This was a last minute ski holiday booking for us so we felt we got quite a good deal via Igluski. Our booking documents said we were at the Harfenwirt but may be placed in annex accomodation - after reading reviews on here I knew to expect that was a possibility.

When we arrived the infamous Herbert checked us in and then said we should "wait over there" - when we asked what that meant and when would we get a room key he just ignored us and carried on booking in the people behind us. We stood there ignored for about half an hour before giving up and going to the bar for a drink - every five minutes of so we checked back with Herbert who was now dealing with 2 further coach loads of people. In the end it took an hour and 15 mins before he told us where we were staying - up the road in another guest house. The accomodation was fine - be aware though that "Austrian twin beds" are stuck together like doubles so make sure you know your room-mate fairly well. The rooms at the Bichelwirt were fine - clean and basic with a fairly decent bathroom.

We had our meals at the Harfenwirt and there was the next Herbert incident - we arrived for our first eveing meal and were told to wait at the entrance to the dining room as Herbert HAD to seat us - none of the other waiters dared to do it without him. However Herbert was checking in more people at reception so we had to wait for about 30 mins before he came and found us a place to sit. Another issue you may face is that many of the tables are for six or more and Herbert fits everyone in how he sees fit. So couples may end up sitting with two or three other groups. We were a party of four but we still had to share a table for the whole week with a family of three.

The food is absolutely fine. Basic and very Austrian (lots of meat/cheese, salty) but not much variety. This suited us on a basic ski holiday but would not have been my choice on any other kind of trip.

Herbert's harp playing is indeed a sight to behold and by the end of the week his eccentricities were more funny than annoying. You just have to be prepared to relax and be easy going and accept that he does things the way he wants to. Skiers take note that it is a short walk to the main lift which becomes longer each tiring day. But the hotel does have a sauna and spa pool to ease the aches and pains.

An aside...
The local ski school (the red one) is excellent.

If you are booked, or thinking of booking Niederau, and or the Herfenwirt then read on.

Booked through Last minute.com, vian Inghams I was initially concerned after reading mixed reviews. Some had the Herfenwirt owner,and harp player Herbert down as miserable whilst others had the accomodation as shabby and food not up to scratch.

All I can say is that it must have been a different Hotel, different Herbert and resort than the one I stayed in with my wife and two kids (9 and 12).

After a weeks skiing in the first week in March 08 the only fault and I had to think very very hard about it was that they didnt have brewing facilities in the rooms. But thats it.

Everything else was, in our opinion, absoluely fantastic. Our second trip skiing, the last being a catered chalet in France costing three times as much.

We certainley WILL go back and would choose Austria, Niederau in particular over France every time. Its far less costly, it still has its old world charm and is not as commercialised but most importantly the people, that includes the locals and those who go there to holiday are the friendliest we have encountered, far more friendly and relaxed than in the French Ski resorts we visited.

I would recomend it to anyone considering it, experienced, and beginers alike and especially those with kids. Its great. I must also thank Inghams our holiday provider and our Rep Sarah. Fantastic.

Enjoy yourselves from the Longshaw's, Ken, Helen, Scott and Allyson.

Fantastic hotel. Great food, wonderful staff, excellent room. We stayed in the guest house a short walk from the main hotel. We had a very spacios, rustic room with attached kitchenette, shower room & balcony. Walter is a star behind the bar, we spent many a night talking to him having very interesting conversation...& 'special' scnapps :)

ould not fault the hotel or staff in any way. Would definitely stay agian.

Niederau is a fantastic, pretty destination for a ski or snowboard holiday but I'm not sure I'd recommend the Harfenwirt to those who want a normal relaxing hotel. I would check other hotels in the village first, or Auffach, a better resort for intermediates 15 minutes away.

The Hafenwirt owner, Herbert, seems to favour older families over young people (anyone under 35 or so) and tries to put young couples or groups in the annexes out of his way. Some do not even have a window, just a skylight - if you get this, complain immediately and he should move you, if you get on his good side, which can be tricky!

Although the deals to this place are cheap, Herbert will try to keep you spending within his hotel as much as possible. If you leave for an evening meal somewhere else, like many people do to avoid the food, he gets quite irate and questions you. He also does everything inside his head, so for example, we had to wait around for nearly half hour to be seated on the first day while his staff said, "you must wait for the boss to seat you". Then he puts you where he thinks is fine but gets it wrong quite a lot. We are a married couple in our 30's and he sat us with groups of lads in their teens/early twenties who were great but it didn't seem quite right. Two of these lads had been told by Herbert not to bother coming to dinner if they weren't really hungry and they felt pretty victimised by his treatment. You are not allowed to move tables during your stay. Also, if you arrive late, after 7:15pm, you may find your plates and cutlery have been removed (although dinner is up to 7:30pm)!

If you can take the strangeness with a pinch of salt, you will still have a fantastic time and can even warm to the owner once he gets his harp out! Just bear in mind it can be a bit Fawlty Towers sometimes...

We made the most of our hol by getting out all the time and enjoying the amazing snow and scenery. Auffach is a great place for red runs with a lovely cafe at the summit. The apres ski is good in Niederau, the Irish bar is especially good for live music and the bars are very friendly. There are some good restaurants and a great pizzeria next to Spar. Do yourself a favour and eat out!