We have just returned from St.Wolfgang,Austria,following our annual ski trip.We had the pleasure of staying at the Hotel Cortisen,a family run hotel by the side of Wolgangsee.On our arrival we were given a warm welcome from Roland Ballner,the owner,who gave us a tour of the hotel and the chance to upgrade our room to a suite,which we did. We chose the 'Indian Spirit Suite',one of several individually decorated suites.It included a jacuzzi,CD system,Wide Screen TV and DVD player and had plenty of space and ample storage for all our clothes.The decor of each of the suites is reflected in its name i.e. The White Suite,The Red Suite etc.
The main hotel is also decorated with good use of colour tones and materials.Roland is well travelled and this is also conveyed in the decor with a subtle blend of Austrian tradition,Colonial influences and a touch of Art Deco combined with the more contemporary.This all creates a very warm and peaceful feel to the premises.Even the seating in the lounge area is close enough to be involved whilst still separated to allow for more privacy if so desired.A profusion of books are placed all around for your enjoyment,they tend to be on certain subjects such as Wines,Tea,Hotels Worldwide,Decoration and use of Colour, Food and Cigars. There is a Cigar Lounge,called 'The Blue in the Face' which features many books on the subject. Good wines and cigars are amongst Rolands special interests !
The restaurant matches in well with the rest of the property and is well laid out and nicely lit.The food was very good indeed with good choices and some very interesting flavours,we certainly did not go hungry ! There is also an extensive list of over 160 wines so something to suit all tastes. The staff were brilliant,always cheery and very helpful with local knowledge,a real credit to the hotel.
There is a very well equipped gym on the first floor,with Technogym machines,just right for keeping fit or stretching out the aches of strenuous skiing.Add to that the sauna and steamroom complex on the third floor and the massage and beauty treatments available and you can really pamper yourself ,or someone else !
In all we had an excellent holiday and most of that was due to staying at the Cortisen.Would we go back ? Do you really have to ask !
And finally a note for the skiers amongst you,the ski-hire shop is right next door and the Ski bus stops outside the hotel,what more could you want ?Try it,you'll love it,we did !

The best hotel I have ever stayed at. The Sweet suite that we stayed in was beautiful, with amazing views and a lovely spa bath. The staff were very friendly and the service excellent. We are planning to go back to the hotel at some point in 2008.

We went to the Cortisen for our first ski holiday. The hotel is beautiful and the service was second to none. The food was excellent and freshly cooked. All round it was an excellent holiday and we would recommend the hotel and the area to everyone. Definitely not to be missed and we cannot wait to visit again.

We also stayed at the Cortisen Am See from 5th -12th Jan 2008.

From the moment we arrived at this small and friendly hotel, we were made to feel like "Kings". The helpful staff could not do enough to help, and made sure that they catered for your every whim!

We pre-booked the "African Suite" on the second floor. It was very nice and overlooked the lake. Well worth the extra money we paid for the upgrade. Room was spotless on arrival, and the maids kept it spotless throughout the week.

The hotel is well laid out with a small bar, cigar room, and fantastic relaxing area up on the third floor. Here you will find a choice of 2 sauna, and a steam room, togther with waterbeds to relax on. Herbal teas are available here at no cost. We used this area everyday to relax after skiing.

Food at the Cortisen was first class. I would return to the Cortisen for the food alone, and the waitresses made sure that you had everything you wanted.

The Village of St.Wolfgang was very quiet while we were there but we expected that as it is out of season. Although we went for a ski holiday, this is more a summer resort. The Ski area in postalm is only really for beginners, with a few drag lifts in operation, and one chair lift. The ski runs are very short, and there is a lack of proper runs. The ski area of Postalm, is at least 35 minutes from the Cortisen. There are other Ski areas, but they are further still.


All in all, I would say that this is a very well run hotel, and would love to return here one day, maybe next time in the summer though. If you are thinking of booking to go on holiday here then you will love it.