Regulars to Falls Creek Ski Resort in Victoria are probably very familiar with Astra, because frankly it is a super stylish hotel that continues to set the standard for snow hotel accomodation. Its not just us saying that they have managed to collect awards for best boutique ski hotel in Australia for the past 7 consecutive years.
Originally built in 1986 by architect Grant Amon (of Hayball Leonard Stent Architects) it was quickly recognised as lifting the standard of architecture and hotel accomodation in Falls Creek. In 2014 the property was acquired by Rosy Seaton (Traverse Alpine Group) and over the next four years she commissioned Grant Amon (now of Grant Amon Architects) to complete major renovations and to modernise to today’s alpine luxury hotel.
The hotel has actually received more than a few awards, recognised in 2020 and 2021 in the Top 3 in the world and also for the world luxury spa awards and receiving 3 goblets in Australia’s Wine List of The Year Awards.
A visit to Astra starts with the level of care and attention you expect from luxury hotels but have probably not had before in alpine surroundings. Usually (at least in our experience) Alpine Hotels struggle with staffing issues and you make do with what you can get and enjoy the snow. But Astra is very different, from welcome calls before you arrive to the personal oversnow transport (Falls Creek Resort requires oversnow access to most accomodation, and generally this is paid for at the oversnow terminal).
The level of attention not only includes the welcome from the concierge and front of house team (yes your bags are taken to the room). The bar has a roaring fire and plenty of comfortable chairs to sit when the weather is inclement for a drink before dinner. It is a popular place to meet in the village and can quickly connect with people from neighbouring accomodation over coffee or cocktails.
The restaurant ranges from casual to sophisticated and we have had a few exceptional dishes while dining in the restaurant over the last couple of years, that have been complimented by an exceptional wine list. This may be a small hotel in the snow but they have an excellent wine cellar and even a sommelier who will take the time to talk to you about some of the treasures available (you can even have a private dinner in the cellar if you plan ahead).
Rooms feature Coffee Machines, Free Wifi, Flat Screen TVs, ensuite bathrooms with quality bath room ammenities. All rooms also have complimentary breakfast for guests. There is a library for a quiet sitting place and a games room for the kids. The heated magnesium pool is great and there is also a sauna & spa (which is magic for those sore muscles after a long day of skiing the bumps and trees in ‘The Maze’).
The Astra is a hotel that you will dream about returning to again and again, it’s obviously not cheap. There are 27 rooms from deluxe rooms, deluxe rooms with balcony, studio apartments and including a 2 bedroom apartment. For the Deluxe rooms rates start at $495 AUD for the one bedroom in the off season increasing to $1069 per night in peak season (2023 rates). For the 2 bedroom apartment (which sleeps 5 people with a rollaway), rates start at $1079 for the low season and rise to $2171 in peak season.
Astra Falls Creek
5 Sitzmark Street
Falls Creek VIC 3699
03 5758 3496
ski@astrafallscreek.com.au
https://astrafallscreek.com.au/