Lake Pressegger Heaven: Your Dream Apartment in Sankt Stefan Awaits!
Lake Pressegger Heaven: My (Slightly Chaotic) Escape to Austrian Bliss! (A Review)
Okay, so let's be real. Planning this trip to "Lake Pressegger Heaven" felt like herding cats. Finding the right apartment in Sankt Stefan was mission impossible until… well, until I actually found it. And listen, it wasn't perfect. It wasn't this pristine, Instagram-filtered wonderland. But it had something more important: a genuine soul. And yes, I am going to be a little bit messy with this review, just like my life is!
Accessibility Adventures & That Damn Elevator (or Lack Thereof)
First things first: Accessibility. They say wheelchair accessible and, bless their hearts, they try. But let's be honest, navigating the entire property solo was a bit of a workout. The actual apartment itself was quite accommodating, with ramps and wider doorways. But getting to the apartment? Let's just say the elevator situation was… a character. It was there. It worked. But it felt like it was powered by hamsters on tiny treadmills. If you're relying heavily on a wheelchair, maybe double-check the elevator's reliability before you book. (I'm looking at you, front desk! Did you check its efficiency?)
Okay, okay, I'm being negative. The Facilities for disabled guests, were, in fact, there. And that's a start, people!
Internet Blues (and the Glorious Wi-Fi Triumph!)
Alright, digital nomads and binge-watchers, listen up! Internet access is key. And good news, bad news. They claim Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. And (deep breath)… it's mostly true. The Wi-Fi itself was… decent. Streaming wasn't butter-smooth, but it got the job done. The Internet [LAN]? I was hopeful, but couldn't quite figure how to make it work in my room. Maybe I am too stupid-friendly to technology. But then again, maybe technology hates me. And there was Wi-Fi in public areas as well.
But hey, the free part was a win! And you know what? Sometimes, a slightly spotty connection forces you to actually look at the lake. A revolutionary concept, I know.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax & That Spa (Oh, That Spa!)
Okay, now we're talking. This is where Lake Pressegger Heaven truly shines. The Things to do list is endless. You could hike, bike, swim in the gorgeous lake (which, by the way, is cold! Like, "wake-you-right-up" cold!), or just… breathe. I spent a whole afternoon chilling on the Terrace, reading, and occasionally scaring small alpine birds (sorry, little guys!).
And the Spa… now, that was a game-changer. Forget the daily grind. Forget to-do lists. I dove headfirst into the bliss. I had a Massage. It was like being kneaded by angels (or at least, a very skilled masseuse).
- Sauna: Hot, steamy, and perfect for sweating out the stress of… well, everything.
- Steamroom: Even more steamy. I emerged looking like a slightly more relaxed prune.
- Pool with view: Stunning. Simply stunning. I spent hours gazing across the lake.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Didn't want to get out but the alpine chill almost convinced me otherwise.
- Spa/sauna: A beautiful marriage of relaxation.
The Fitness center was there, but honestly, after all the walking around, I just used the lake.
And one more thing: I didn't manage to get a Body scrub or Body wrap.
Cleanliness, Safety & That Whole Pandemic Thing
Okay, let's address the elephant (or, maybe, the invisible virus) in the room. Cleanliness and safety? They take it seriously. They went the extra mile. There was Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and staff that had clearly been trained regarding safety protocol. And you know what? It made me feel safe. The Hand sanitizer was everywhere, a reassuring presence. There was even a Doctor/nurse on call, although thankfully I didn't need their services! Anti-viral cleaning products are in action, and the Rooms sanitized between stays.
I am sure there was a lot of Hygiene certification going on as well.
While I did not opt-out of the Room sanitization, it's a nice option to have. I felt like their efforts were appreciated, so I felt very safe. They took the entire pandemic thing seriously.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (My Very Favorite Things)
Food, glorious food! Let's talk about the Dining, drinking, and snacking options, shall we? First of all, the Breakfast [buffet]. Omg. So much food. So much delicious, tempting food. There were Asian breakfast options as well as a more familiar Western breakfast. Seriously, I spent a good hour each morning just sampling everything. I mean, I had to, right? For "research" purposes.
- Restaurants: There was variety. I loved it.
- Coffee shop: The coffee was strong and the atmosphere was cozy.
- Poolside bar: Good for a refreshing drink after a swim (or a near-frostbite experience).
- Snack bar: Perfect for those mid-afternoon cravings.
- Bar: More a lounge, but I did enjoy a nice drink there in the evenings.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh, the desserts. Don't even get me started. I ate a ridiculous amount of Apfelstrudel. Guilty.
They had a A la carte in restaurant menu and also had offered alternative meal arrangements (which, I didn't need, thankfully). Also, the Happy hour was, well, happy.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Extras)
They have a boatload of Services and conveniences. The location is what I want, the service I need.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless. They also provided Linens.
- Coffee/tea maker: A lifesaver for those early mornings.
- Concierge: Super helpful, super friendly.
- Cash withdrawal
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Elevator: The slow one.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They're there.
- Ironing service: I didn't test it out, but good to know it's available.
- Luggage storage: Essential for the indecisive packer (like me).
- Laundry service:
- Meeting/banquet facilities:
- Invoice provided:
- Doorman
- Front desk [24-hour]
- Safety deposit boxes
- Terrace
- Smoking area
For the Kids (I Didn't Bring Any, But…)
I don't have kids, but I appreciate that they had options!
- Family/child friendly
- Kids facilities
- Babysitting service
Access, Safety & Security (Peace of Mind)
- CCTV in common areas
- Check-in/out [express]
- Check-in/out [private]
- Exterior corridor
- Fire extinguisher
- Front desk [24-hour]
- Non-smoking rooms
- Pets allowed (check ahead though).
- Safety/security feature
- Security [24-hour]
- Smoke alarms
- Soundproof rooms
Getting Around (The Important Stuff)
- Airport transfer
- Bicycle parking
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car park [on-site]
- Taxi service
- Valet parking
- Car power charging station
Available in All Rooms (The Nitty-Gritty)
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Coffee/tea maker
- Desk
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Mini bar
- Non-smoking
- Private bathroom
- Refrigerator
- Satellite/cable channels
- Seating area
- Shower
- Smoke detector
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Wake-up service
- **
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this is no meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is the messy, glorious chaos of my trip to Sankt Stefan near Lake Pressegger, Austria. Prepare for the inevitable typos, the existential musings on cheese, and the overwhelming joy (and occasional despair) of solo travel.
Pre-Trip Rambling (aka, the "Why the Hell Am I Doing This Again?" Phase)
The Urge: So, I don't know about you, but sometimes the world just feels…flat. Bland. I needed a hefty dose of "OMG, nature is glorious!" So, Austria. Mountains. Fresh Air. And maybe, just maybe, figuring out how to ski without looking like a deranged penguin. (Spoiler alert: the penguin look is probably inevitable).
The Apartment Fiasco (Slightly Over-Exaggerated): "Apartment in Sankt Stefan near Lake Pressegger". Sounds idyllic, right? Like something out of a fairytale! But for some reason, the reality of finding somewhere that isn't booked solid or requires a second mortgage to afford is a whole process. I'm talking hours of scrolling through websites, endless translations (seriously, my German is worse than "touristy"!), and the agonizing indecision of choosing between "rustic charm" (read: potentially freezing cold) and "modern convenience" (read: still probably freezing cold, but with a functioning dishwasher). Eventually I, thank the heavens, had a booking. The details are a little vague, but it's somewhere.
The Actual, Sort Of, Plan (More "Guidelines" Than "Rules")
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude, and the Allure of Apfelstrudel
- Morning (or, whenever I actually manage to pry myself out of bed): The flight! Oh, the flight. I hate airplanes. Too many people. Limited legroom. Questionable air quality. But hey, the promise of Austrian landscapes keeps me going. Landing in Klagenfurt. Breathe. And the rental car… please let it not be a deathtrap.
- Afternoon: The drive! OMG, the drive. The scenery is already breathtaking. Mountains, lakes, impossibly green fields. I'm pretty sure I made several involuntary "oooohs" and "ahhhhs." Arrive at the apartment. Hopefully, it’s as advertised and not some shack guarded by a grumpy badger. Unpack (or, more accurately, throw everything in a general direction). Side Quest: Find Apfelstrudel. This is a priority.
- Evening: Stroll around the lake. Take photos. Try not to look like a total tourist (impossible). I'll probably fail miserably at the whole "not-looking-like-a-tourist" bit, but hey, who cares? Dinner – a simple, home-cooked meal is my goal, and I'm hoping to get a handle of what's available in my new kitchen. Maybe some local cheese and delicious bread. And, of course, the obligatory glass of local wine. (Or two. Or three. No judgment here, people.)
Day 2: Skiing (Or, More Accurately, Falling Down a Mountain)
- The Dreaded Wake-up: Okay, let's be honest. I'm not going to be a skiing expert. Maybe, maybe, I'll manage to stay upright for more than five seconds. The goal? Not breaking anything.
- Morning: Gathering and getting ready. Drive to the ski resort. I'm not sure what to expect, so I’ll be as prepared as possible for freezing temperatures and a ton of snow.
- Afternoon: SKIING! Let's just call it "skiing-adjacent." More like "sliding with a lot of yelling." I'll be so proud if I can even manage a "pizza" without face-planting. The views, though. Even if I'm lying in the snow, cursing my lack of coordination, they'll be spectacular. The potential for comedic disaster is high, so I’ll try to embrace it.
- Evening: After the skiing… well, let's just say I'll be exhausted. Dinner at a local Gasthof (restaurant - a common type of restaurant in Austria). Goulash? Schnitzel? Something heavy and carb-loaded to replenish my energy. And maybe a celebratory (or commiserating) beer.
Day 3: A Lake Pressegger Love Affair and a Slight Cheese Obsession
- Morning: Wake up, hopefully after a good night's sleep. Today, I’m going to finally embrace the Lake Pressegger area. I'll try to do a bit of research, but I'm not going to be a slave to the schedule. Might try some hiking, or simply wander.
- Afternoon: Seriously, more lake time. Finding a nice spot by the lake and just… existing. Reading. Absorbing the quiet. This is what I need. And maybe, just maybe, a spontaneous swim (if the water isn't too shockingly cold).
- Evening: Cheese. Cheese. Cheese. The Great Alpine Gastronomy. I'm going to make it my personal mission to find the best cheese shops in the area. I’ll try ALL the cheeses. I'll eat them with bread, with fruit, with a glass of wine. I might even dream of cheese. This requires a thorough investigation of local specialties. It’s my duty.
Day 4: Heiligenblut, History, and the Hopes of High Altitude Charm
- Morning: I'm heading to Heiligenblut. My initial research suggests it’s a stunning village nestled at the foot of the Grossglockner (the highest mountain in Austria). I'll need to check out the area's charm.
- Afternoon: Explore Heiligenblut. Soak it all in. Take photos of the quaint church (maybe I’ll go inside), wander the streets, and breathe.
- Evening: A nice dinner at a charming restaurant, hopefully with a view of the mountains.
Day 5: Farewell (And the Unspoken Promise of Returning)
- Morning: A final, leisurely breakfast. A last walk around the lake. Packing. The bittersweet reality of leaving this beautiful place.
- Afternoon: Drive back to the airport. The drive will be hard. And I'll probably cry a little (don't judge me).
- Evening: Flight home. Reflecting on the trip, and already planning my return.
Miscellaneous Ramblings, Thoughts, and Inevitable Imperfections:
- The Loneliness Factor: Solo travel is amazing, but it can also be… lonely. I'll be honest, there will probably be moments of "why am I doing this again?" But then I'll remember the freedom, the independence, and the pure, unadulterated joy of being entirely responsible for my own adventures. This trip is a chance to connect with myself, to relax, and to rediscover that sense of awe that's so easy to lose in the everyday grind.
- The Imposter Syndrome: Will I fit in? Will I be "Austrian" enough? (Spoiler alert: I'm not, and that's okay). Will I embarrass myself with my terrible German? (Likely). But I'm going to embrace the awkwardness, the stumbles, and the inevitable misunderstandings. It's all part of the adventure.
- The Weather: I'm preparing for all possibilities: sunshine, rain, snow, hail, and probably a bit of all of the above. Layers are key, people. Layers are EVERYTHING.
- The "Finding My Zen" Attempt: I'm hoping this trip will force me to slow down, to be present, and to truly appreciate the beauty around me. Will I achieve inner peace? Maybe not. But I'll definitely try. And even if I don't, I'll have some amazing memories (and probably some hilarious stories) to take back home with me.
In closing: This is my attempt at "unstructured chaos." This trip is not about perfection. It's about exploration, resilience, and maybe, just maybe, finding a little slice of heaven in the Austrian Alps. I'll keep you posted. Or at least I'll try to. Wish me luck. I’ll need it.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Gesves Chalet with Roof Terrace & BBQ!
Lake Pressegger Heaven: Your Dream Apartment... Maybe? (Let's Be Honest Here)
Okay, so what IS Lake Pressegger Heaven anyway? Sounds kinda... cheesy.
Alright, alright, the name *is* a bit much, I'll admit. It's basically a renovated apartment complex near Lake Pressegger in Sankt Stefan, Austria. They've got a bunch of different units, all supposedly 'dreamy'. I've seen the brochure – pristine kitchens, balconies with lake views, the whole shebang. But, and this is a BIG but, you gotta keep your expectations in check. Marketing, you know? I went to check it out last week, and let's just say the reality was... well, more 'charming' than 'heavenly'. More on that later.
What's the big draw? What makes it "dreamy" (wink wink)?
Okay, the PROS. First off, the location is really, genuinely stunning. Lake Pressegger is gorgeous, seriously. Crystal-clear water, the mountains, the whole nine yards. And the apartments *do* have balconies, which is a HUGE plus for summer sunsets. They're also supposedly modern inside, with fully equipped kitchens and stuff. (We'll get to the "fully equipped" part later.) Plus, there's a bunch of activities nearby: hiking trails, watersports, even a ski resort in the winter. The *idea* is fantastic, right? Getaway, relaxation, Instagram gold...
So, what's the catch? Because there's *always* a catch, isn't there?
You got that right. Here's where it gets real. I'll go through the main problems first. Firstly; the "fully equipped kitchens" – *technically* true, BUT the appliances looked like they'd been through a war. Scratches, dents... made me think of my grandmother's fridge! Then, the advertised "high-speed internet" – let's just say I got better connection using my phone. Honestly, I think my dial-up modem from 1998 was faster. Also, the parking situation is a nightmare. I spent a solid 20 minutes circling, like a vulture looking for a place to land. And finally: the noise. It was fine during the day, but at night? Kids screaming, dogs barking, and some guy having a very enthusiastic karaoke session. Forget about a good night's sleep!
Wait! 'Charming'? Is that code for 'falling apart'? Give us the dirt!
Okay, okay, you want the dirt? Fine! Here's the story, and trust me; it's a doozy! So, I'm there, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to be wowed. The initial impression? Not bad. The lobby was clean-ish, not exactly the Ritz, but okay. I get to the apartment. Balcony? Check. View? Stunning, seriously. The lake was just... *chef's kiss*. Then I opened the fridge. Oh, dear god. It was an old, rusted thing. Okay, whatever. It has to work, right? So I turn it on! Nothing! No lights! No sound! No sign is the fridge is working! And the bathroom? Let's leave out the peeling paint and the mysterious brown stains. Then, the second day... I tried to use the washing machine. Nothing! I tried to use the dishwasher. Nothing! It was a total disaster. So, I call reception to complain, and the attendant says to me to give a look for "a guy". The guy arrives, dressed in dirty clothes. A plumber, he says. He looks at the both machines and states it is broken! He didn't fix anything! Said he would come back tomorrow! He didn't appear again! Honestly, the whole experience felt like something out of a bad comedy movie. I was starting to expect a flock of pigeons to fly in and set up shop in the living room. It was just... comical, in a depressing sort of way.
So, should I book it or run screaming?
Here's the thing: it depends. If you're looking for luxury, forget it. If you demand perfection, you'll have a meltdown. If you NEED a working fridge, maybe rethink it. But... if you're willing to be flexible, to embrace a bit of imperfection, and most importantly, if you value that lake view and the location above all else, it could still be okay. I mean, the lake *is* incredible. Just, you know, pack some earplugs, a backup phone for that dodgy internet, and maybe a cooler for your drinks. Also, bring a spare fridge. No, wait. Don't do that. Just... manage your expectations. It could be the perfect place. It could be a disaster. The choice is yours.
Are the staff friendly, at least? Because bad service is a DEALBREAKER
The staff... hmmm. Okay, "friendly" is stretching it a bit. They weren't actively *unfriendly*, but they were definitely... perfunctory. Like, they seemed more interested in getting me out of their hair. There was one extremely helpful woman, though. She was trying to fix my problem, but it wasn't easy for her. I give her credit for that. The rest? Well, let's just say the service didn't exactly elevate the experience. You're probably better off dealing with any issues yourself or by yourself. So, if you go, bring your own tool box and duct tape, just in case.
Are the apartments *really* big enough for a family?
Depends on what you mean by "family" and what your sanity is worth. Some units are advertised as family-friendly, and yes, they have multiple bedrooms. But, remember that the place can be noisy and that some appliances are, let's face it, useless. If you have small children, I’d be worried about them touching something and breaking it or feeling uncomfortable in general. So, think hard if you have tiny kids or are a light sleeper. If you're a large family used to roughing it and used to each other's quirks? Maybe. But if you are used to the luxury and perfection, think twice - especially if your children are used to perfection.
Okay, spill – what was your *favorite* thing about it? Something good *must* have happened!
Alright, even with all the issues, my *favorite* thing hands down was the view from the balcony. I mean, seriously. I'd sit out there with a coffee (made on my *own* mini-fridge, of course!) and just... breathe. The lake, the mountains, the sunrise! It was pure bliss. And, you know, it’s not every day you get to admire such beauty in the world, on a balcony. It made me think about the meaning of life, happiness, and the little things that matter. You could be sitting on the balcony, watching the sunrise, and just feeling at peaceFind Hotel Now
