There are hosts, and then there’s Gitti Strolz. The co-host of the Schmelzhof hotel in famous Lech am Arlberg masters the art of hospitality like few others. Just ask her guests, who often arrive stressed in winter but a few days later leave relaxed and happy. The secret? Gitti and her husband Robert see themselves as personal concierges for their clientele.
But this traditional house in one of the few remaining the ski paradises is not just a colorful, family-run home (with their son Arthur behind the bar and Jakob in the kitchen) – it’s also a place of style.
Last year, Gitti and her daughter Franziska redesigned many of the rooms, adding bold wallpapers, cozy beds, and modern lighting. Such daring experiments often go wrong, but at the Schmelzhof, it worked out well.
Time to sit down with Gitti at the blue bar and talk about her secret to creating the perfect space.
Tell us a bit about your journey from Upper Austria to Lech…
Gladly! I grew up in a hotel in Windischgarsten, which happens to be in the Austrian mountains as well, a little bit more in the middle of the country. My parents spent many ski holidays in Lech, and when it was time for me to get hands-on experience after hotel school, they sent me to the Zürserhof, a very classy 5-star hotel in Zürs (next to Lech). After my first season, I wanted more experience at the front desk, so I moved to Tannbergerhof in the center of Lech. That’s where I met the love of my life, Robert – he would always come by the bar after skiing with his friends. I was 18, and he was 17. While I worked in Lech and Robert was busy with the family business at Schmelzhof, we spent a lot of time together, and during vacations, we traveled to far-off places – like the United States. After six years, we moved together and got married at the Rote Wand Hotel in Zug. That’s how our journey began.
You mentioned that hospitality fascinated you from an early age, and you grew up in a hotel yourself. Were you already interested in the business as a child or teenager?
In Upper Austria, we had construction going on every year, and I always loved watching it. I think I inherited my passion for building from my father. When I joined the Schmelzhof, I immediately wanted to make changes. In 1994, we had our first big renovation: a new restaurant, hotel lobby with a day bar, and suites. That’s when I realized how much I was drawn to interior design and décor. I developed a real passion for it and often thought to myself that being an interior designer must be a beautiful job. The more I delved into the world of design, the more excited I became about beautiful spaces from all over Europe. On my travels, I gathered a lot of inspiration, and over the years, I developed a keen eye for fabrics, colors, and design.
And on top of all that, you raised four kids! How did you manage the challenge of running a hotel while also not neglecting your family?
The early years were definitely tough, especially since my three sons Josef-Anton, Arthur, and Jakob were born so close together – Franziska took her time a bit – and at the same time, I had to work in the kitchen. I was fortunate to have support from their grandmother, but it was still a challenging time. I tried to make conscious efforts to spend quality time with the kids, through special moments like family dinners, skiing, or carriage rides.
How would you describe the style of the Schmelzhof, and how does your personal character reflect in its design?
In one word: unique! The Schmelzhof has a modern chic but also a cozy and colorful vibe. My personal style is definitely reflected in the design – it’s vibrant, fun, and warm. It’s important to me that guests feel like they’re in someone’s home, where they are truly welcome. Our motto is “The hotel to feel at home,” and that’s exactly the feeling we want to create.
Is there a secret recipe for creating such a unique atmosphere?
It all starts with a feel for the space – that’s something you need to develop. It’s the most important thing. When I enter a hotel, the atmosphere has to feel right. That comes from many small but essential details: the right music, lit candles, a harmonious color scheme – all of these contribute. Since our hotel is a winter retreat, I place a lot of emphasis on making it cozy and inviting. I want our guests to sit in a chair and really feel the warmth of the surroundings.
That really is something special about Schmelzhof. Your guests relax in the lounge and by the fireplace, enjoying that wintery atmosphere…
Exactly. We purposely placed the open fireplace in the center of the room. This warm, welcoming vibe is essential to create a sense of relaxation and vacation. It’s a place where you can unwind, let go, and just have a good time. That’s what I look for when I’m away, too: I’m always drawn to individual boutique hotels that radiate personality, charm, and warmth. You can tell when someone has really put thought into creating a welcoming, cozy atmosphere. And that’s exactly what I want to offer at Schmelzhof.
So is the Schmelzhof constantly evolving?
I’ve always been very passionate about Schmelzhof and wanted to quickly turn the hotel into a real gem. I often had so many ideas that I wanted to move faster than my husband Robert preferred. As our “finance minister,” he had to rein me in sometimes, and he was often right. A dear friend from Argentina, who has traveled all over the world, once told me that Schmelzhof now has such a special atmosphere, and sometimes you just need to let things be and give them time to develop their own character. Her words really made me think and helped me realize that sometimes it’s okay to take a step back and let the existing elements speak for themselves.
If you look around the hotel, you can definitely feel a hint of Paris in the design. What makes the French capital so special to you?
Paris has always played a big role in my life – I have a deep personal connection to the city. When I was 17, I spent three months there learning French, and it was such a beautiful time in my life. And of course, Paris is a must for anyone passionate about design. We regularly visit the Maison & Objet trade fair there. I’m always fascinated by neighborhoods like Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Marais. The French way of life and their relaxed attitude have a huge influence on my approach to design. I feel so at home in Paris, and it inspires me in a way that no other city does.
We heard you’re even planning to attend a cooking school there…
Yes, that’s true! I’d love to go to Le Cordon Bleu, in my opinion, the best cooking school in the world. Honestly, I can relax while cooking. Plus, spending a week improving my French while wandering around Paris sounds pretty perfect.
Every morning you play Dean Martin’s “Good Morning Life” at breakfast – pretty loudly. What’s the story behind that?
After the pandemic, we had to close the bar at 10 p.m. and couldn’t play any music, which was a real shame because the Blue Bar is where our guests gather to end the day with laughter and celebration. So I thought, if we can’t have a party at night, we’ll have one in the morning! That’s when I started playing “Good Morning Life” by Dean Martin during breakfast, and I’d even dance along. The guests loved it, and it’s become a little tradition. The song brings good vibes – for both the guests and me – and it’s the perfect way to start the day with a smile.
The Schmelzhof is full of memories and has a close connection to the Ski Club Arlberg. Where does this connection come from, and what does the club mean to you?
I’ve been a member of the Ski Club for a long time, ever since I worked at the Tannbergerhof. Back then, I went skiing every day and was eager to be part of the club. What makes the Ski Club so special for me is its tradition and history. It’s deeply connected to the culture of Arlberg, and the classic Ski Club sweater is a symbol of that. I have great memories of the “Stammtische” (regular get-togethers) we organized – locals, employees, guests, and ski instructors all gathered around one table. We served special dishes like Ski Club Arlberg pasta and Apfelschmarrn, and often danced and celebrated until the early hours. Those gatherings were legendary and have really shaped the atmosphere of the house. For Robert, the Ski Club has always been close to his heart, and that’s reflected throughout Schmelzhof. The tradition and community the Ski Club fosters are truly special to me.
There are many famous ski resorts around the world, but many celebrities say they only want to come to Lech am Arlberg. Why do you think that is?
Growing up in a large hotel, I was used to high-profile guests. But for me, every guest is equally important, no matter their status. Everyone deserves the best service, and that’s what sets us apart. In Lech, we offer a unique mix of top-notch service with a warm, family-like atmosphere. Celebrities appreciate that they can vacation here without being treated any differently. Royal families feel just as comfortable here as any other guest.
Is there such a thing as a perfect ski day? If so, what does it look like for you?
Oh, absolutely! A perfect ski day starts early, with fresh snow and bright sunshine. I catch the first gondola up to Rüfikopf and take in the peace and vastness of the mountains. Then we ski down to Zürs and take the Madloch route back to the hotel. Carving down the slopes, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in the beauty of the landscape – it’s still unbeatable. After skiing, I sit on the White Rabbit sun terrace, have a bite to eat with Robert, and just enjoy the perfect day.
And then you get back to taking care of the guests, of course…
Yes, but I love doing that!
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Booking & Contacts
Schmelzhof Lech
Omesberg 370
6764 Lech am Arlberg
Austria
Open from December to April.
