Romantik Hotel Krone

On a rainy day, we ducked into the restaurant through its open courtyard and were so glad we did. They took our request for a vegan meal seriously and responded with real warmth. The Curry Linsen Cremesuppe was carefully made, full of flavor, and wonderfully comforting. We kept thinking about it for the rest of the day in Lech. The service was thoughtful and attentive throughout.

We sat outside for food and drinks, with an astonishing view of the last slope. The staff were amazing, and so was the Gulasch soup.

We hadn't planned to stay here at all. We were driving from Meersberg, Germany, toward Innsbruck, but a major highway delay sent us onto smaller roads. When one of those roads was closed for reasons we never learned, we changed plans and kept heading south. It was getting late, so we stopped at Die Krones without knowing anything about it or having a reservation. The welcome was friendly, and everyone we met was exceptional. At check-in we chose one of two rooms, the one with a balcony and a view. After a pleasant chat with the manager, we were offered an even nicer room at no extra charge. The room and its view were stunning, with fine furnishings and an especially luxurious bathroom. We hadn't realized there was a beautiful, full-service spa, included in the price. I honestly hadn't seen anything so elegant and opulent before. We used it after checking in and again the next morning. A lovely full breakfast was included too. This became one of the highlights of our two-week trip through five countries. I feel lucky to have found this gem, and would give it a ten if I could.

Book ahead, and if you enjoy schnapps, take a look at the Schnapps Wagen. There's a huge selection to try. We had a meal for two, and the steak was probably the best I've ever tasted. The restaurant is nicely decorated, with a relaxed atmosphere that can feel fancy or whatever suits you. Dogs are welcome in certain areas.