Hotel Trattlerhof

The Hotel is situated at one end of Bad Kleinkirchheim just off the main road through the town. Having said that, there is no disturbance at all from traffic. There is a lovely walk out of the back of the hotel, along the river. Shops and restaurants are close by, and the Trattlerhof's own chalet (restaurant/bar) is a 10-15 minute walk away....which has great facilities in addition to the hotel itself.

If you don't ski, there are lots of things to do in and around Bad Kleinkirchheim, whether a visit to the thermal baths, walking, curling, swimming or visiting fairly extensive shopping area.

We also had one day off from skiing and visited Turracher Hohe - and its beautiful frozen lake. We walked up to Schwarz see and stopped at the Karlhutte for a magical lunch watching the snow falling and eating some fabulous local ham, salami and cheese.

While the Trattlerhof hotel is great in itself, it is the friendliness and hospitality of the staff that makes it a real treat to visit. From the reception and the waiting staff, to the room cleaning teams and the management - nothing is too much trouble. It is genuinely one of the most accomodating teams of people I have experienced in many years of visiting hotels.

Although, there were no other English visitors while we were in the hotel, all the staff were happy to speak to us in English or persist with our poor German.

The food at the Trattlerhof is a treat.

Breakfasts are large, plentiful and of really good quality.

The hotel provides a 'free' soup, rolls, salad and cakes throughout the afternoon - which again is a great add on. My son turned into a 'soup dragon' during the trip, enjoying every soup that was put in front of him.

Evening meals were fabulous. Elegent regional dishes, with great presentation. Every evening we had the option of a five course meal usually with a meat; fish or vegetarian main course from which to choose. The portion sizes were just right so that you could enjoy each course without feeling completely over full.

The Hotel was completely flexible about the children's food. They could eat off of the main menu or would provide alternatives if we asked for them. They also were really good about bringing the kids courses whenever they were ready for them which was hugely helpful.

Wine lists were comprehensive without being overbearing. Mainly good quality Austrian and Italian wines. The waiting staff were enthusiastic and knowledgable about the wine list and made some really good, unusual suggestions during our visit. Generally the list offered really good value for money but with the option of a bit of indulgence if you fancied it.

Bar and cocktails were great. You must try one of their 'Bergfeuer' shots if you visit!

The general facilities in the hotel are great. The pool and jacuzzi were a bit hit with the children who loved visiting at the end of a day's skiing. The table football and drawing area in reception gave the children a simple area to go where they met with other kids.

The Trattlerhof do go the extra mile with their activities. We had a great post skiing night outcurling at the hotel's 'Einkehr' chalet at the foot of the ski slopes that was enthusiastically hosted by Herr Forstnig, the hotel owner. On another night we enjoyed a post skiing evening of jazz at the Einkehr, which was great fun. They organised an evening candle-lit walk with pony rides for the kids, with a stop off for a gluhwein for adults and a fruit punch for the kids. We also took the opportunity to go out with Rositta, the hotel's ski guide for an afternoon which kids and adults both enjoyed equally.

We stayed in the Romantica suite which was superb. Simple, functional but really comfortable and just want a family wants - space. It not the most hip, trendy or chic room, but it works perfectly and has everything you would ask for (except for the ability to make a hot drink in the room which is a very small thing.)

The room overlooked the river and mountains. Steaming hot showers, great jacuzzi bath. The room was too hot at first - but we got that fixed.

The room was beautifully cleaned and maintained throughout.

Overall, a great family run hotel with outstanding service in great location with lots to do for everyone. We travelled as a group of 9 with ages ranging from 5 to 70 and the hotel managed to keep all of us happy throughout.

The hotel is not cheap but it does offer really good value for money. For example, we had a fantastic New Year's Eve Dinner with lots of entertainment at no added cost. The food throughout that evening was fantastic.

We will be going back.