The Chesa Valisa nature hotel in Hirschegg in Kleinwalsertal in Austria received two awards in 2025: “Hotel of the Year” at the Independent Hotel Show Awards 2025 and winner of the HolidayCheck Award 2025.
This double honor speaks volumes: guests and expert jury alike celebrate Chesa Valisa for what truly matters: lived values, genuine hospitality, and a sustainable concept that doesn’t just promise, but delivers. For us at HotelNetSolutions, this isn’t just a reason to congratulate them; it’s a moment of pride. Because when a partner demonstrates how personality, attitude, and digital booking solutions come together, we know: what we do has meaning.
We spoke with Magdalena Kessler, host and one of the key figures at the Chesa Valisa Nature Hotel. She provides insights into the daily life of the hotel, its values, and its measurable successes.
Dear Magdalena, many hotels wonder how to successfully implement an authentic, sustainable concept in their daily operations. Which measures have the greatest impact on guest satisfaction and profitability for you?
“We are fully committed to AI-free communication. For us, people come first. Our natural talents take time for each guest, whether at check-in, on-site, or on the phone. This time is valuable in itself and is noticeably appreciated by our guests. It strengthens the relationship, increases satisfaction, and creates an atmosphere where authenticity is more important than staging. Ecological measures are a given for us, but the greatest leverage lies in an attitude that gives people space. Time, peace, and a feeling of arrival.”
You’ve been working with OnePageBooking for several years now. What measurable effects are you seeing in terms of direct bookings, conversion rate, or average booking value?
“The combination of clear pricing, intuitive user experience, and high speed ensures that significantly more guests book directly through our booking site. The share of direct bookings in the total volume has continued to rise, making us less dependent on external platforms.
The development of the average booking value is particularly interesting. Thanks to the integrated upselling elements, from room categories to Ayurvedic treatments or special culinary experiences, we were able to increase the value per booking by 10 to 15 percent. Guests are booking higher-category rooms or additional services more frequently because everything is transparent, fast, and easy to understand.”
How has your direct booking share developed compared to OTAs, and what factors were decisive?
“We’ve always had a very high percentage of direct bookings, and that hasn’t changed with HNS. In recent years, we’ve even been able to further stabilize and selectively expand this share. While many businesses are experiencing growing OTA volume, we consistently acquire an above-average number of guests directly through our website, email, or phone. The combination of a clear online presence, a strong booking process, and genuine hospitality makes all the difference for us.”
The Chesa Valisa nature hotel combines digital efficiency with genuine hospitality. How does it manage this balancing act in everyday life?
“We believe that digitalization only unfolds its true value when it relieves people of burdens. Our processes are digitally structured, but communication remains free of AI and thus deliberately human. Our natural talents take their time, listen, accompany, and create connections. The technology in the background gives us freedom. Personal contact transforms a stay into an experience.”
What three key performance indicators (KPIs) do you regularly monitor to optimally manage experience quality, pricing strategy, and capacity utilization?
“RevPAR is our most important indicator. It shows how well pricing strategy, demand, and occupancy rates work together and whether our prices match the perceived quality.
In addition, we consider guest reviews on Google, HolidayCheck, and our own feedback form. We analyze sentiment very closely and place great emphasis on personal interaction with our guests.
The third key performance indicator is the occupancy rate, including seasonal forecasts. This allows us to react early and fine-tune our offerings.”
Finally: Is there a moment that particularly describes your hosting skills?
“For us, being a host means giving people space. Space they often no longer have in their everyday lives. Time and peace. A holiday full of value. A truly worthwhile holiday. Not consumption, but a feeling of home. Our values come to life precisely when guests can let go because they know: We care. We listen. We support them. Sometimes only in the background.”
In the end, from our perspective, one thing remains paramount: Respect. For a hotel that steadfastly follows its path. For hosts who listen before they act. And for a team that proves day after day that sustainability and warmth are not just concepts, but a core principle. That a hotel in Kleinwalsertal demonstrates this commitment with such consistency and is recognized for it by both guests and a panel of experts is no coincidence. It is the result of daily decisions made for people, for quality, and for authenticity. We look forward to continuing this journey together and are excited about all the wonderful stories to come.
Copyright of the images: Naturhotel Chesa Valisa ****s
