Austria Hotel

1 reader found this review helpful

We went to Niederau from Saturday 19th to the Saturday after, the 26th after being on previous ski holidays to France and have been to Austria once before. We were looking for a change and have enjoyed going to Austria, so chose Niederau because it was described as being family friendly with a lot of runs for the beginner and intermediate skiers. The price was by no means cheap and we were booked into the Hotel Austria for a week. On arrival to the hotel we were greeted by an unfriendly receptionist who gave us the key and room number, we had to ask specifically about our ski storage which we were told could be accessed from the outside of the hotel via the ski and boot hire store which was attached to the building. We later found by accident there was a boot room which could be accessed through a room in the basement of the hotel which lead to the ski storage room as well. We were told in no uncertain terms that our ski carriers could not be taken up to the room and found that the person who we believe to be the owner surly and tried to avoid her for the rest of our stay.
The room was tired and extremely basic, it lacked tea and coffee making facilities, had a dirty shag pile carpet and a flimsy wardrobe, in which the shelves could have used a spirit level as things kept falling off them.
The en-suite bathroom was nicely decorated, modern and clean however the shower head was fixed mid way and in order to have a shower you need to kneel down. Even my twelve year old daughter, who is small in height, had trouble showering.
The television was placed in the most awkward position in the room, and out of the 18 channels available there were only 3 or 4 that could be seen clearly. On the plus side the balcony was very spacious and well maintained.
The rest of the hotel outside of the room was quite pleasant. With a pool being not that clean but very good for people who enjoy swimming as it was quite large.
There was an area in which you could play board games and card games which was quite nice and cosy.
The smoking ban in public places does not feature in Austria however the bar, reception and restaurant areas were quite pleasing and smoke free. On the positive side, the food was excellent. What was disappointing throughout was the apparent lack of customer service. There were signs on the restaurant door forbidding guests to bring drinks from the bar and this theme tended to continue in other parts of the hotel. Such as not being allowed to put your own drinks in the mini bar situated in the room (which incidentally didn’t work in any event)
The breakfast was brilliant with a range of cereals, fruit, yoghurt, sliced cold meats, bread and cheeses. but there was a sign saying that you could eat whatever you liked but, you may not take anything away with you, else if you do they will charge. Not very customer friendly
The staff in the hotel with the exception of the owner we very friendly and helpful which tended to make up for the inadequacies I mentioned earlier
The hotel was a bit of a disappointment and not what we were expecting. Certainly not as described in any of the brochures.
The skiing area in the resort was extremely limited, although we were unfortunate to have hardly any snow in Niederau, we had to take a bus to Auffach, a 30 minute journey each way to access, again a very limited area for skiing.
In summary we enjoyed the holiday mainly because we love to go skiing especially over the Christmas week, needless to say we will not be returning to Hotel Austria or Niederau. We will return to the three valleys in France, which we recommend for skiers of all abilities.

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1 reader found this review helpful

We stayed at the Hotel Austria over the New Year period, we have been to Niederau before and stayed at the Hotel Sonnschein nearby where we booked a luxury room and really enjoyed it and the room was well worth the money. We only chose the Hotel Austria because it was nearer the slopes, it was advertised the same category i.e. Luxury 4 star hotel. All I can say is who are they kidding. The hotel was locked on our arrrival as we arrived after midnight due to a long delay. We waited 15 minutes in the cold and were at a loss as to what to do as they did not answer the Hotel intercom doorbell so in desperation we pressed a private doorbell which was answered on the second ring with a grunt, when we explained we were here to check in we were again given a grunt of key on desk and buzzed in. What a welcome, no staff around and in complete darkness. When we found our key and got out of the lift alarm bells started to ring, the doors to the rooms were badly paint chipped and if any numbers had dropped off they wre filled in with pencil or felt tip pen, it was not looking good.
When we opened the room door we just wanted to turn and run but unfortunately had nowhere to run to, the room had filthy shag pile carpet throughout, it was foul, you had to walk on it when you came out of the shower room. The beds had bedding on which looked like dust sheets with darned areas all over. The furniture was old and chipped and there were chips in all the walls. The worst were the electrics which were downright dangerous. The towels were like tea towels and could be seen through when held up. We complained to the hotel owner the following morning that we had not been given a superior room which is what we had booked and she told us that our room was a superior room, and she wasn't interested, she was so indifferent and rude, unbelievable, I have attached some photos to prove our point. I just want other people to have a good holiday by avoiding this hotel. Because it was New Year there wasn't a room in the resort and boy did we look, we spent the whole of the first day and our rep also tried but to no avail.
We bought slippers and towels and tried our best to dress the room a bit, it was near the church and main road but that was the least of our worries, who cares about a few church bells. We enjoyed the holiday simply because we made ourselves work round it, we never went back to the room apart from a shower and to sleep, but it shouldn't have to be like that, I know it's a ski resort and have been to many before and stayed in 2 star french hotels that were better than this one, if it had been clean and basic it would have done.
The staff in the restaurant were friendly enough and the food was okay, I agree that sharing a table is a bit weird but all of this would have been copeable with if the room hadn't been so disgusting.
I am not a snob, I run a letting agency and rent out flats of my own and a holiday lodge so I spend a lot of time cleaning toilets and making places nice for people to live in
even if they are low rents, I would have been embarassed to say the least if someone had turned up to a room like this. Maybe other people had better rooms so if we were the unlucky ones all I can say is don't be given room 204 if you go.
Bit of advise try Murphy's bar over the road, the staff are lovely and they made our week, great fun and music. Niederau is lovely and this won't put me off but will definitely be back at the Hotel Sonnschein next time.

1 reader found this review helpful

Having just returned from the Hotel Austria we had a great week. Having read comments from previous reviews i was abit dubious but i totally disagree with some of the comments. Alright the Church is nearby with its bell ringing but you can always take earplugs with you but you get used to it. The food was good and the staff very cheerfull and attentive. Neiderau is very pretty and the hotel was in a very cental location i would definately go back and stay in this hotel

Hotel was in a fantastic spot for ski school and slopes and hire shop. For breakfast we would have liked an hot option before going out into the cold, but buffet style breakfast and plenty of cereal, breads, chesses and hams. Evening meals were very filling and very well presented, the clear soups were not always to our liking. All staff were helpful and any questions or extras were seen to straight away. Rooms were more than big enough and very clean, also the mini bar prices in the room were only slightly more than the bar. Also the hotel as a restaurant for the public which was very handing for eating lunch as you can walk through the bar into the restaurant. Only thing that let the hotel down was the breakfast for us.

2 readers found this review helpful

I read the reviews on this site after I had booked our holiday and having read them was dreading it.
However we had a delightful week at the Austria. The room was large enough and very clean. The towels were changed daily although the duvet covers were not but then I don't do it more than once a week at home. The staff were friendly and very helpful. The food was fine and there was plenty of it. There was a good choice at breakfast, meat cheese, eggs, 3 types of bread and ryvitas. Also cereals and 2 types of tinned fruit and yoghurt. There was a choice of 3 juices and none were watered down.
You did have to order your evening meal at breakfast but there was a choice of 3 main dishes and always a vegetarian option. There was a good salad buffet to start and then a soup course. The puds were fine, tiramisu, pannacotta and a couple of nights there was ice cream. We did have to share a table but that was no problem as our dining companions were lovely. As were the majority of the guests staying at the same time as us.
There was smoking allowed in the entrance area but there was never more than one or two people smoking at any one time so not too bad.
The room were a little on the warm side but we managed to turn down the radiator. We were on the side where we didn't hear the church bells we just heard the drunks but that happens in all ski resorts.
So I would recommend the Austria- the location was great and we had a good week's holiday.

1 reader found this review helpful

We really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Austria, from the moment we arrived we were greeted by a friendly receptionist, she was helpful and cheerful throughout the week. The waiters and waitresses were friendly and understanding and apologetic if something was delayed. We did laugh one morning though when someone asked for a boiled egg, "No" came the reply from the waiter.
Breakfast was what you would expect in Europe, good choice of cheeses and meats juices, cereals etc… ok the fruit is tined…. But hey this isn’t the Savoy!
The dining area was good and is no smoking, in fact I think the whole Hotel is now non smoking.
The rooms were also what you would expect on a skiing holiday, clean but dated. The beds were ok, the only area that was a let down was the shower, no shower screen or curtain…. So I promptly flooded the bathroom.
The Bells are Ok, yes they go off at 6 in the morning, but wear earplugs and you’ll never know. Any case I think the Church was there first, people who can clearly see a church in the brochure pics should expect bells at some stage.
The pool was great, and its worth spending a couple of euros on the Sauna and steam room, very relaxing, albeit naked.
The bar was OK but I preferred the local bars which had more action.
If you are fed up with the hotel menu, good Pizza restaurant down by the Spa shop.
All in all great value.

Fantastic location, just a couple of munutes from the lifts and buses for other resorts stop right outside. Mixed feeling about the hotel. Some staff brilliant, other dead ignorant. Breakfast was the same every day, the only eggs available were hard boiled, no toast, no bacon, but lots of cheeses and hams + cereals.
Evening meals were great, with a selection of 3 different courses every night and the soups were delicious. You need to order you evening meal choice at breakfast time.
Single room suppliment is a rip off as they are only single rooms so you are not taking up any other space.
General very comfortable, very warm however you do get woken up EVERY morning at 6am by the sound of the church bells ringing constantly.
Would not return, but that only because there is a big world out there to explore.
Pete Roberts
Devizes
England

My husband and I chose this hotel because of it's close proximity to all the ski amenities - Ski hire, boot room, ski school, gondola, ski bus stop. I have to disagree with some of the previous comments.
The hotel was spotlessly clean, staff were friendly and accommodating, typical Austrian food was chef cooked, delicious and there was a choice of three evening meals each day, chosen from the menu at breakfast time as most other hotels in the area. (If you want plain English food, don't stay at this hotel)
On our first evening we were shown to a table that we were expected to eat at for the whole week and also share with another couple. I requested that my husband and I have a table for two, that we did not wish to share with another couple. This was no problem at all. We were shown to a different table and asked if this was better for us.
The Ski hire and boot room were both at the bottom of the hotel and seemed to be quite efficient, though we disagreed with the additional compulsory ski and boot insurance that we had to pay on hire of the equipment, even though we had ski insurance and had booked and paid for the equipment in the UK. However they did reduce the fee when I questioned the reasoning behind this additional cost, especially as we were guests of their hotel.
Despite that one problem, we would definitely return to this hotel and would recommend it to our friends.

I have stayed in Niederau twice now. The first year at the Harfenwirt and this year at the Austria.
I chose the Austria because of its location (exceptionally well located for gondolas, ski school etc) , access to the boot room, and the fact that it had a pool.
I can only say how disappointed I was with everything except the location. The waiter almost accused me of trying to get away with not paying about 6 Euros for a couple of glasses of wine. When I said no problem, I'll get the money for you (I missed dinner two nights so wasn't there to pay) he told me that it was a problem. I complained to the manager who was most unhelpful.
The room was awful, I knocked my legs every time I got out of bed due to the way the beds were laid out. The church bells which rang every 15 minutes kept me awake every night, and the at 6am the bells went berserk, for at least an hour.
The downstairs area was so smoky that I felt that I had smoked several cigarettes just walking in to the lift.
The food was average and I agree with previous comments about the tinned fruit cocktail.
When skiing, I don't expect luxury, so wasn't surprised that we didn't get it. However, courtesy might have been nice!!
We had an early flight home and there was no coffee or tea available before we left at 4am.
I am well travelled and have to say that this was the most unpleasant hotel that I have had the misfortune to stay in.
Since returning, I have started working for a major tour operator, which does use the Austria. I can honestly say that I will never recommend this hotel to anyone!

As a family, the four of us had two separate rooms, which were next to each other on the first floor.
There is 4 floors in total; -1 (bar, some rooms, sauna), 0 (reception, dining room, some rooms), 1 (rooms), 2 (rooms).
If you are considering staying in this hotel, there are some things you need to be aware of. Myself and other half consider ourselves as having reasonably high standards, but I think you will agree, that, even someone without high standards might be somewhat concerned by some of the following:
- Meals; our holiday was booked on a half-board basis;
Breakfast was a limited selection of cheap cereals, a bowl of fruit cocktail (from a tin - which was advertised as 'fresh fruit salad'), cheese slices with bread roll, an apple/orange, coffee/tea, and heavily watered-down 'fresh orange juice'.
They serve milk at the table - but be very cautious - I personally witnessed the waitress collecting the milk jugs from the tables and pouring the remainders into the 'big' jug for tomorrow’s breakfast – Yuk – disgusting, and dangerous.
Dinner was three courses - a fixed menu. They only serve at 7pm - yes - everybody in the hotel has to be in the dining room at the same time before they start serving dinner.

There are NO choices. At All. You eat what you are given, or you go hungry. Soup everyday for starter, followed by a heavily vinegered or salted main course, and some of the food was so greasy that you had to soak it off with your paper napkin before it became even remotely appealing or edible.
The dessert was usually a blob of something cheap and nasty such as angel delight or warm pears – overall, a very low standard of cuisine, and of little nutritional value. You will also be expected to pay for any over-priced drinks that you have with your evening meal, even if you are staying on a half-board basis.
- Smoking; the entire hotel (expect the dining room) is a smoking zone. Expect vast lung-fulls of smoke whether you like it or not.
- Bar; over-priced drinks in a very shabby surrounding. Loud music in the evenings - expect to be hearing it through the night if you are staying on floor 0 or -1.
- Rooms; A bath is non-standard and will cost you 100euros extra for the privilege. Our shower cubicle had many cracked (and sharp) tiles in and surrounding it.
The drinking glass in the bathroom had not been cleaned and had a layer of someone else's toothpaste drippings welded to the bottom of it - Disgusting.
Towels will be changed twice in a week, no more. Bed sheets / duvet cover will NOT be changed at all. Our radiator did not work and they took two days to fix it (there are no thermostats in the rooms either).
Overall we were VERY disappointed with the standards presented at this hotel and it certainly does not meet the UK expectancy of a 3-star hotel. I'd give it a 1, or 1 and a half, at best.
Just about the only thing it has going for it, is a ski-bus stop right outside the hotel, so if you're a skier / boarder and you need easy access to the ski-bus, then that might be of benefit to you.
We tried to move hotels on our first night but our tour operator said there were no rooms available in the surrounding hotels, so we had no choice but to put up with it. We would never consider staying there again.
If you do decide to give it a chance, I wish you luck, and hope you have a better experience than we did.