here was good…
Poolside bar, Bar: The poolside bar was a lifesaver. Aperol spritzes, anyone?
Coffee shop, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Bottle of water, Complimentary tea: Plenty of caffeine and a few other indulgences. Happy hour was a must-do for us.
Cleanliness & Safety (In the Age of Germs)
Look, I’m a bit of a germaphobe. Especially given the times. So, I paid very close attention to the cleanliness.
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: All of this felt… safe. Seriously, I was impressed. They took precautions seriously - and didn’t make me feel like a paranoid weirdo for noticing.
Hand sanitizer: EVERYWHERE. I appreciated it.
Cashless payment service: Another smart move.
First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call: Always good to have these.
The Nitty-Gritty: Amenities & Creature Comforts (Spoilers: They're Awesome)
Okay, so, the apartment itself… AMAZING. Here’s a rapid-fire list of things that made me swoon:
- Internet access – wireless, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services: Fast and reliable. Couldn't fault it.
- Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area: Crucial, since it got pretty warm.
- Available in all rooms, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Everything you could need and more. Seriously, the level of detail was impressive.
- Additional Amenities: The little touches. The welcome bottle of wine. The fresh flowers. The incredibly comfortable bed. The fluffy towels. Small things, maybe, but they add up to a huge difference.
- Non-smoking rooms: YES! No cigarette smell anywhere.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor/Outdoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Seriously, they thought of everything. I didn't feel like I had to worry about anything.
- Cash withdrawal: Very necessary!
- Concierge: Super helpful for booking excursions. *
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my disastrously-but-hopefully-charmingly planned Austrian adventure. This isn't your glossy travel brochure, this is real life, complete with questionable decisions, unexpected delights, and the inevitable existential crisis triggered by too much schnitzel. Let’s get this delightfully-messy show on the road!
ITINERARY: PLEASANT APARTMENT WITH SAUNA, SANKT LORENZEN OB MURAU, AUSTRIA (and surrounding chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and the Unfolding Disaster That Is My Luggage
- Morning: Okay, so this was supposed to start beautifully. Fly into Graz, pick up the rental car which, surprise, is manual transmission (because, you know, I totally drive stick shift like a pro) and…well, I'm already running late. Seriously, you wouldn’t believe the airport chaos. People everywhere, kids screaming, me sweating because I’m pretty sure my passport is now living a new life as a lint collector in some security guard’s pocket. Found it!
- Afternoon: Finally in the car (she's a beauty, a little silver Opel thing, and her name is Helga, obviously). First attempt at driving in Austria. Let’s just say, the roads are gorgeous, I am not. Stopped at a bakery just outside Graz for a Käsekrainer sausage because… Austria. It squirted delicious cheese everywhere. Good start.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrive at the "Pleasant Apartment with Sauna." Pleasant? More like blissfully pleasant. The view from the balcony… dear God. Mountains, trees… It's a postcard. Unpack. My luggage… is a mess. Half my clothes are crumpled from being shoved in last minute, there's a suspicious stain on my favorite hiking pants (probably from that Käsekrainer), and I swear I packed six pairs of boots and zero pairs of socks. FML. But hey, there's a sauna. Priorities.
- Evening: Attempt to use the sauna. Fail spectacularly. It's like a furnace! I'm in and out in about 3 minutes. I feel like a boiled lobster. Vow to master the sauna this trip. Order pizza from a local place because, again, I'm not exactly a chef. Pizza arrives: it’s actually… AMAZING. And the local beer! Now that's how you start a vacation.
Day 2: Hiking, Humidity, and a Headache that Won't Quit
- Morning: Wake up feeling like I’ve been wrestling bears. Blame the sauna. Attempt a hike. The trails are beautiful, the air is crisp, and I’m already regretting all the Käsekrainer sausage. I’m not exactly a hiking enthusiast, more like a "walk-slowly-and-admire-the-view" type.
- Late Morning: Discover a charming mountain hut! It's a tiny, cozy place, smelling of wood smoke and happiness. I order soup, because mountains + cold air makes you hungry. Best soup of my life. Discuss the meaning of life with a friendly, grumpy old man who keeps trying to teach me Austrian slang. I understand about 2% of it.
- Afternoon: A full-blown migraine descends. The beautiful views are now actively taunting me. Retreat to the apartment, take all the painkillers. Stare at the ceiling. Curse my decision to skip breakfast.
- Evening: The headache finally starts to fade just in time for me to drag my sorry self to a Gasthof (traditional Austrian inn). Eat Schnitzel. Get a side of potatoes. More beer. Talk to a friendly couple who teach me a few basic German phrases that all revolve around ordering more booze. Perfect. Feeling better, and for a moment, I think I'm almost in love with Austria.
Day 3: The Murau Brewery and the Search for the Perfect Strudel
- Morning: Decide to be ambitious! Visit the Murau Brewery – legendary! I'm not a beer aficionado, more like a "give me something cold and bubbly" kind of gal, but come on, Murau Brewery. This is part of Austrian history, right? I can't be the only person who has thought "wow I'm in Austria, so I'll go there."
- Mid-Morning: The brewery tour is actually fascinating. Learn about the brewing process, the history of the family behind the brewery, and all about the water from this region. Drink beer. Try all the beers. Become an accidental beer aficionado. Buy a ridiculous Murau Brewery t-shirt. Wear it proudly.
- Afternoon: The Strudel Quest begins. There is a local cafe that everyone raves about. Arrive at the cafe. They're out of Apfelstrudel. Panic. This cannot be happening! Eat a very good, but not perfect, Topfenstrudel (cheese). Vow to find the Apfelstrudel of my dreams. I'm starting to think this is going to be a life long quest.
- Late Afternoon: Drive, drive, drive! Find a bakery mentioned in a cryptic blog post I read. It's in the middle of nowhere. Is it even still open? Yes! The answer is Yes!! I can’t even describe it. The aroma! The layers! The flavor! It’s… transcendent. I buy three. Eat one immediately. Drive back to the apartment, feeling like a sugar-fueled god/goddess.
- Evening: Sauna attempt, round two. This time I manage to survive for a whole five minutes. Victory! Eat the second Apfelstrudel. Watch the sunset, feeling a deep sense of peace. Austria, you magnificent, frustrating, delicious beast.
Day 4: Adventures in Driving and a Really, Really Bad Cold
- Morning: Wake up with a cold. A terrible head cold. My sinuses are rebelling. My throat feels like sandpaper. The mountains are now blurry. My nose is running a river. This adventure is going downhill!
- Late Morning: Attempt to drive to a place. Wrong turn. Get hopelessly lost. Drive around a mountain for 40 minutes. Finally find the road. It's beautiful. I think. Can't be entirely sure behind my tear-filled eyes.
- Afternoon: Collapse in a cafe. People give me weird looks. They probably just think I’m overly emotional, which, fair. Order hot tea, which, in retrospect was a mistake.
- Evening: Go home. Cough. Sneeze. Eat the third Apfelstrudel (comfort food is a necessity at this point). Watch terrible Austrian television, which, despite my complete misunderstanding of the language, is strangely soothing. Huddle into bed, praying for a miracle.
Day 5: Sauna Salvation
- Morning: The cold still reigns - but! I decide to try a sauna. This is a test of my resolve.
- Mid-Morning: Sauna! Sauna! Sauna! This time I'm in for 10 minutes. I feel amazing. I can finally breathe. I love the sauna.
- Afternoon: Rest, water, and more Apfelstrudel (it's a pattern).
- Evening: Gasthof again! It's the place. Schnitzel again. My cold seems to ease for a moment as my beer helps. I spend a lot of time laughing, because I'm starting to feel genuinely happy for the first time this trip.
Day 6: Departure and the Bitter Sweet Tears
- Morning: Last morning. Pack things up. Look out the window. Everything's beautiful, even if I feel a little dead inside (thanks, cold).
- Afternoon: Final drive. Goodbye, Helga! Goodbye, Mountains! Goodbye, Sauna! Goodbye, Apfelstrudel! Saying goodbye makes me laugh and cry all at once.
- Evening: In airport. The plane. This is it. See you later Austria.
Final Thoughts: Did everything go as planned? Absolutely not. Was it perfect? Hell no. But was it an adventure? Absolutely. And would I do it all again in a heartbeat? Yes, in a heartbeat. I’d probably even pack socks this time. Maybe. Probably not. Austria, you crazy, beautiful, sausage-slinging, Apfelstrudel-baking, beer-brewing wonder. I will be back. Eventually. After a long nap and a giant box of tissues.
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Escape to Austria: Luxurious Sauna Apartment in Sankt Lorenzen – The Truth, No Sugarcoating!
So, what *IS* this place, exactly? Sounds fancy...
Okay, picture this: you're dreaming of escaping… Austria. The *luxury* part? Well, yeah. It's a swanky apartment in Sankt Lorenzen, which, FYI, is absolutely gorgeous, even with my slightly-less-than-perfect navigational skills. Think sleek modern design… with a *sauna* IN the apartment. Seriously. You can literally stumble out of bed, wrap yourself in a fluffy robe (provided!), and bake yourself into a relaxed pretzel. That's the core selling point, and frankly, it's pretty darn accurate.
Is the sauna REALLY that good? Because I’m a sauna snob…
Alright, sauna snob, come on down! Look, I'm no Viking, but I do *appreciate* a good sweat experience. This sauna? Stellar. It heats up FAST. And it's spacious enough to, I don’t know, maybe practice your interpretive dance routine? (No judgment here! I tried it. The heat *really* gets you in the mood). The only "downside"? You might accidentally spend ALL your time in there. I almost missed an entire afternoon of skiing because I was locked in a blissful sauna trance. Seriously, it's *that* good. Think about the detox! And the peace! Ah, the peace…
Okay, but what about the location? Is it… convenient?
Convenient… is a relative term, right? Sankt Lorenzen is a lovely little village. It’s close to bigger ski resorts, like the famous Planai in Schladming. Getting to the slopes involved a short drive/bus ride. Honestly, it took me a while to figure out which bus went where. The bus schedule was also something of a mystery and the signage wasn't exactly crystal clear. But hey! That's part of the adventure, right? It's a good base for all the snow you can dream of. The village itself is charming, there's a small market nearby for essentials (and wine, because, Austria!), and a few restaurants. Think of it as a gateway to serious Alpine awesome-ness.
The apartment itself… spacious? I’m bringing a hoard of luggage.
Spacious-ish. It’s modern, so the layout is smart. The kitchen’s well-equipped. The living room is comfy for snuggling up with a book *after* your sauna. And the bedroom? Cozy and dark enough to guarantee a good night's sleep. I even managed to squeeze my ridiculous amount of ski gear (and the emotional baggage I brought with me!) into the storage areas. But if you're traveling with, like, five suitcases and a pet elephant... maybe consider renting a bigger place. I mean, there's only so much even luxury can do, okay?
Anything… *unexpected?* Any hidden fees or weird quirks?
Oh, yes. Always something unexpected! First, READ the check-in instructions VERY carefully. I may or may not have wandered around in the dark for a good hour before I figured out how to get the key. The wifi... eh, sometimes it worked perfectly, other times, not so much. And one morning, the hot water seemed to have taken a vacation. Minor inconveniences, really. Also, be prepared to deal with my absolute arch-nemesis, the washing machine. It took me a full afternoon and a call to the friendly owner to figure out its Byzantine ways. Laundry day was a challenge of epic proportions, okay? But the owner was super helpful and super sweet.
What about the food? Is the area a foodie paradise?
Okay, food. Austria. Let’s talk about food. The restaurants in Sankt Lorenzen are… well, they're delicious. Hearty, traditional Austrian fare. Think schnitzel, dumplings, strudel. The portions are HUGE. And the beer is, obviously, fantastic. My advice? Pace yourself. Seriously. I may have overdone it on the first night and ended up waddling back to the apartment. I do not regret a single bite. Just… loosen your belt buckle. Also, the market has amazing local cheeses. Stock up!
So, is it worth the price tag? Be honest.
Here’s the brutal truth. It is *expensive*. No way around that. But… that sauna. That glorious, sweat-drenched, soul-cleansing sauna. The location, the peace, the sheer beauty of the Austrian Alps surrounding you… Honestly? It's worth it. IF you can budget for it. Look, I don't have a trust fund. I saved up. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was a truly restorative experience. It's a splurge, yes, but a splurge that leaves you feeling refreshed and ready to face… well, everything. (Except maybe that washing machine.) Go. But be prepared to fall in love.
What's the *worst* part? Give me the dirt!
The worst? Okay, brace yourself. The road leading up to the apartment can be a bit dicey in snowy conditions. I’m from California, and driving in snow is a skill I’m… developing. There was a moment, on a particularly icy morning, when I thought I might end up in a ditch. Thankfully, my car and I survived. Also, the parking situation can be a little tight. And I swear, the wifi *hated* me some days. But honestly? Even those minor annoyances faded away in the face of that sauna. Pure bliss. Seriously. Consider packing some extra patience and maybe some chains for your tires during winter time. And maybe, just maybe, leave the washing machine for another day.
Let's talk about the Sauna - I really want to know more about the Sauna
Okay, fine, let’s delve! That sauna! It had this amazing smell, a hint of wood and… something else, something subtly invigorating. The heat... it hits you, but in a good way, like a warm hug from a very efficient furnace. I spent hours in there, honestly. I tried different things. I tried doing nothing, just listening to the quiet hum of the heater. I tried meditation. I also attempted several (bad) singalongs. I even experimented with essential oils – eucalyptus, a little bit of lavender. It was pure therapy. It was so good that I literally timed my days around my sauna sessions. Skiing? Sauna first. Dinner? Sauna before. Sleeping? Nope, not a chance! I’d wake up at 3 am, and be like, "SAUNA TIME!" Yes! It was that good. It became an obsession. I was *that* person. The SaunaNomad Hotel Search
