The Hotel Gut Brandlhof in Austria’s Salzburg region is far more than a classic holiday hotel: set among breathtaking mountains, right on the River Saalach, it combines nature, cuisine, sport and business at the highest level. More than 200 rooms, its own 18-hole golf course, the “World of Congress” for professional conferences and an exclusive wellness area make the Brandlhof a place where those seeking relaxation, sports lovers and business guests all get their money’s worth.
To make this special ambience even more atmospheric, the hotel uses scent marketing in partnership with AROMEA Airdesign. A specially chosen fragrance underlines the hotel’s philosophy of genuine hospitality and creates an unmistakable feeling of elegance, freshness and naturalness the moment you enter the lobby. In our exclusive interview, hotel director Thomas Bauer reveals how scent awakens memories, creates wellbeing and rounds off the hotel’s brand experience in a unique way.
The Hotel Gut Brandlhof stands for enjoyment, nature and hospitality. How would you describe your philosophy in a few words?
Bauer: At the Hotel Gut Brandlhof, we live by a philosophy of genuine hospitality - down to earth, warm-hearted and of the highest standard. We combine the Alpine way of life with modern comfort, creating an ambience in which our guests feel completely at ease. Whether it’s culinary enjoyment, sporting activities, professional conferences or sustainable team building - our aim is to leave lasting impressions. With made-to-measure solutions and state-of-the-art infrastructure, we offer the ideal setting for successful events in inspiring surroundings.
What makes your hotel and what you offer in the Salzburg region so special?
Bauer: Our location - nestled between majestic mountains and right on the banks of the crystal-clear Saalach - creates a unique connection with nature. Here you feel the power of the elements and the calming closeness of the unspoilt landscape with every breath. At the same time, with more than 200 rooms, the World of Congress, an exclusive wellness area and direct access to the hotel’s own 18-hole golf course, we offer an impressive range of possibilities - for those seeking relaxation as well as for business guests and sports lovers. This combination of nature, design, cuisine and activity makes us unique in the Salzburg region.
Golf plays a central role at your hotel - what makes the golf course at Gut Brandlhof so special?
Bauer: Our golf course isn’t just a scenic highlight - nestled between the mountains and the river, it offers a sporting challenge, since you have to play across the river six times, and pure relaxation at the same time. What’s special is the direct link to the hotel - you go straight from your room onto the course. Our guests appreciate how exceptionally well the facility is kept, the peace of the surroundings and the varied design of the course, which delights beginners and professionals alike.
Hand on heart: more of a birdie or more of a trip into the rough - what does your personal round of golf at Gut Brandlhof look like?
Bauer: To be honest: sometimes one, sometimes the other. But that’s exactly what makes it so appealing! Our course challenges you - and rewards you with fabulous views and a cool drink on the club terrace. For me, every round is an experience, even though I unfortunately get to play too rarely - no matter what the score looks like at the end.
How did the partnership with AROMEA Airdesign come about, and what was your motivation for scent marketing?
Bauer: We were looking for a subtle but effective element that would round off our guest experience as a whole. Scent speaks to our senses on an emotional level - it can create atmosphere, awaken memories and promote wellbeing. In AROMEA Airdesign we found a partner that shares our values and supports our hotel with great sensitivity and expertise. From the very start, the partnership has been professional and very inspiring.
Which scent do you use, and in which areas of the hotel does it come into play?
Bauer: We chose a fragrance that combines freshness, elegance and naturalness - to suit our Alpine surroundings and our modern standards. It’s used primarily in our public areas such as the lobby, reception and event rooms, where it creates an inviting, high-quality atmosphere.
How do your guests react to the scent ambience?
Bauer: The feedback is positive across the board. Many guests notice the pleasant scent as soon as they come in and immediately associate it with their first impression of our hotel. It’s often described as unobtrusive but very harmonious - which is exactly what we were aiming for. It’s especially lovely when guests say: “It smells of Brandlhof.” Then we know we’ve done everything right.
Finally: what should your guests take with them when they leave the Hotel Gut Brandlhof?
Bauer: We’d like our guests to leave with a feeling of lightness and relaxation - inspired by nature, enriched by new impressions and wanting to come back soon. Our business guests not only enjoy a professional environment, they also take new ideas and fresh motivation home with them - for a strong return to everyday life. And if they also keep a hint of our scent in their memory, that makes us especially happy. In the little bag we give them when they leave, they’ll find our hotel fragrance - for acute “holiday homesickness” and as a fragrant reminder of a special time with us. Photos: Hotel Gut Brandlhof
Bauer on how guests react to scent marketing by AROMEA Airdesign.
