When we decide if a hotel is good, we measure it by "would we stay there again?" We would absolutely stay at Habachklause again! We (family of four - 2 adults, children 7 and 9) stayed from 19 - 26 December 2010. It was a fantastic experience. We chose Habachklause based on its price compared to other kinderhotels, a recommendation from a friend, the available amenities, and location. We were not disappointed.
Service - The staff was first class. They made our stay more enjoyable than any other hotel we've visited. We can't think of a think they could have done to make it better. Horst and Butu were amazing hosts and made us feel at home immediately. They made it clear from the beginning that they would provide us whatever we needed. Directions, special meals for the kids or adults, local recommendations, all the ice cream the kids could eat...you name it. It was personal attention that wasn't overbearing. They were there to make it happen and always did so with a smile. The staff answered all of our requests without the slightest hesitation. This personal attention - from a family run hotel - is the standard from which we will forever measure future hotels. Helga and other staff members worked tirelessly during meals to serve us promptly and courteously. Stephanie and Suzie smiled every time we looked at them, every time. They and all the staff worked hard to make our stay enjoyable. Room cleaning was prompt and complete and we didn't think twice about the need to protect our valuables. When making arrangements, I called and emailed the hotel several times. They were timely and responsive every time and answered all of my questions. This hotel is worth the stay for no other reason than the friendly staff.
Facilities. We would never let our children (7 and 9) play freely in a large hotel, but this hotel is small enough for the children to be independent and friendly enough for us not to worry about their safety. The hotel pool was heated and our children swam every afternoon after skiing. The coffee/juice bar and snacks available throughout the day were a real treat, especially knowing when we returned from the slopes that a hot chocolate, latte, or espresso (as well as sweats and snacks) were waiting. We did not use the day care, but our kids spent hours playing in the indoor playground/ball pit and kids club and playing chase throughout the hotel grounds. From what we saw and heard from other guests, Bianca and the other care givers in the kids club did a great job with the smaller children. There was a small ski/sledding slop at the hotel with a pulley lift. Our kids spent an entire day learning and practicing their skiing on this slope before tackling the Alps. This was very important for building the confidence of our first time skiers. By the end of the second day of full skiing - they were speeding down the Blue slopes without hesitation. We hiked the walking trails just outside the hotel, which is situated right up against the forest - wonderful. The hotel spa offered massages and various treatments, however we were so busy skiing, toboganing, swimming, and hiking that we didn't have time to even try. I expect they were as good as the rest of the service.
Rooms. For a family of four, we stayed in a two bedroom Sphen comfort suite. This was fine for a family of our size. We had a queen size bed for the adults and bunk beds for the children. We also had an echbank style seating area and table in the adult room as well as desks and small TVs with local cable channels in each room. There were two wardrobes for our clothes (one in the adult room and one in the entry way). The entry way was a nice touch as we could hang our damp ski clothes on the hooks in the entryway and leave out wet boots there as well. Each room had a balcony and our bathroom came with a shower and plenty of hot water. Our friends with three children stayed in the larger suite which included a full living area and a larger TV as well as a full bathtub. They paid approximately 25% more for the larger room and were very comfortable for a family of five. There is WIFI internet available for a reasonable charge (comparable to any other European hotel - probably slightly less). There was also a computer with internet connection available free to the guests on the third floor. I used it several times and never had to wait.
Dining. The dining was excellent. Standard European style breakfast with lots of meat, cheese, bread, pastries and cereal choices. Scrambled and boiled eggs along with a variation of breakfast meats and potatoes were served. Lunch was available (if you are there) and included hot dishes and a good salad bar. Dinned was served starting at 1800 hours and included a very nice salad bar, various hot appetizers, and soups. There were always three choices of main courses, usually a meat, fish, or vegetarian plate. They were all very good. The vegetarian pastas were a big hit with both our families. The meat choice while we were there included duck, boar, rabbit, and beef. We were always excited in the morning to see what was on the menu for the evening. The kids ate kid food - chicken, beef, pasta, and the like. Our children asked for schnitzel and french fries every night and even though it wasn't on the menu - they got it. My wife enjoyed the pasta so much one night that she asked for it the next - no problem. The desserts were fantastic! Really a treat. And, of course, the kids ate ice cream any time. Horst or Butu would let them into the kitchen preparation area to select whatever they wanted. The exotic meats really aren't our thing, but there was always something great for us to eat.
Activities. Skiing, sledding, toboganing, ice skating, hiking, swimming, spa, shopping...they are all available either at the hotel or within five minutes drive. Horst and the staff arranged ski lessons for the kids and gave us the best advice concerning ski rentals and the like. Our friend's two year old took ski lessons at the hotel and our children took lessons (easily arranged) on top of the mountain. Ski rental for a family of four x five days was approximately 280 Euro and lift tickets were approximately 100 Euro each day we skied. There is a 14 KM tobogan run (which is also lighted at night) that begins at the top of the bramberg gondola (the gondola is approx a five minute drive from the hotel and 20 minute ride up the mountain). You can rent tobogans at several places where you enter the gondola (8 euro) and the gondola lift ticket is 8 euro. We made the run five times! It was great. We stopped at a lodge halfway down each time to warm up and drink a hot chocolate. Our friends went ice skating, there was a Christmas market, and we shopped in Zell am See (a neat town about 30 minutes from the hotel). We came to ski and we did. We used both the gondolas to Wildkogel. There were plenty of challenging blue and red trails - not so many greens.
Overall, this was a wonderful hotel, which in turn set the stage for a wonderful vacation. Many of the guests simply stayed in the hotel and the immediate area - skiing on with their children on the hotel's small slope and enjoying family activities. We highly recommend this hotel. Speak with Horst when you make your reservation and he'll be able to answer any of your questions.
Enjoy your holiday,
The Koch Family
USA