Traditional Hospitality
Three Generations are working for you
In 1953, the Huber family acquired the picturesque wooden building and, over the course of several decades, developed it into today's 4-star hotel with Zimba Spa through far-sighted adaptations. The Zimba is currently home to three generations of the family.
Senior boss Walter is a profound connoisseur of the Brandner Valley and Rätikon, helps wherever there is a need and organises our weekly information evenings with hotel tours. His wife Nini always has a watchful eye and a sympathetic ear for guests and staff.
Daughter Stephanie Battaglia-Huber returned to Brand after studying in Innsbruck and Ireland and now runs the Alpenhotel Zimba. At her side is her husband Antonio, who comes from Sicily. They both value personal contact with their guests and attach great importance to personalised service. Their two sons enjoy visiting the hotel, but are still too young to help out.
In the kitchen, Stephanie's brother Bernhard Huber provides culinary delights. Together with his small team, he skilfully prepares classics of regional and Austrian cuisine. Culinary excursions to the world's great cuisines are also regularly on the menu.
Once a week, guests have the opportunity to get to know the family and the history of the restaurant at an information evening. The Hubers are passionate hosts - tradition-conscious, nature-loving and always endeavouring to ensure the well-being of their guests.
Zimba Mountain (2643 metres)
The namesake of the hotel is one of the most famous summits in the Rätikon because of its striking pyramid like shape, also known as the “Matterhorn of the Vorarlberg”. The first ascent to the summit in 1847 was made by Anton Neyer, the well maker from Bludenz.
A journey through history
The Alpenhotel Zimba through the ages
1775
The first foundation walls for a farm were built on the site of today's Alpenhotel Zimba, together with the barn (Zimbahof), which still exists today.
1926
The farmhouse was converted into the Kurhaus Nesler. Ferdinand Nesler was granted a licence to rent out rooms and serve non-alcoholic drinks.
1933
The Alpen-Pension-Nessler with 33 beds was established. The years that followed were economically challenging - firstly due to the 1,000-mark blockade and later during the war.
1952
On 8 December 1952, Theresia and Xaver Huber tied the knot. Both felt called to be hosts and set about looking for a two-season leasehold.
1953
They found what they were looking for in spring 1953: On 1 May 1953, they took over the run-down Gasthof Zimba in Brand as tenants, including board and lodging for the owner Bruno Nessler and his mother Käthe, known as ‘s'Ferdiwieble’. The couple were completely destitute after the war - apart from Xaver's dowry, consisting of four cows and a painting of the Nenzing sky. However, thanks to a lottery win by Xaver and a loan from his mother, they were able to raise the deposit of 60,000 schillings and start the business. With five employees and a lot of hard work from Xaver and Theresia as well as the active support of the team, the dilapidated inn was gradually renovated.
1963
On 2 February 1963, the time had finally come: Xaver and Resi were able to purchase the business. With their three children Walter, Hansjörg and Cornelia, they were now the proud owners of the Gasthof Zimba. The birth of Gerhard and Annette in the following years completed the family's happiness.
1971
The first-born Walter's career aspirations became clear early on: he wanted to become a ski instructor and chef. So on 14 July 1971, he completed his cookery apprenticeship at the Kurhotel Montafon. After successfully completing his training as a state ski instructor and several stays abroad, he joined his parents' business on 1 August 1973.
1977
Walter married his wife Nini in spring 1977. Their children Stephanie and Bernhard were born in 1980 and 1982.
1983
At the age of 62, Xaver took his well-earned retirement and Walter became managing director of his parents' business. Walter epitomised the classic innkeeper of the time: ski instructor in the mornings, in the office in the afternoons and chef in the evenings - always alongside his mother Resi. As a hiking guide, Walter offered guided tours through the Rätikon mountains once a week for his house guests. Over the years, Walter and Nini carried out numerous renovations and continuously expanded the business by purchasing land. A new access road, the garden with swimming pond and the Zimba-Maisäß, where guests could enjoy numerous convivial barbecue evenings, were built.
2001
The Gasthof Zimba was completely renovated and extended to 53 guest beds.
In 2006, a further remodelling took place, which raised the hotel to 4-star level. Son Bernhard soon realised that he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become a chef. After completing his cookery apprenticeship in 1997, he gained experience in numerous renowned establishments in Germany and abroad. Stays in 5-star establishments and award-winning restaurants in Paris, St. Moritz, Spain and America characterised his style.
2005
Bernhard has been head chef at the Alpenhotel Zimba since 2005. He has a daughter and lives in the remodelled Zimbahof, in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.
2015
After attending a tourism school, daughter Stephanie studied business administration in Innsbruck and Ireland. After a few years in the banking sector, she took over her parents' business in 2015 together with her husband Antonio. Antonio, a native of Sicily, moved to Brandnertal in 2008 for love. The couple have two sons, who can be seen in the hotel from time to time.
2018
The Alpenhotel Zimba was extended to 85 guest beds and an indoor pool with an east-facing extension - this is how the hotel presents itself today.
![[Translate to Englisch:] Lage Alpenhotel Zimba](https://www.zimba-brand.at/fileadmin/templates/images/lage.png "[Translate to Englisch:] Lage Alpenhotel Zimba")
