Hotel Schloss Gabelhofen.
A family weekend Hundereise took us to Fohnsdorf in Styria. My favourite person, his parents, Che, Murphy, Donna (a Continental Bulldog belonging to the "in-laws") and I spent the night at Schloss Gabelhofen. So we have another hotel tip for you.
Arrival.
The historic moated castle has been part of Projekt Spielberg since 2014, where a number of events and several hotels are on offer. At these properties, dogs are not merely allowed — they are warmly welcomed. This wasn't just stated on the website; it was genuinely lived out at the hotel.
After crossing the bridge over the castle moat, we enter the courtyard and then the light, airy reception hall. The glass ceiling floods the tastefully decorated entrance with natural light. The young woman at the reception desk greets us warmly and, after check-in, accompanies us to our rooms.
The Room.
The style of the rooms is worthy of a Renaissance castle. But the dog welcome package leaves absolutely nothing to be desired either: a cosy little bed, an extra blanket, 2 bowls, a few poop bags, and of course the most important thing for our furry friends → treats!
Playtime — there's always time for that!
Everything a two-legged guest could wish for is also on hand. A generous, supremely comfortable bed — I should mention that we're always very critical about beds, because there's nothing quite like sleeping in your own — is complemented by a lounge area with a sofa and armchair, interesting books to browse, and fresh apples on the side table for a healthy dose of vitamins.
The bathroom is spacious, modern and well thought out. Worth a mention is the glass partition between the shower and the toilet — a certain degree of privacy between travel companions is important, or you negotiate the arrangement ;)
All in all, a chamber fit for a castle guest to feel truly at home!
Service and Cuisine.
What can I say?! The kitchen makes our foodie hearts beat faster.
The breakfast buffet has everything you need to start the day full of energy. Cheese, cold cuts, spreads, various breads and rolls, muesli and fruit, savoury fish options, and sweet treats are all laid out at the counter — various egg dishes, fresh coffee or tea can be ordered from the staff.
We dined in the hotel restaurant every evening and it delighted us every single time. As an appetiser, fresh bread is served with herb oil, natural rock salt, and tomato butter. A small amuse-bouche sets the taste buds singing before the personally selected à la carte dishes arrive. The verdict here is the same: superb!
The service staff are attentive and friendly. In the breakfast room, the café, at the bar, in the dining room — dogs are welcome everywhere (I genuinely can't think of anywhere in Schloss Gabelhofen where four-legged guests would be unwanted — the kitchen, perhaps...).
The waiters always ask whether we need water for our furry ones, and they don't roll their eyes when Che & Murphy sprawl out and block the way. We don't even get so much as a disapproving look when Murphy, in a moment of adolescent cheek, barks at a crawling toddler…
Other Offerings.
Hotel Schloss Gabelhofen hosts various cultural and culinary events depending on the season and occasion. Weddings and conferences can also be held on site. There is no dedicated spa area, but with prior booking and subject to availability, guests can use the wellness facilities at the partner property "Gschlössl".
Dog Facts Schloss Gabelhofen
Dogs allowed in all dining areas
Door sign "Four-legged guest resting — do not disturb!" on the room
Blanket, bowls, dog bed, poop bags & welcome treats for your furry companion
Water bowl for your four-legged friend at every meal
Poop bag dispenser next to the hotel at the start of the walkies route around the castle
Verdict.
This moated castle in Fohnsdorf is a residence that pampers guests with high-quality regional cuisine and conveys a true sense of noble living. The fact that all our dogs are genuinely welcome guests rounds off the picture perfectly.
In this blog post I tell you all about activities you can enjoy with your dog in this part of the Murtal.
This review is an entirely personal assessment and impression. I was neither asked nor paid by the hotel to write this. The stay was relaxing, dog-friendly, and delicious — so I simply couldn't keep it to myself.
