Harfenwirt Hotel, Niederau, Austria
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
This is a traditional, charming Tirolean hotel. The Harfenwirt is the sister hotel of the very popular Hotel Sonnschein and boasts a fantastic location opposite the ski slopes, good facilities and a friendly welcome.The hotel is 5 minutes walk from the village centre, opposite the ski lift, nursery slopes and ski bus stop. When the snow conditions allow, it is possible to ski to the hotels doorstep,
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Harfenwirt Hotel Reviews
" harfenwirt "
Submitted By: Katiestar
We booked through lastminute.com £1400 for my husband and I and our 4 kids half board.We had booked 2 triple rooms but when we got there were allocated a pretty grotty tiny twin room with a laundry chute in it for our 2 eldest kids in the old part of the hotel and a gorgeous huge room in the new part for everyone else.After the first night we asked Herbert to put another bed in it (there was more than enough room) and that was much better .A lovely wooden balcony overlooked the meadow and the village.The cleanliness of our room and the hotel generally was very high.
The swimming pool was fantastic and usually no-one else there
Herbert himself was a very hard working man and clearly runs a tight ship.He was very friendly and made a big fuss of the children.The head waiter Anthon was very competent and offered to use his own mobile phone to call a taxi for us when mine wouldn't work.
Also deserving of a mention is Sarah the rep.Extremely knowledgeable and struck just the right tone with the guests.I would give the excursions a miss and a hire a car instead.It was only 50 euros a day for a people carrier from the shell garage. Niederlau itself is pretty quiet really quiet
Food at the hotel itself was fine .Plainish food but tasty and skillfully cooked.Goulash,turkey in dill cream sauce ,mixed grill and gorgeous soups.My kids are pretty fussy eaters but all ate well.I peeked in the kitchen one day and everything was spotless.
I would definitely recommend this hotel.Excellent value for money
The swimming pool was fantastic and usually no-one else there
Herbert himself was a very hard working man and clearly runs a tight ship.He was very friendly and made a big fuss of the children.The head waiter Anthon was very competent and offered to use his own mobile phone to call a taxi for us when mine wouldn't work.
Also deserving of a mention is Sarah the rep.Extremely knowledgeable and struck just the right tone with the guests.I would give the excursions a miss and a hire a car instead.It was only 50 euros a day for a people carrier from the shell garage. Niederlau itself is pretty quiet really quiet
Food at the hotel itself was fine .Plainish food but tasty and skillfully cooked.Goulash,turkey in dill cream sauce ,mixed grill and gorgeous soups.My kids are pretty fussy eaters but all ate well.I peeked in the kitchen one day and everything was spotless.
I would definitely recommend this hotel.Excellent value for money
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" harfenwirt review "
Submitted By: losthour
Hotel harfenwrit was great value for money. They provide a buffet style breakfast each morning - including cereals, toast with jams etc, bread rolls with a variety of spreads (margarine, butter, nutella, soft cheese etc) and hams, cheeses, and boiled eggs. The breakfast really filled us up for most of the day meaning that we didnt need to buy alot for lunch on the slopes.
Dinners were equally good - especially the soups which served as a starter each evening - they were superb.
The hotel facilites were good - they have a newly built swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi etc which we used daily after finishing skiing for the day.
The hotel room we stayed in, in the old part of the hotel, was quite basic with a balcony, double bed, tv, and ensuite bath/shower room. Although our room was basic it satisfied our needs. The maids cleaned the rooms each day and provided fresh towels etc.
Herbert the owner was a character, he could be quite entertaining, but equally it could be difficult to get answers from him at times (not sure if this was due to hearing problems, linguistic problems or selective deafness!) Herberts harp playing is worth a watch too...
By far the most fun evening was on the night of the ski school awards, held in the Harfenwirt. The ski school instructors put on quite a show with music and dancing etc.
We booked the holiday with Inghams who organised some good apres ski activites - wine tasting sleigh rides etc, well worth going along to!
All in all a great value holiday!
Dinners were equally good - especially the soups which served as a starter each evening - they were superb.
The hotel facilites were good - they have a newly built swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi etc which we used daily after finishing skiing for the day.
The hotel room we stayed in, in the old part of the hotel, was quite basic with a balcony, double bed, tv, and ensuite bath/shower room. Although our room was basic it satisfied our needs. The maids cleaned the rooms each day and provided fresh towels etc.
Herbert the owner was a character, he could be quite entertaining, but equally it could be difficult to get answers from him at times (not sure if this was due to hearing problems, linguistic problems or selective deafness!) Herberts harp playing is worth a watch too...
By far the most fun evening was on the night of the ski school awards, held in the Harfenwirt. The ski school instructors put on quite a show with music and dancing etc.
We booked the holiday with Inghams who organised some good apres ski activites - wine tasting sleigh rides etc, well worth going along to!
All in all a great value holiday!
Advice: good skiing for beginners or advanced, not so many intermediate pistes.
Activities:
Good for: Ski
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Perfect "
Submitted By: Skiers5
Just back from a wonderful holiday in the Harfenwirt Hotel. We stayed in the new part of the hotel. The rooms were large, clean and had fridge, safe, tv and wondeful views from the balcony. The hotel has a lovely pool physiotherm room, sauna and steam room. Sauna and steam room not on til 4pm each day, an hour or so earlier would have been nicer. food in hotel is lovely, good heartsome meals, no complaints from any if our party. Red ski school meets opposite hotel, excellent for beginners - didn't have to walk too far in ski boots!!! Red ski school has presentation evening in hotel- wonderful and such a laugh with ski instructors providing the entertainment. Only complaint was that holiday over much too quick. What a perfect place and already look forward to returning next yr to Harfenwirt and it's wonderful owner Herbert and brother Walter
Advice: Fantastic place must go
Activities:
Good for: Ski
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
" Fantastic Holiday "
Submitted By: Rachel Geal
What a fantastic holiday I have just been on, we have been to Niederau twice, this first time was in 2007 and now last week, this time we stayed in the Harfenwirt Hotel, I had read so many different reviews about this hotel and was a little apprehensive to say the least but when we got there wow!! We had originally book three separate rooms which meant that my husband and eldest son had to share and I was sharing with my youngest son, and our friends had their own room. When we got there my husband was asked if he would like to be transferred from two rooms to a family room as Herbert had realised that we had a young family what a fantastic man, he was most helpful, polite, great with the children and my eldest son made his day when he told him what a wonderful hotel he had. When my husband opened the door to the family room wow it was fantastic. We were in the new building and had a balcony with a great view. The swimming pool was out of this world my boys really enjoyed swimming every night before tea. The food was great excellent choice but the only thing that I would say is because there were alot of families in this hotel it would have been nice to have had a children's menu as the menu seemed rather too much for the children. Our friends had a fantastic time too, in fact we are in the process of booking our holiday for next year returning to the Harfenwirt with their family.
Advice: What a fantastic place, great for skiing.
Activities: Going on the horse drawn sleigh ride through the mountains.
Good for: Ski
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Neilson
" Lovely Hotel "
Submitted By: GM
I have been to Niederau twice with my family, christmas 2006 & the christmas just gone and both times we stayed at the Harfenwirt. Niederau is one of my favourite places and the hotel harfenwirt is lovely and exactly what you need.
Reading some of the bad reviews has upset me some-what because i would happily go back to the same place and hotel any day. When we went in 2006 we stayed in the orignial part of the hotel as the extension hadn't began, it was homely and cosy. Returning for christmas just gone was quite a suprise because of the massive extension and pool. This time we were put in the new part of the hotel and i thought it was lovely, clean, cosy and had everything you needed and the heated floor in the bathroom was very much appreciated after being out in the snow all day.
I disagree with some comments made about the food, we found it lovely and not one night did we go hungry after being fed well with soup, salad, a main and a desert, just what you need in a place like Niederau.
We did come across the situation with the doors being locked through to the new part from the dining room and we didn't find out the reason for this but we didn't see this as too much of a problem because we were able to get to our rooms through the original part of the hotel, took a little bit longer but we got there.
Herbert is such a busy man and sometimes may come across as being rude but he is such a lovely man and very welcoming, he would come into the dining room at dinner times to make sure everyone was doing ok and his harp playing on christmas eve and christmas day always brings a tear to my eye, and lighting the candles on the christmas tree is lovely to watch.
About the situation with Herbert using the extension part for his brother's birthday happened when we were there, and some guests did have to move and eat in the second bar area. We didn't have to move as we weren't in the new part of the hotel to eat and were a large party of 10, and that evening the waitors did struggle with the food and we did have to wait a while for our food but we were quite happy to just soak up the atmosphere, i don't think people realise how hard the waitors actually work, it wasn't their fault.
The swimming pool did take a while to get open, but Herbert was finishing the floor then cleaning it by himself, he can't do everything to please everybody, he practically runs that hotel single handed. He is a lovely man and i don't think people realise how hard he works to maintain a lovely hotel!
I enjoyed every minute of our holiday there and the atmosphere at the hotel made it really 'christmassy' and of course the heaps of snow really helped. The village is beautiful and i would recommend going on the cable cars to go right to the top of the mountain, the scenery is breath taking, it really is! Some nice cafes and a few bars and you must try the hot chocolate, it is amazing!! We also took a horse and cart ride through the mountains on christmas day and we took the tractor train up to the highest peak (can't remember the name of it) I would recomend that you try everything, you can't fail!
Reading some of the bad reviews has upset me some-what because i would happily go back to the same place and hotel any day. When we went in 2006 we stayed in the orignial part of the hotel as the extension hadn't began, it was homely and cosy. Returning for christmas just gone was quite a suprise because of the massive extension and pool. This time we were put in the new part of the hotel and i thought it was lovely, clean, cosy and had everything you needed and the heated floor in the bathroom was very much appreciated after being out in the snow all day.
I disagree with some comments made about the food, we found it lovely and not one night did we go hungry after being fed well with soup, salad, a main and a desert, just what you need in a place like Niederau.
We did come across the situation with the doors being locked through to the new part from the dining room and we didn't find out the reason for this but we didn't see this as too much of a problem because we were able to get to our rooms through the original part of the hotel, took a little bit longer but we got there.
Herbert is such a busy man and sometimes may come across as being rude but he is such a lovely man and very welcoming, he would come into the dining room at dinner times to make sure everyone was doing ok and his harp playing on christmas eve and christmas day always brings a tear to my eye, and lighting the candles on the christmas tree is lovely to watch.
About the situation with Herbert using the extension part for his brother's birthday happened when we were there, and some guests did have to move and eat in the second bar area. We didn't have to move as we weren't in the new part of the hotel to eat and were a large party of 10, and that evening the waitors did struggle with the food and we did have to wait a while for our food but we were quite happy to just soak up the atmosphere, i don't think people realise how hard the waitors actually work, it wasn't their fault.
The swimming pool did take a while to get open, but Herbert was finishing the floor then cleaning it by himself, he can't do everything to please everybody, he practically runs that hotel single handed. He is a lovely man and i don't think people realise how hard he works to maintain a lovely hotel!
I enjoyed every minute of our holiday there and the atmosphere at the hotel made it really 'christmassy' and of course the heaps of snow really helped. The village is beautiful and i would recommend going on the cable cars to go right to the top of the mountain, the scenery is breath taking, it really is! Some nice cafes and a few bars and you must try the hot chocolate, it is amazing!! We also took a horse and cart ride through the mountains on christmas day and we took the tractor train up to the highest peak (can't remember the name of it) I would recomend that you try everything, you can't fail!
Advice: Beautiful village, hotel harfernwirt is very welcoming. Would recomend it to anyone
Activities: Taking the cable car to the top of the mountain was just amazing
Good for: Ski
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Neilson
" about those negative comments "
Submitted By: gabs
My Partner an I have spent New Year 2008/2009 in the Hotel Harfenwirt and enjoyed our stay very much. Hence the reason why we returned this year January for two weeks when we enjoyed another great stay.
Reading negative comments by some guests about Herbert and his Hotel fills me with concern and sadness.
My answer to to you all is ( if you are looking for 5 star treatment.....pay for it!)
We booked our stay in October and payed full price ( not last minute ) like most of the guest who feel they have been hard done by.
The Harfenwirt is a traditional Austrian Hotel with the the character and standard of a 3 star you should expect in Austria. The staff is very hard working and always does their best under the circumstances. Unfortunately we have overheard some guests been disrespectful towards waiters and waitresses so they must not be surprised if the same staff does not go the extra mile for them. We never had any problems with the waiting staff, the were friendly and done their best which was good enough for us. We treated them with respect and in return we found them to be friendly and courteous.
Where would you find a 3 Star Hotel with Stainless Steal Pool, Sauna and Solarium, heated floor in the bathroom, daily cleaned rooms, amazing views from the balcony with Staff who treats you like a King in the UK, at this price...... I wonder!!!!?
Was very surprised to hear about looked internal doors and only been shown one way to the new wing, which is through the dining room which of course is looked at 1AM in the morning. We stayed in the new wing with the new lift which always opens two doors one in and one to the old wing which is obviously the way to the reception and the way out. Personally I find it surprising that people do not use their own initiative and find out where they actually staying. A child shows them were to go and this must be the only way?!
Herbert is a no nonsense austrian which we found to be part of his charm, he works extremely hard always thinks of the next thing to do, is on his feet most of the time and all because he is trying to please his guests. Yes he can come across grumpy at times but so would we all be, if we were faced with guests who feel nothing is good enough. Herbert is a great character all you have to do is talk to him, if you can get hold of him :) Everybody is pleased when Herbert plays his harp, which is causing him to have bleeding fingers most of the time. This is how far he goes to make sure his guests have a memorable stay.
About the entire dining room been relocated into the bar because of a private function for Herberts Brother... Walter, I have to wonder. This apparently happened at Christmas which I know is a time when the Hotel is fully booked. Since the extension was build last year the Hotel has got the capacity of at least 250 people, no way ever did they fit into a bar with eight tables???
And yes the bar is open every evening and of course it is not cold, if it were we would not have spend as many evenings of our 2 weeks stay in the bar. Guests who return at 1 AM in the morning from an Irish bar in an Austrian Village must not be surprised to find the bar closed at this time!
The Harfenwirt Hotel is extreme value for money for a 3 star, just relax and do not take any negative comments from some guests to seriously. It's Austria, the slopes are right opposite the hotel, the pistes are very well looked after, the view is stunning and Herbert is a funny guy if given a chance.
Herbert.........we will be back!
Reading negative comments by some guests about Herbert and his Hotel fills me with concern and sadness.
My answer to to you all is ( if you are looking for 5 star treatment.....pay for it!)
We booked our stay in October and payed full price ( not last minute ) like most of the guest who feel they have been hard done by.
The Harfenwirt is a traditional Austrian Hotel with the the character and standard of a 3 star you should expect in Austria. The staff is very hard working and always does their best under the circumstances. Unfortunately we have overheard some guests been disrespectful towards waiters and waitresses so they must not be surprised if the same staff does not go the extra mile for them. We never had any problems with the waiting staff, the were friendly and done their best which was good enough for us. We treated them with respect and in return we found them to be friendly and courteous.
Where would you find a 3 Star Hotel with Stainless Steal Pool, Sauna and Solarium, heated floor in the bathroom, daily cleaned rooms, amazing views from the balcony with Staff who treats you like a King in the UK, at this price...... I wonder!!!!?
Was very surprised to hear about looked internal doors and only been shown one way to the new wing, which is through the dining room which of course is looked at 1AM in the morning. We stayed in the new wing with the new lift which always opens two doors one in and one to the old wing which is obviously the way to the reception and the way out. Personally I find it surprising that people do not use their own initiative and find out where they actually staying. A child shows them were to go and this must be the only way?!
Herbert is a no nonsense austrian which we found to be part of his charm, he works extremely hard always thinks of the next thing to do, is on his feet most of the time and all because he is trying to please his guests. Yes he can come across grumpy at times but so would we all be, if we were faced with guests who feel nothing is good enough. Herbert is a great character all you have to do is talk to him, if you can get hold of him :) Everybody is pleased when Herbert plays his harp, which is causing him to have bleeding fingers most of the time. This is how far he goes to make sure his guests have a memorable stay.
About the entire dining room been relocated into the bar because of a private function for Herberts Brother... Walter, I have to wonder. This apparently happened at Christmas which I know is a time when the Hotel is fully booked. Since the extension was build last year the Hotel has got the capacity of at least 250 people, no way ever did they fit into a bar with eight tables???
And yes the bar is open every evening and of course it is not cold, if it were we would not have spend as many evenings of our 2 weeks stay in the bar. Guests who return at 1 AM in the morning from an Irish bar in an Austrian Village must not be surprised to find the bar closed at this time!
The Harfenwirt Hotel is extreme value for money for a 3 star, just relax and do not take any negative comments from some guests to seriously. It's Austria, the slopes are right opposite the hotel, the pistes are very well looked after, the view is stunning and Herbert is a funny guy if given a chance.
Herbert.........we will be back!
Advice: Niederau is a small charming village great for beginners and intermediates.
Activities:
Good for: Ski
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Inghams
" We are going back "
Submitted By: Chris Grove
After reading the negative reviews on the hotel Harfenwirt our party of 6 felt we were going on an adventure and as we had purchased a last minute holiday for £305 each were ready for anything.
Firstly Herbert Thaler, the owner was delightful and always visited the restaurant each day chatting to guests. If we needed any advice on the best places to go he was happy to provide this information.
The hotel has recently been refurbished with a brand new extension housing modern bedrooms. We were housed in the 'older part' of the hotel that was typical Austrian in style, very comfortable, warm and clean with spectacular views of the mountains. (we have been to Austria 8 times before and never had such a delightful view) You can ask to upgrade your room but we did not feel this was necessary. The new 'stainless steel interior' swimming pool, light room and sauna were exquisite again with first class views of the snow and surrounding area.
The Ingham’s rep Sarah was enthusiastic and sincere she really put everyone at their ease and made us feel welcome from the minute we arrived at the hotel. (this was refreshing as some young representatives from past holidays have been down right patronising and rude)
We went on a sleigh ride that was splendid especially as the snow began to fall on our return journey.
The service during dinner was at times rather slow and the food a little basic plus if you have children a large coke is 4 euros (the same as a large beer) so a visit to the local Spar in the village would save you a fortune. Towels are not provided for the pool so you need to take the ones from your room which is not a problem as they are changed every day.
Chris Grove
Firstly Herbert Thaler, the owner was delightful and always visited the restaurant each day chatting to guests. If we needed any advice on the best places to go he was happy to provide this information.
The hotel has recently been refurbished with a brand new extension housing modern bedrooms. We were housed in the 'older part' of the hotel that was typical Austrian in style, very comfortable, warm and clean with spectacular views of the mountains. (we have been to Austria 8 times before and never had such a delightful view) You can ask to upgrade your room but we did not feel this was necessary. The new 'stainless steel interior' swimming pool, light room and sauna were exquisite again with first class views of the snow and surrounding area.
The Ingham’s rep Sarah was enthusiastic and sincere she really put everyone at their ease and made us feel welcome from the minute we arrived at the hotel. (this was refreshing as some young representatives from past holidays have been down right patronising and rude)
We went on a sleigh ride that was splendid especially as the snow began to fall on our return journey.
The service during dinner was at times rather slow and the food a little basic plus if you have children a large coke is 4 euros (the same as a large beer) so a visit to the local Spar in the village would save you a fortune. Towels are not provided for the pool so you need to take the ones from your room which is not a problem as they are changed every day.
Chris Grove
Advice: unspoilt and friendly
Activities: sleigh ride is a must
Good for: Ski
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Great Christmas "
Submitted By: Thehappypeople
We booked a late deal with lastminute.com with Inghams. I read a lot of reviews myself so I thought I should do one. The Hotel was a little like fawlty tower in the respect that Herbert does everything and you dont often find anyone on reception. However The village is gorgeous and the location is good as my teenage son would ski straight from the Hotel and back again. Our room which was basic but overlooked the nursery slopes so again this was ideal as we could watch the children play. Although the room was basic it was the warmest room I have ever had and always had plenty of hot water, it was cleaned every day to a good standard. We were sat with another family for meals but it was fine they were nice people and we got on well we ended spending most our time together most people thought we had gone on holiday together and although I love my hubby dearly it's good to have other people to talk to! The food was okay we could eat it, I found it a bit like mums cooking in the 70's always meat, potatoe & veg, curry, casserole that sort of thing and you do get a choice of two main courses. I did miss a hot breakfast though, got a bit bored of rolls even though they were lovely & fresh. The pool was good and had been finished to a 4star standard. Not much going on in the hotel but we were too tired anyway, and I must say we loved Herberts harp playing and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Drinks are around 3euor's each.
We had a fantastic holiday and met a lot of lovely people. We used the red ski school which was great we booked it in england with Inghams and got one child free. Inghams were great and had a good presence in the hotel. If you do go i hope you Enjoy it as it's such a beautiful place.
We had a fantastic holiday and met a lot of lovely people. We used the red ski school which was great we booked it in england with Inghams and got one child free. Inghams were great and had a good presence in the hotel. If you do go i hope you Enjoy it as it's such a beautiful place.
Advice: Go it's Gorgeous
Activities:
Good for: Ski
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
" Lovely resort but....... "
Submitted By: DP
We had previously stayed at the Sonnshein Hotel and really enjoyed the holiday. As this Hotel was fully booked we decided to stay at the sister hotel, Harfenwirt. We had read the reviews but decided to find out for ourselves!
On arrival we were told that Herbert was somewhere and would eventually turn up. After waiting for 1/2 hour we decided to go off and get some lunch, leaving our luggage in the bar area. On our return Herbert handed us a key card and got his daughter to take us through the dining room into the new wing to our room. To be fair the room was really nice, balcony with a view towards Neiderau, and a lovely heated floor in the bathroom!! We then discovered that there were no fire/emergency evacuation details in the room. In fact, there was nothing in the room to tell us anything about the hotel at all (ie. meal times, directions to the pool etc).
We booked the hotel as it stated it had a swimming pool. But the pool did not open until the Wednesday, and the sauna etc were never open.
On our first night we were told where to sit at meal times, and to sit there all week. The next morning was fine, but that evening Herbert had put someone else at our table. On asking a waitor what was happening and then him ignoring us for 20 mins we finally found Herbert and all he said was 'to go and sit down'. Eventually we managed to get him to understand that we had nowhere to sit, so he found us another table stating 'sit there all week'. The food was luke warm and not great. The service was ok, but the staff seemed very confused as to what they were supposed to be doing.
We were told by the reps that Herbert locked the front door of the hotel at 11pm. We asked him if this was the case, and he said no, the door was no longer locked at night. Christmas evening we spent in the Irish bar and returned to the hotel at 1am to find the front door locked. Luckily we were with another couple who were staying in the original part of the hotel and had a 'key' which we eventually found activated the front door. On entering the so called reception area (as there is rarely anyone on reception), we found that all inner doors were locked. As the only way we had been shown (by his daughter) to our room was through the dining area, we had no idea how to get back to our room. After searching around the hotel and trying all doors we eventually found a door that opened into the kitchen! We walked through the kitchen into the dining area to find that the door from that area to our corridor was also locked. Eventually we found that by going downstairs out of the dining area into a lift, where the doors open both sides, we could access our corridor.
Whilst on the note about the interior doors being locked, we were due to leave the hotel at 5am for the airport transfer, only to find yet again, even on that morning, all interior doors were locked.
On our last full day there, we were informed in the morning that in the evening we were being moved from the dining room (for our evening meal) as Herbert was putting on a private party there for his brother. That evening were were all squashed (or as Herbert put it 'cosy') into the bar area (where the bar was never open, although the hotel states 2 bars), where the waiters did not have a clue as to what they were doing, and the room was really cold and draughty. We were disgusted that as paying guests were were 'removed' from the dining area for Herbert to hold a private party.
We have been to Neiderau twice now and love the resort, skiing with red ski school, but would not consider returning to the Harfenwirt.
On arrival we were told that Herbert was somewhere and would eventually turn up. After waiting for 1/2 hour we decided to go off and get some lunch, leaving our luggage in the bar area. On our return Herbert handed us a key card and got his daughter to take us through the dining room into the new wing to our room. To be fair the room was really nice, balcony with a view towards Neiderau, and a lovely heated floor in the bathroom!! We then discovered that there were no fire/emergency evacuation details in the room. In fact, there was nothing in the room to tell us anything about the hotel at all (ie. meal times, directions to the pool etc).
We booked the hotel as it stated it had a swimming pool. But the pool did not open until the Wednesday, and the sauna etc were never open.
On our first night we were told where to sit at meal times, and to sit there all week. The next morning was fine, but that evening Herbert had put someone else at our table. On asking a waitor what was happening and then him ignoring us for 20 mins we finally found Herbert and all he said was 'to go and sit down'. Eventually we managed to get him to understand that we had nowhere to sit, so he found us another table stating 'sit there all week'. The food was luke warm and not great. The service was ok, but the staff seemed very confused as to what they were supposed to be doing.
We were told by the reps that Herbert locked the front door of the hotel at 11pm. We asked him if this was the case, and he said no, the door was no longer locked at night. Christmas evening we spent in the Irish bar and returned to the hotel at 1am to find the front door locked. Luckily we were with another couple who were staying in the original part of the hotel and had a 'key' which we eventually found activated the front door. On entering the so called reception area (as there is rarely anyone on reception), we found that all inner doors were locked. As the only way we had been shown (by his daughter) to our room was through the dining area, we had no idea how to get back to our room. After searching around the hotel and trying all doors we eventually found a door that opened into the kitchen! We walked through the kitchen into the dining area to find that the door from that area to our corridor was also locked. Eventually we found that by going downstairs out of the dining area into a lift, where the doors open both sides, we could access our corridor.
Whilst on the note about the interior doors being locked, we were due to leave the hotel at 5am for the airport transfer, only to find yet again, even on that morning, all interior doors were locked.
On our last full day there, we were informed in the morning that in the evening we were being moved from the dining room (for our evening meal) as Herbert was putting on a private party there for his brother. That evening were were all squashed (or as Herbert put it 'cosy') into the bar area (where the bar was never open, although the hotel states 2 bars), where the waiters did not have a clue as to what they were doing, and the room was really cold and draughty. We were disgusted that as paying guests were were 'removed' from the dining area for Herbert to hold a private party.
We have been to Neiderau twice now and love the resort, skiing with red ski school, but would not consider returning to the Harfenwirt.
Good for: Ski
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Inghams
" ok "
Submitted By: hopcroft21@hotmail.co.uk
Stayed at the harfenwirt jan 2008 it was through last minute.com £190 each cant complain at that, we stayed in the annex about 100 meters up the road and at first were a little dissapointed at not been in the hotel its self, but as it turned out it was a large clean room with onsuite and great views. There is the added bonus of been right next to the biklewirt herbert`s sisters b&b great little local bar in there a bit like someones living room, here we sampled the local brew,krautsinger(not sure about spelling) be warned!!!!
Yes herbert is a bit of a grumpy git but he is quite entertaining and welcomed us every morning for breakfast> Food is ok and different every night. The table seating is a bit of a lotery because you will probably share your table with other people we had a great time with the the people we sat with.
To sum up its ok its right oppersite the slopes dont expect top quality food and there is plenty of atmosphere in the bar, there is not a lot of choice for ski runs but the ski schools are excelent and very well run. take a kettle and some tea and coffee there ant no facilities in the room wich is one real gripe.
Anyway cant be that bad booked to go next feb same hotel
Yes herbert is a bit of a grumpy git but he is quite entertaining and welcomed us every morning for breakfast> Food is ok and different every night. The table seating is a bit of a lotery because you will probably share your table with other people we had a great time with the the people we sat with.
To sum up its ok its right oppersite the slopes dont expect top quality food and there is plenty of atmosphere in the bar, there is not a lot of choice for ski runs but the ski schools are excelent and very well run. take a kettle and some tea and coffee there ant no facilities in the room wich is one real gripe.
Anyway cant be that bad booked to go next feb same hotel
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I totally agree agree with all the... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Cresswell
I totally agree agree with all the positive reviews I have read. We are definitely going back there next year. No guests we stayed with moaned about the food, and there were full tables each night, so nobody was choosing to eat elsewhere. I have food allergies that were very well catered for (gluten-free). The staff were very good, and work very hard. Herbert seems to oversee everything. Admittedly if I had paid the full brochure price, I would have expected more from the accomodation and food, and could have been slightly disappointed (although not with the staff, or hospitality), but we paid £220 each through lastminute.com. What a bargain for August. It was very clean, and the hospitality was wonderful.
Inghams is a very good operator, and we will be travelling with them again. The flights and transfers from Manchester were very comfortable and timely both ways. For those who complain that the transfer takes a long time to Niederau (about 2.5 hours from Salzburg), I would say that to be transported into the middle of a beautiful valley away from the stresses of busy townlife does take time (not a motorway in sight), although it is the most scenic transfer I have ever taken. If you book through Inghams / lastminute and are travelling with children, request to fly to Innsbruck instead (only 75 mins or so transfer). That is what some people who were on their subsequent stays said they did.
The Inghams rep, Sarah was lovely, and could not do enough to help everyone. She is very knowledgeable of the area, having repped on and off in the region since 1988. Her welcoming presentation is also very informative and worth attending.
We will be going again, and other guests we spoke to also said the same. For some people staying at Harfenwirt, it was their return from a previous trip, so people do return to the region, and we are not surprised - stunning scenery and walking. We were also treated with a lovely week of weather, 26 - 32 degrees 27th August - 3rd September.
The one tip I will leave for people reading this, is that the drinks are expensive in the Harfenwirt, but the drinks at the hotel right next door to it with the children's farmyard and playground are cheaper, and the white beer is recommended. Most evenings, we went there after dinner - the landlord does not mind your children playing there, although he does expect the grown ups at least relax with a drink there from his bar. One evening, he was letting the children ride his pony, but the small animals are always there for them, and the baby llama is very soft. We let our daughter play there every evening, before retreating to our balcony on the annexe Herbert put us in. We were expecting two double beds and a shower/wc in the annexe. What we got was a room with a kitchenette, dining area and balcony, a bathroom, and a separate sideroom for our daughter,. The decoration was dated, but you do not go there to stay in your room, and it is all very traditional over in the annexes, very nice, and very spotless!
Inghams is a very good operator, and we will be travelling with them again. The flights and transfers from Manchester were very comfortable and timely both ways. For those who complain that the transfer takes a long time to Niederau (about 2.5 hours from Salzburg), I would say that to be transported into the middle of a beautiful valley away from the stresses of busy townlife does take time (not a motorway in sight), although it is the most scenic transfer I have ever taken. If you book through Inghams / lastminute and are travelling with children, request to fly to Innsbruck instead (only 75 mins or so transfer). That is what some people who were on their subsequent stays said they did.
The Inghams rep, Sarah was lovely, and could not do enough to help everyone. She is very knowledgeable of the area, having repped on and off in the region since 1988. Her welcoming presentation is also very informative and worth attending.
We will be going again, and other guests we spoke to also said the same. For some people staying at Harfenwirt, it was their return from a previous trip, so people do return to the region, and we are not surprised - stunning scenery and walking. We were also treated with a lovely week of weather, 26 - 32 degrees 27th August - 3rd September.
The one tip I will leave for people reading this, is that the drinks are expensive in the Harfenwirt, but the drinks at the hotel right next door to it with the children's farmyard and playground are cheaper, and the white beer is recommended. Most evenings, we went there after dinner - the landlord does not mind your children playing there, although he does expect the grown ups at least relax with a drink there from his bar. One evening, he was letting the children ride his pony, but the small animals are always there for them, and the baby llama is very soft. We let our daughter play there every evening, before retreating to our balcony on the annexe Herbert put us in. We were expecting two double beds and a shower/wc in the annexe. What we got was a room with a kitchenette, dining area and balcony, a bathroom, and a separate sideroom for our daughter,. The decoration was dated, but you do not go there to stay in your room, and it is all very traditional over in the annexes, very nice, and very spotless!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:LastminuteLastminute / Operator was Inghams
" We booked a late deal via... "
Submitted By: Mr R Constable
We booked a late deal via lastminute.com for one week half board with Inghams. We paid £776 for 2 adults & 2 children, half board flying from our local airport, Southampton, which was an absolute bargain. Having read the mixed reviews on this website after booking, particularly regarding the apparently infamous Herbert, it was with some trepidation that we set off.
Firstly, the flight with Austrian airways was first class. Courteous staff served an qualitymeal and came round three times offering drinks, ranging from tea, coffee, apple juice and red and white wine! Having been victim to Ryanair's awful service earlier in the year, this flight was a breath of fresh air. Landing at Salzburg, we were quickly met by Inghams reps who showed us to modern air-conditioned coaches. One down-side was the 3 hour trip to Niederau, lengthened by the need to drop off visitors to other resorts along the way (note the hotel Austria at St Johann looked very good).
Arrriving at the Harfenwirt we were met by Herbert and made us stand in line whilst he alone carried out the formalities of booking us in. He asked us the age of our children and upon hearing 8 & 11 years said "I think vee vill put you on zee first floor as vee need zee control over children you know". This immediately made me think the stories about him were true. The rooms were basic en-suite, but perfectly adequate and clean. Upon going down for our first evening meal, true to the reports, Herbert was waiting to allocate us to the table at which we must sit at for the whole week. Most tables sit at around 8 people, so it is likely you will be sat with another family or couples. Fortunately, we were "paired" with a perfectly nice family.
Much discussion has been made about the meals. Yes they are a little basic, but perfectly adequate and filling. Each evening meal consists of home-made soup, followed by an all you can eat salad selection, main course and pudding. The main courses were a little basic, for example we once had frozen battered fish one evening and on a number of occasions had frozen croquet potatoes and carrots. Conversely, we also had a very nice venison stew and home-made lasagne. Each day you have a choice of two mains, plus vegetarian which you must chose at breakfast. Breakfast consists of bread/rolls/jam, ham, cheese, salami etc, basic cereals, natural yoghurt and tea/coffee/hot chocolate - breakfast does not vary at all throughout the week. Had I paid full price (about £1500) I would not have been happy, but for less than £800 I really could not complain. There are no tea-making facilites in rooms, so you are obliged to buy drinks whenever you want one, a round for 2 adults/ 2 childrem working out at around 11 Euros. The waitresses/waiters were perrfectly nice and friendly, provided you treated them with the respect they deserved, as they seemed to always be on duty from dawn till dusk. This may sound snobbish, but one good thing about Austria is that it attracts a decent standard of UK guest, ie it is CHAV-free.
I would single out Sarah, the English Inghams resort rep, for particular praise as she was particularly friendly and helpful and was at the hotel most mornings. Inghams offer a number of excursions and we were very happy with the four that we went on. All Inghams customers seem to have had 1 free excursion included in their package, a nice trip to Ratttenburg and then on to Lake Achensee - a lovely day out.
There was significant building work nearing completion at the time of our visit, providing new bedrooms and dining areas. I suspect that those people on late deals will not be put in the nice new rooms.
In summary, had I paid the full price I would not have been particularly happy, but the late deal made the slightly basic rooms and food very bearable: Just think about the money you've saved and go out and enjoy yourself by spending the saving on trips etc. Even Herbert was perfectly agreeable and made a point of asking guests if all was well.
Providing the weather is nice, there is a surprising amount to do in the area and if it is not, go on the excursions to places like Innsbruck.
Firstly, the flight with Austrian airways was first class. Courteous staff served an qualitymeal and came round three times offering drinks, ranging from tea, coffee, apple juice and red and white wine! Having been victim to Ryanair's awful service earlier in the year, this flight was a breath of fresh air. Landing at Salzburg, we were quickly met by Inghams reps who showed us to modern air-conditioned coaches. One down-side was the 3 hour trip to Niederau, lengthened by the need to drop off visitors to other resorts along the way (note the hotel Austria at St Johann looked very good).
Arrriving at the Harfenwirt we were met by Herbert and made us stand in line whilst he alone carried out the formalities of booking us in. He asked us the age of our children and upon hearing 8 & 11 years said "I think vee vill put you on zee first floor as vee need zee control over children you know". This immediately made me think the stories about him were true. The rooms were basic en-suite, but perfectly adequate and clean. Upon going down for our first evening meal, true to the reports, Herbert was waiting to allocate us to the table at which we must sit at for the whole week. Most tables sit at around 8 people, so it is likely you will be sat with another family or couples. Fortunately, we were "paired" with a perfectly nice family.
Much discussion has been made about the meals. Yes they are a little basic, but perfectly adequate and filling. Each evening meal consists of home-made soup, followed by an all you can eat salad selection, main course and pudding. The main courses were a little basic, for example we once had frozen battered fish one evening and on a number of occasions had frozen croquet potatoes and carrots. Conversely, we also had a very nice venison stew and home-made lasagne. Each day you have a choice of two mains, plus vegetarian which you must chose at breakfast. Breakfast consists of bread/rolls/jam, ham, cheese, salami etc, basic cereals, natural yoghurt and tea/coffee/hot chocolate - breakfast does not vary at all throughout the week. Had I paid full price (about £1500) I would not have been happy, but for less than £800 I really could not complain. There are no tea-making facilites in rooms, so you are obliged to buy drinks whenever you want one, a round for 2 adults/ 2 childrem working out at around 11 Euros. The waitresses/waiters were perrfectly nice and friendly, provided you treated them with the respect they deserved, as they seemed to always be on duty from dawn till dusk. This may sound snobbish, but one good thing about Austria is that it attracts a decent standard of UK guest, ie it is CHAV-free.
I would single out Sarah, the English Inghams resort rep, for particular praise as she was particularly friendly and helpful and was at the hotel most mornings. Inghams offer a number of excursions and we were very happy with the four that we went on. All Inghams customers seem to have had 1 free excursion included in their package, a nice trip to Ratttenburg and then on to Lake Achensee - a lovely day out.
There was significant building work nearing completion at the time of our visit, providing new bedrooms and dining areas. I suspect that those people on late deals will not be put in the nice new rooms.
In summary, had I paid the full price I would not have been particularly happy, but the late deal made the slightly basic rooms and food very bearable: Just think about the money you've saved and go out and enjoy yourself by spending the saving on trips etc. Even Herbert was perfectly agreeable and made a point of asking guests if all was well.
Providing the weather is nice, there is a surprising amount to do in the area and if it is not, go on the excursions to places like Innsbruck.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Inghams
" Having just come back from a weeks... "
Submitted By: Mr R Rivers
Having just come back from a weeks stay at this hotel I want to say if you get the chance to go here do so, we had read negative reports so went with an open mind, one person complaining they waited a long time to be checked into their room so when we arrived Herbert the manager told us our room was not ready so we sat outside the front of the hotel and bought drinks and apple strudel something not to be missed. Herbert then took us to the Annexe with our cases although it is only a short walk away and do not worry if you are in the Annexe as the rooms are very comfy although can be noisy if anyone is above you as all the floors are wooden and creak. Towels were changed every day and the cleaner actually gets down on her hands and knees to wash the bathroom floor. Meals are eaten in the main hotel and Herbert places you at your table with other people for your holiday, for us we have made good friends. Breakfast was a choice of cold meats, cheeses,bread rolls, jams, honey, yoghurt and 3 types of cereal, fruit juice, and a pot of coffee or tea per family. Evening meal was soup then as much salad you wanted then each morning you would have a choice of evening meal (2 choices) then dessert. One of the things Herbert does is play the harp in a neighbouring hotel, do not miss it as you all sing along. One very good trip to go on is the Bummelbahn train, nicknamed the Noddy train, it goes on the road and you can get off at certain villages, a great way to get around,We went to the Wood Museum in Auffach, well worth the 4 euro's to go into. Gondola was only a short walk away fron our hotel and the walks from the top of the mountain are well signposted, you can do easy or difficult. In Nierderau there are a couple of gift shops, a spar and a large super market, if you want more shops mainly gift shops the best place to go to is Rattenberg this trip was free to us being an Inghams customer and you also get a chance to see the glass blowers at work.One person I must praise is Sarah our rep. she knows what she is talking about and is at the hotel most days.This hotel is just about to open a new extension the work was just about completed, so you may be lucky enough to stay in the new part but where ever you are I'm sure you will enjoy it.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:LastminuteInghams
" We arrived at about 10 at night and... "
Submitted By: Ms B Rayner
We arrived at about 10 at night and were unable simply to go our room as we would have wished as we had to be driven there and therefore had to go to the dining room first, where a sorry collection of cold meat and cheese was offered - and whoever has the job of cutting gherkins in half should be told that their time is worth much more then half a gherkin - having experienced the meals during the week I do wonder if soup at least could not be kept warm for late-arriving guests.
After this we were driven to our accommodation by Herbert. It was a small guest house, and Herbert handed us a key and pointed upstairs, but failed utterly to inform us that we were 2 flights up, leaving us wandering around desperately looking for our room on the next floor. The room itself was so small it was impossible for two people to pass each other round the bed. As it was a cheap holiday we had not been expecting a balcony, but the window was so small and close under the eaves that the room was unbearably hot most of the time, a fact which I mentioned to Herbert the next morning and which he dismissed with little courtesy. Ironically, since it was a non-smoking room, the smoke from the chimney blew in almost constantly. There was no outside area reserved for hotel guests, so there were times when, going out for air, we were faced with drunken visitors. On the nights when there was the harp-playing (think gathering round the old piano for a drunken singalong but replace piano with harp) the noise even 2 flights up was tremendous - we certainly didn't need to be in the bar to hear it, tho Herbert saw fit to tell us off at breakfast for not having attended!
The food tasted fine, and there was enough of it, but it was very, very salty. As drinks were very expensive (a small cup of tea, served with condensed milk, was nearly £2 for instance) for me dehydration became an issue, and for that reason I stopped eating in the restaurant. I was quite happy providing for myself, and did not make a big deal of it, but it did not go unnoticed - Herbert literally stopped talking to me for a couple of days, and wouldn't so much as look at me when we met each other in passing. Toward the end of the week he decided to ask my partner and me about it, and I simply commented that it had been making me ill. After this he seemed to feel that heavy-handed flirting would be the best way of dealing with the problem!
The trips out were expensive (and yes, I know that the exchange rate isn't helping with prices) and it always took significantly more time to get where we were going than we were told it would - by about a quarter - and this included the transfers to and from the airport. We went on the trip to the glacier and felt that the tour guide was far more interested in his own skiing than in being informative. We had not wanted to go all the way to the top, but he persuaded us that it was wonderful and it wasn't - the final cable car trip was a nightmare for my partner who suffers from vertigo (and not pleasant even for me, and I have a good head for heights) and at the top it was so crowded that it was difficult to see the views (always people in the way) and there was then a half-hour queue to come down again, which ate into the limited time we had there far too much. We both wished that the tour guide had told us the facts, and let us make up our own minds rather than pushing us into a more expensive trip which we didn't really want to make. And if you have a problem with heights DON'T go right to the top!
The staff were, in the main, friendly and polite. The rooms were clean tho the beds were not changed at all in the week we were there - and with white sheets and duvet covers this was not ideal.
The walking is good, but don't trust the maps as they are not wholly reliable - we went a couple of hours out of our way because the map was inaccurate!
As a final point don't bother buying sandwiches from the local shop (meat and cheese, not cheap) but go on to the bigger supermarket (past the Spar) where there is a lovely range and very reasonable prices.
After this we were driven to our accommodation by Herbert. It was a small guest house, and Herbert handed us a key and pointed upstairs, but failed utterly to inform us that we were 2 flights up, leaving us wandering around desperately looking for our room on the next floor. The room itself was so small it was impossible for two people to pass each other round the bed. As it was a cheap holiday we had not been expecting a balcony, but the window was so small and close under the eaves that the room was unbearably hot most of the time, a fact which I mentioned to Herbert the next morning and which he dismissed with little courtesy. Ironically, since it was a non-smoking room, the smoke from the chimney blew in almost constantly. There was no outside area reserved for hotel guests, so there were times when, going out for air, we were faced with drunken visitors. On the nights when there was the harp-playing (think gathering round the old piano for a drunken singalong but replace piano with harp) the noise even 2 flights up was tremendous - we certainly didn't need to be in the bar to hear it, tho Herbert saw fit to tell us off at breakfast for not having attended!
The food tasted fine, and there was enough of it, but it was very, very salty. As drinks were very expensive (a small cup of tea, served with condensed milk, was nearly £2 for instance) for me dehydration became an issue, and for that reason I stopped eating in the restaurant. I was quite happy providing for myself, and did not make a big deal of it, but it did not go unnoticed - Herbert literally stopped talking to me for a couple of days, and wouldn't so much as look at me when we met each other in passing. Toward the end of the week he decided to ask my partner and me about it, and I simply commented that it had been making me ill. After this he seemed to feel that heavy-handed flirting would be the best way of dealing with the problem!
The trips out were expensive (and yes, I know that the exchange rate isn't helping with prices) and it always took significantly more time to get where we were going than we were told it would - by about a quarter - and this included the transfers to and from the airport. We went on the trip to the glacier and felt that the tour guide was far more interested in his own skiing than in being informative. We had not wanted to go all the way to the top, but he persuaded us that it was wonderful and it wasn't - the final cable car trip was a nightmare for my partner who suffers from vertigo (and not pleasant even for me, and I have a good head for heights) and at the top it was so crowded that it was difficult to see the views (always people in the way) and there was then a half-hour queue to come down again, which ate into the limited time we had there far too much. We both wished that the tour guide had told us the facts, and let us make up our own minds rather than pushing us into a more expensive trip which we didn't really want to make. And if you have a problem with heights DON'T go right to the top!
The staff were, in the main, friendly and polite. The rooms were clean tho the beds were not changed at all in the week we were there - and with white sheets and duvet covers this was not ideal.
The walking is good, but don't trust the maps as they are not wholly reliable - we went a couple of hours out of our way because the map was inaccurate!
As a final point don't bother buying sandwiches from the local shop (meat and cheese, not cheap) but go on to the bigger supermarket (past the Spar) where there is a lovely range and very reasonable prices.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
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On arrival, we were put in the Guest House approx. 3-4 mins walk away from the main hotel. My first impression wasn't good as it was very shabby but I was really pleased that it was a 2 bed apartment (I was expecting twin rooms so that I would share with my 8 year old & my husband would share with our 10 year old) so it suited us really well as a family. It was slightly inconvenient to have to go over to the hotel 3-4 times a day (breakfast, swimming & dinner!), especially when it rained but it wasn't too bad.
Having read the reviews about Herbert, I was interested to see what he was like - no problems at all although I did feel that he was far more interested in talking himself & had no interest in what you had to say! Definitely a character (in a good way!).
We thought the food was great & the service excellent. Our two children can be quite fussy but they ate as much as we did & were thrilled with it all!
The swimming pool was fantastic. Slightly on the small side but really nice - all brand new & really nicely done.
Niederau itself was lovely. As we were only there for a week, we decided to stay locally in the Wildschonau valley. Children under 15 are free on the buses & a weekly pass for the valley in EUR9.20 for an adult. We got the family pass for the two gondolas in the valley which was EUR56. We inquired at the Shell garage about car hire & it was EUR45 for a Fiat Panda for 1 day with up to 150km mileage so we decided against as there was plenty to do. You can buy a Wildschonau Family pass to include the gondolas, a walking programme & kids programme (where you can leave your children for the day for a small fee to do various published activities) but again, as we were only there for a week, we didn't feel the need. There is a lovely outdoor pool perfect for kids between Niederau & Oberau but we didn't get there until the last day when it rained!
I could go on but will leave it at that - a brilliant family holiday enjoyed by us all & would recommend it to all those with active children!
Advice: Great location with stunning scenery & plenty to do.
Activities: Going up the gongolas & the Kundle gorge were great
Good for: Ski