Rendezvous of beauty and indulgence

BEST OF | Issue 3 | Spring 2025 | Text: Barbara Jahn

A breathtaking mountain backdrop, a luxurious ambience and refined culinary delights: the Arlberg Club House in Lech relies on this extraordinary recipe – a successful mix that is authentically reflected in the interior design by Bernd Gruber Kitzbühel and his team.

Characteristic, authentic and yet understated: the two owners Benjamin Schneider and Patrick Krummenacher, who planned the project together with Jürgen Kitzmüller Architektur, had concrete ideas early on as to how they wanted to implement this in a well-thought-out interior design with flowing transitions – both architecturally and in terms of colour. The focus was on harmoniously combining the restaurant and bar with the club in the basement and the concept store on the top floor. The result was a concept based on the use of high-quality natural materials, combined with an earthy, rich colour palette that changes in its colour nuances with each floor, but always remains true to itself. The result is an atmosphere that arouses curiosity through its variance and at the same time radiates cosiness – and thus describes what the Club House stands for: a place where you want to stay. The Bernd Gruber Kitzbühel team has managed with great sensitivity to combine tradition and modernity in perfect balance – and to give the new a familiar soul.

The appeal of interaction

Every detail testifies to masterful craftsmanship: milled, burnished aluminium, curved high-gloss ceiling elements made of fine walnut wood, artistic metal fillings, timeless oak floors, high-quality textile coverings and wall designs with fine wallpaper. In addition, there are bronzed mirrors with bevelled edges and precisely crafted elements made of various types of travertine – materials that ground the room, allow you to pause and at the same time convey a Mediterranean lightness. The variety of details and materials reflects the harmonious design concept of Bernd Gruber, who gave each area its own identity without losing sight of the overall picture. The history of the house was also retained: the wood-panelled core preserves the original character of the rooms and gives them depth. The three levels are connected by a stylish staircase, whose continuous carpet rounds off the architectural design as a connecting element.

The poetry of seduction

The value of the project arises from the interplay between the individual components of the new and the respect and appreciation for the existing structure. In addition to the fine materials, selected pieces of furniture curated by the owners also play a key role in shaping this timelessly elegant setting for an upscale lifestyle — such as restaurant chairs by Molteni&C, bar stools by Minotti, or side tables by DeCastelli in the club. Whether Murano lights above the bar or the mirror from Poliform – the selection of all the elements was always a collaborative process involving all parties and making the space a real highlight. These and many more make this interior project something very special. The creative symbiosis of the various areas goes far beyond the premises, intensively incorporating time and place. Here, nature meets art, the future meets the past.

The charm of the mix

Under the roof of the historic building, the newly designed 430 square metres now combine first-class gastronomy with bistro character, a unique club with “Margo’s” and a curated shopping experience with the concept store – they all make the Arlberg Club House not only a refreshing, inspiring place to meet, but also set new impulses in every respect, where alpine tradition and modern art de vivre meet at eye level.

Patrick Krummenacher (left) and Benjamin Schneider (right) run the five star superior Hotel Arlberg in Lech and now founded their second hot spot in town – The Arlberg Club House.