Only the guests usually live this nicely – conservatory, custom-made carpentry furniture, rainforest shower, exclusive use of the wellness area and full board in organic quality: The Naturhotel Chesa Valisa in Kleinwalsertal is reacting to the increasingly dramatic shortage of staff in the hotel and catering industry.
and has now built its own luxury lodges with a total of 16 flats for its staff.

Three million euros invested

Around three million euros were invested, as the two hosts at Naturhotel Chesa Valisa, Magdalena and David Kessler, reveal.

“We want to provide the best working and living conditions for our employees. Because ultimately it is they who transform our hotel into that special place that our guests appreciate and love with hospitality, charming service, personal care and warmth of heart,” says Magdalena Kessler, who runs the hotel together with brother David in the fourth generation.

The realisation of the luxury lodges is above all also a response to the current staff shortage in the industry. Kessler: “The situation has become even worse after Corona. There is fierce competition for the best people in the country.

Great Place to Work” award

The Naturhotel Chesa Valisa reacted to the looming staff shortage years ago: The hotel is considered one of the best employers in Austria and has been awarded the “Great Place to Work” seal.

The current 45 employees enjoy not only a salary above the collective wage but also numerous benefits ranging from free fitness and yoga courses to the complete financing of further training as well as three organic meals a day, even on days off.

Traditional wooden architecture

Magdalena and David Kessler are now setting the next milestone with the new Team Lodges, which are located directly on the ski slope of the Heubergarena. The two lodges were planned by Vorarlberg architect Claudia Greussing as shingled houses according to traditional Vorarlberg wooden architecture.

The well-known carpenter Walter Ritsch from Dornbirn provided the furnishings for the 16 flats with customised and sustainable furniture in hotel room quality.

Other highlights of the approximately 30-square-metre luxury staff flats include a winter garden, terrace or garden, bathrooms with rainforest showers, floor-to-ceiling window fronts with mountain panoramas and garage parking spaces with electric charging stations. Only a small usage fee is payable for the flat.

Jobs still available

The first employees have already moved in The official handover of keys took place on 17 August at a career open day (11 am to 5 pm). In addition to a box for spontaneous applications, there was also the opportunity to meet future colleagues at a barbecue.