We wanted to experience a White Christmas & chose The Grand Hotel Zell Am See for our first one! We weren't disappointed. Superb location, right on the lake. Superb room with bunk beds for the kids, and ample room for a week's stay. We arrived with snow in the air 5 days before Christmas & it was magical! The hotel had activities on almost every night & we began with a candle lit tour through the town, the old church, accompanied by the hotel's owners & a singing quartet serrenading us. It was that unique I do not have the words to describe it. The hotel is a 4 star (unashamedly so..I don't know what the fuss is about on previous postings), extremely well appointed ameneties, heated floors, food basket in room, quaint public areas. Christmas decorations, huge tree, Santa Claus came on Christmas eve, hotel gave all kids & guests a gift. The front desk staff were exceptional - esp Alexander & Ruben who suggested & organised everything for us from ski lessons, ski passes, sleigh rides, toboganning, ice skating..and even taxis! They answered all our questions (as ski novices we had loads of questions too.) The room we had was on the ground floor(1st floor) with doors that opened onto a balcony so we could build a snowman - the best part however was that the balcony made way to the snow covered lawn & our children had direct access to this wonderful winter wonderland whenever we came back from our daily activities. Indoor swimming pool was large & a nice treat...the Spa was exceptionally appointed with out of this world views from the top floor of the adjoining building. The only downside was the food - very Austrian & not to our liking. The breakfasts were fine but the half-board dinners left us dissatisfied..one or two nights is ok but for the whole week was not to our liking. The quality of the food & the quantity was superb - just not what we liked. We prefer the ability to be able to eat out of the hotel & there are loads of places in the small town. However I think there is only a half board option (or atleast there was for the period we booked). Our attendant Mandy was extremely helpful & genuine & there was entertainment in the dining room every night & pre-dinner warm wine/punch on the snow covered terrace by the lake! A real experience! We cannot fault this hotel - it had thought of everything that a guest might need..both old & young. My only comment would be to extend the wi-fi to the rooms not just the main reception area. We have just recommended this to friends who are travelling there next week - it is a SUPER hotel & a superb location. We cannot wait to go back!
- Grand Zell Am See
- Zell Am See Grand
