Hotel Aurelio blurs the line between boutique hotel and private chalet.

The sign of a truly great hotel is a personal welcome. Perched just above the stylish Austrian village of Lech Zürs am Arlberg is understatedly elegant Hotel Aurelio, where Hiero, Domingo, and Yaki look forward to the arrival of each and every guest. Unless of course they’re napping or taking a gentle stroll with other guests. And why not? The hotel’s three resident alpacas excel at both.

Excellence is in Aurelio’s DNA, woolly or not. Built by oligarch Oleg Deripaska and overseen by the naturally hospitable host Axel Pfefferkorn, this piste-side, five-star superior hotel satisfies all needs and most whims. Feeling very much a home-awayfrom-home without a whiff of corporate churlishness, this ski-in, ski-out hotel is a cocktail of chic modernity and relaxed warmth. Intimate interiors are luxe and fresh, courtesy of London-based designers Mlinaric, Henry, and Zervudachi. Walls throughout are peppered with an impressive art collection, including haunting depictions of the surrounding Arlberg peaks by British photographer Tim Hall. (Art is available for sale, as is the mode.)

The Aurelio is a true boutique hotel with only 19 bedrooms and suites in the two connected buildings. Each sleek, individually designed room is cloaked in calming fabrics and graced with contrasting modern Asian wood and antique furniture. The crackling fire in the hotel’s Licca Lounge warms deep, comfortable couches — heaven for après-ski, pre-dinner or post-prandial drinks. Cocktails made with aromatic meadow grasses pack a potent, theatrical punch.

Prefer more privacy? Perhaps the private chalet would suit your extended family? Hotel Aurelio blurs the lines between hotel and chalet privé by offering its six-bedroom, two-suite Club Chalet for rent, including private dining room, living area, library, and butler. Naturally, all the hotel’s services — spa and wellness, restaurants, and concierge — are also available.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this winter, Hotel Aurelio continues to honor Lech’s rich tradition of alpine hospitality while creating its own version of refined and relaxed elegance.
Ahhh, Aurelio.