The hype
Families love the pools and location, but everyone notices the management transition friction and worn-out room interiors.
KUHOTEL by Rilano
$170-370/ night
Book this if You're a family who needs a pool-heavy basecamp for Steinplatte skiing or Triassic Park hiking and can tolerate some scuffs.
Why People Love It
- Heated indoor and outdoor pools with mountain views
- Direct shuttle/access to Steinplatte ski lifts
- Breakfast buffet is consistently rated as excellent
Quick Take: A solid family workhorse currently having an identity crisis between its 'KUHOTEL' past and 'elaya' future, with tired carpets to prove it.
Reviewed by @krasiworld: I felt completely recharged after my stay here. The sauna with that mountain view is incredible, and I loved ending the day tasting local schnapps in the lounge. It’s the perfect spot if you just need to disconnect and breathe fresh air.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The '4-star' rating feels generous given the stained carpets and hit-or-miss housekeeping.
- You have kids under 12 who need constant entertainment (pools, cinema, playroom)
- You want a ski hotel where you don't have to drive to the lift
- You prioritize a massive breakfast spread over a fancy room
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.2
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Daily service sometimes skips tasks like refilling soap or removing trash.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but watch for grout issues in older showers.
- Maintenance: Showing age. Peeling paint on balconies and 'tired' carpets are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Towels are often reported as thin or scarce in the spa area.
- Odors & scents: Common complaints of 'musty' smells in carpeted hallways and rooms.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway noise from excited children
- Creaky floors in older rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Resort tax is approx €3.90 per person/night and is NOT included in prepaid rates
- Dinner buffet is often considered overpriced; booking 'breakfast only' and eating out is a valid strategy
- Spa towels are sometimes scarce — grab one from your room before heading down
What to pack
- Pool slides/flip-flops (essential for the wellness area)
- Small fan (if visiting in July/August due to no AC)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Alpenrock Room (Comfort) — significantly more space (30sqm) than Classic for a small upcharge
- Top floor rooms facing the Steinplatte for the best mountain views
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevator/stairwell (noise travel)
- Classic 'Alpengluehen' rooms if you have a lot of ski gear (can feel cramped)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking the Alpenrock category and kindly request a room on a higher floor facing the mountains, away from the elevator. Hardwood floor room preferred if available to avoid carpet issues.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel called KUHOTEL or elaya?
It is officially 'elaya hotel steinplatte' now, but locals and signs still refer to it as KUHOTEL. Expect to see both names.
Is there air conditioning?
No. The hotel relies on mountain air, which can be insufficient during summer heatwaves.
How far is the ski lift?
The Steinplatte gondola is about 800m away. There is a hotel shuttle, or it's a 10-15 minute walk in ski boots.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, both the indoor and outdoor pools are heated year-round, which is a major highlight.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome for approx €20/night, but they are not allowed in the restaurant or wellness areas.
Is parking free?
Yes, there is free self-parking and some carports available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Campingstüberl' restaurant nearby looks like a campsite snack bar but serves some of the best pizza and value meals in town.
- ✨
Request a 'south-facing' balcony for afternoon sun; north-facing rooms can get gloomy in winter.
- ✨
The hotel cinema shows kids' movies daily — ask reception for the schedule upon check-in as it's not always posted.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'playroom' is actually quite beat up; don't expect pristine toys.
💡Room service is inconsistent and sometimes just doesn't show up.
💡The 'Alpengluehen' rooms have a carpeted living area that traps dust — allergy sufferers beware.
💡You might get a 'KUHOTEL' branded keycard and an 'elaya' branded invoice.
💡The outdoor pool view is spectacular, but the path to get there can be icy in winter.
Local Playbook
Map
See where KUHOTEL by Rilano is located and what's nearby.