Photos courtesy of Romantik Hotel Post
The origins of the Hotel Post began in 1500, as evidenced by the preserved cross beams inside the building. In the middle of the 16th century, the counts of Khevenhüller, one of Carinthia’s richest and most distinguished families added the palace to their other holdings of Landskron and Hochosterwitz castles.
From that time forward, a long list of heads of state have stayed at the Post: Emperor Charles V, Archduke Charles II, and King Henry III of France. In 1628 the devoutly Protestant Khevenhüller family were forced to sell their possessions and go into exile.
Documentation in 1748 lists the Post as a guesthouse.
For a time, Empress Maria Theresa lived at the palace/guesthouse, while she was purchasing the estates of the bishops of Bamberg; and a 100 years later, Crown Prince Rudolf, son of Emperor Franz Josef, took up residence as well. Finally, we have Napoleon I’s nephew, Jerome Bonaparte, whose registration form still exists.
Following WWII, from 1945-1952, the Post was occupied by British military officers.
Pamela’s Perspective
Even if you’re just passing through, stop by to eat! Wolfgang Puck, famed chef and restaurateur of Spago’s in Beverly Hills, learned his way around the kitchen here as an apprentice when he 14 years old.
Romantik Hotel Post
A 16th-century palace
Contact
Hauptplatz, 26
A-9500 Villach
(Carinthia)
Tel: ++43 (0) 4242 26101-0
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
70 rooms, including 5 suites
Single rooms: 90–140 euros
Double rooms: 110–190 euros
Suites: 135–265 euros
Rates include breakfast, tax,
and service; packages
available
Open: all year
Getting there
Just across the border from Italy and Slovenia, Villach is well-served by express trains from Salzburg, Klagenfurt, Venice, and Zagreb.
What to do
On site: sauna
Nearby: swimming; golf;
horseback riding; hot springs;
Landskron Castle
A transportation hub for the region, Villach makes a good stopping off point if you’re coming from or going to Slovenia or Italy.
Villach is also the region’s economic and cultural center. Every July and August music and folklore festivals take place.
Royal and non-royal guests have stayed at the Hotel Post for centuries, captivated by its simple but elegant charm.
Guestrooms come in a variety of sizes and are attractively furnished; some have balconies overlooking the courtyard.
Something special
The hotel restaurant is excellent, with fresh vegetables and herbs coming straight from the hotel’s garden.
Enjoy the pedestrian-only zone in front of the hotel.