„Vacations with family are a time to create lasting memories, to laugh and to simply be together.“- John Wooden, Das Zeitwert
Sometimes you just have to get away. Away from everyday life, away from the city, away from your head. That was exactly the plan when I escaped with my mom to the Hotel Zeitwert in Styria (Steiermark) for a weekend.
A mother-daughter trip, just the two of us, surrounded by nature. No appointments, no obligations. Simply time for conversation, relaxation, good food, and a bit of sun on our skin. We laughed, discussed, were silent, breathed – and above all: enjoyed the moment.
And I’ll say it right away: This hotel Zeitwert made our little escape from everyday life perfect.
The hotel
From the moment we arrived, it was clear: Zeitwert isn’t your run-of-the-mill hotel. It has that „Wow, I’d love to stay here“ vibe that permeates not only the architecture but also the atmosphere. Modern, but not cold. Minimalist, but not empty. And above all: genuinely thoughtful.
“ … just clean lines „
You can tell that someone put their heart and soul into the concept. The materials are high-quality, the colors soothing, the rooms feel open and inviting. No unnecessary frills, no kitsch – just clean lines, lots of wood, subtle colors, and a harmony you rarely find.
It’s the perfect setting to unwind. You walk in and feel as if someone has pressed the pause button. Everything is quieter, slower, more mindful.
Our room
Our room in the hotel Zeitwert was on the second floor – and objectively speaking (hehe), had the best view in the entire hotel. The balcony overlooks the pool area and the green surroundings. Waking up every morning and seeing that view? Pure magic.
The room was spacious inside – which I really appreciated. Because, let’s be honest: Two women on a short vacation means suitcases, cosmetics, clothes for every possible weather condition and mood. You need space. And that’s exactly what we had.
“ It was somehow calming…“
The bed was huge and incredibly comfortable. The decor? Tasteful and functional at the same time. The bathroom had a large shower and plenty of counter space (finally, a hotel that understands that you have more than one toothbrush!). Everything was spotlessly clean and in excellent condition.
I especially liked the fact that you could see the sky and the mountains from the bed through the large window. It was somehow calming – and at the same time the perfect incentive to take a walk as the first thing in the morning (which we didn’t do out of laziness, but dragged ourselves to the breakfast table first…).
The breakfast
For me, breakfast at the hotel Zeitwert is the ultimate holiday criterion. If it’s good, I’ll forgive almost anything else. And here: jackpot!
The breakfast included in the price was a real experience – and we thoroughly enjoyed it on both days. The selection? Fantastic. There was everything you could wish for:
“ quality of the products „
Fresh pastries of all kinds, crispy croissants, hearty farmhouse bread. Plus a huge selection of spreads, cheese, ham, fresh fruit, muesli, yogurt, homemade cakes, and even little surprises like waffles or vegan options.
What particularly pleased me was the quality of the products. None of them seemed like they came from a supermarket – you could taste the regionality, care, and freshness. The coffee was also excellent (extremely important to me personally), as was the ambiance in the breakfast area: quiet, bright, and relaxing.
We sat there for a long time. A very long time. And it was such a lovely moment: me with my cappuccino, Mom with her coffee, a table set full of our favorite things, and plenty of time to chat.
The hike
On Saturday morning, we finally wanted to get a little exercise—after all that relaxing lounging, eating, and doing nothing. So we set off on a hike around Hollenegg Castle. A beautiful route, we thought. Nature, a bit of exercise, maybe a few photos.
Well, the reality was… let’s just say: more adventurous. We got lost twice. No joke. The trail signs? Practically nonexistent. Google Maps? Completely confused.
Luckily, I eventually managed to open the hiking map on Google Earth (this is where tech savvy pays off). So we finally arrived – but instead of the planned 1.5 hours, it took only three of us.
“ Our sense of humor „
What saved us? Our sense of humor – and the view of the pool afterward. Nevertheless, I have to say: The landscape around the castle is beautiful. Old tree-lined avenues, rolling hills, a hint of history in the air. And despite the disorientation, it was somehow an experience we wouldn’t want to miss. Adventurous, chaotic, but so typical of us two.
The castle:
The pool area and the small spa
After the hike, it was clear: We needed water. Now, immediately.
The pool area at Zeitwert is truly a dream. A large, heated outdoor pool that not only looks beautiful but is also superbly maintained. The water was pleasantly warm, the air was hot—perfect for an entire afternoon of poolside relaxation.
What absolutely thrilled me were the loungers. Soft, spacious, not those typical plastic ones with scratchy towels on them. They were real daybeds where you can lie, read, doze, and stretch out. We spent hours there – with a view of the sky, the forest in the background, and the gentle lapping of the water.
“ …with a view of the sky „
There’s also a small, free tea bar by the pool – with water, tea, nuts, and dried fruit. A really nice touch! But: I missed the Aperol a little bit. Don’t get me wrong, of course I ordered one, but I would have preferred an easier option. Because: Unfortunately, there isn’t a proper pool bar. If you want something „proper“ to drink (e.g., a cocktail or a glass of wine), you have to go up to the restaurant or order there. And that’s – let’s be honest – not ideal when you’re walking around in a bikini. A small bar or service while lying down would really elevate the stay to the next level.
The indoor spa area of Zeitwert is small but lovingly designed – with a sauna, steam bath, and relaxation room. We didn’t use it because of the heat, though. I imagine it would be really nice on cooler days.
The dinner
In the evenings, we ate – both times – at the hotel’s own restaurant, „Kaorl.“ And here I have to differentiate a bit.
The location is great, the service friendly, the setting stylish. And the menu is also exciting – a modern interpretation, with a regional touch and creative ideas. Sounds great, right?
“ Let´s be honest „
Unfortunately, the execution wasn’t quite our cup of tea. Some dishes were heavily spiced or so reinterpreted that you couldn’t even recognize the actual flavor. It didn’t taste bad, but sometimes you just want a pumpkin dish to taste like pumpkin—and not like 12 other things layered on top of it.
I totally understand the aspirations of modern, creative cuisine—but a little more simplicity would have been good here. Especially when you’ve been out and about a lot during the day and are simply looking forward to good, honest food in the evening.
In short: It wasn’t a flop, but it wasn’t a highlight either. Next time, we might eat out or ask if they have something more „classic.“
my summary
This weekend was exactly what we needed. A break from the noise, the pace, the chores. Instead: nature, conversation, sun, water – and plenty of time together. The Hotel Zeitwert absolutely won us over with its quiet elegance, beautiful design, and relaxed atmosphere. The minor flaws – like the missing pool bar or the somewhat overly ambitious dinner – are quickly forgiven when you consider how perfectly everything else worked out.
We returned to Vienna with a slight sunburn, a full heart, and the firm resolve to do these mom-daughter retreats more often. Because it feels so good. Because they’re so special. And because sometimes it’s exactly what you need: a weekend filled with quality time.
xoxo, Vanessa
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