Sonnschein Hotel, Niederau, Austria
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Hotel Description:
This splendid hotel has all the modern conveniences of a luxury hotel and has recently been extended to create a wing of superior rooms. The hotel boasts an excellent range of leisure facilities, making it ideal for families. The spacious layout of the hotel, and the first class service provided by Herbert Thaler and his English wife Gill make this a perfect holiday base in the pretty Niederau village. loading...
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Sonnschein Hotel Reviews
" We have just returned from a walking... "
Submitted By: Mr D Stainthorpe
We have just returned from a walking holiday in Niederau, stopping at the 4 star Hotel Sonnschien. We booked a family suite in the newest part of the hotel and the room was fantastic. Always kept spotlessly clean and a huge room with lounge area and balcony.
The quality of the fittings was excellent throughout.
The hotel is a little out of the centre but hey we were there for a walking holiday and the views were great. The ameneties are excellent, especially the indoor pool with built in whirlpool and jets that you can swim against (brilliant excercise). Our 15 year old son thoroughly enjoyed it.
All the staff went out of their way to help and work exceptionally hard, Jill and Herbert, the owners should be proud. Jill by the way hails from the Midlands, so English is never a problem.
The only reason I dont give the hotel 10 out of 10 is the food. Although reasonable it is non the less not 4 star quality. Breakfast is the usual cereal, meats, cheese, bread, yoghurt, etc. It is let down by tinned friut and awful orange juice. The only hot thing you can get is a boiled egg.
Dinner is chosen at breakfast and you have a choice of 3 mains including 1 veggie option. Important to us as my wife is a vegetarian. The sweet and sour pasta veggie dish was awful, but on the whole she ate well. The food as I've said though needs upping a notch. You cannot get tap water with your meal either and have to buy bottled.
You should however try the different Austrian wines. A pleasant if expensive choice at around 22 to 28 Euro's.
The quality of the fittings was excellent throughout.
The hotel is a little out of the centre but hey we were there for a walking holiday and the views were great. The ameneties are excellent, especially the indoor pool with built in whirlpool and jets that you can swim against (brilliant excercise). Our 15 year old son thoroughly enjoyed it.
All the staff went out of their way to help and work exceptionally hard, Jill and Herbert, the owners should be proud. Jill by the way hails from the Midlands, so English is never a problem.
The only reason I dont give the hotel 10 out of 10 is the food. Although reasonable it is non the less not 4 star quality. Breakfast is the usual cereal, meats, cheese, bread, yoghurt, etc. It is let down by tinned friut and awful orange juice. The only hot thing you can get is a boiled egg.
Dinner is chosen at breakfast and you have a choice of 3 mains including 1 veggie option. Important to us as my wife is a vegetarian. The sweet and sour pasta veggie dish was awful, but on the whole she ate well. The food as I've said though needs upping a notch. You cannot get tap water with your meal either and have to buy bottled.
You should however try the different Austrian wines. A pleasant if expensive choice at around 22 to 28 Euro's.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We upgraded from a 3 star to this 4... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Hogg
We upgraded from a 3 star to this 4 star hotel and in my opinion it does not rate 4 star.
The meals were very repetative and certainly not 4 star. Same things offered in the evening as we had in the afternoon at the apre ski snack. This snack was not even advertised to guests, and some people we talked to had been there for a week and knew nothing about it. No water was provided on the tables at evening meals, and when I asked for some, they said no water!!! Only wine and beer and soft drinks to buy.
We did not go for the skiing so were lucky to have the small pool to ourselves during the day. The pool and the table tennis were the only things we enjoyed about the hotel.
We think the hotel was very penny pinching in a lot of ways and we certainly would not go back.
If we returned to austria we would choose a hotel more central in the village not on the ouskirts. Wish we had stayed with the 3 star.
The meals were very repetative and certainly not 4 star. Same things offered in the evening as we had in the afternoon at the apre ski snack. This snack was not even advertised to guests, and some people we talked to had been there for a week and knew nothing about it. No water was provided on the tables at evening meals, and when I asked for some, they said no water!!! Only wine and beer and soft drinks to buy.
We did not go for the skiing so were lucky to have the small pool to ourselves during the day. The pool and the table tennis were the only things we enjoyed about the hotel.
We think the hotel was very penny pinching in a lot of ways and we certainly would not go back.
If we returned to austria we would choose a hotel more central in the village not on the ouskirts. Wish we had stayed with the 3 star.
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Panorama
" This hotel was fantastic and one of... "
Submitted By: Mr D Murphy
This hotel was fantastic and one of the best i have been to in Austria. It is spacious, warm and the perfect place to relax when returning from the slopes.
The food was fresh, tasty and morish with service being excellent.
The hotel staff were extremely polite, friendly and genuine, especially owners Gill and Herbert who were so helpful, ensuring we were happy and comfortable in their hotel.
There is a sufficient amount of facilities with a gym, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, games room and much more making a day relaxing in the hotel an option.
The ski slopes are a 10 minute walk (if that) and cater for beginners to experts. The views are obviously stunning without question...
I would easily recommend this hotel to all. It was a pleasure staying there and i will definately be returning. Perfect *****
The food was fresh, tasty and morish with service being excellent.
The hotel staff were extremely polite, friendly and genuine, especially owners Gill and Herbert who were so helpful, ensuring we were happy and comfortable in their hotel.
There is a sufficient amount of facilities with a gym, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, games room and much more making a day relaxing in the hotel an option.
The ski slopes are a 10 minute walk (if that) and cater for beginners to experts. The views are obviously stunning without question...
I would easily recommend this hotel to all. It was a pleasure staying there and i will definately be returning. Perfect *****
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We have just returned from a week at... "
Submitted By: Ms R Langham
We have just returned from a week at the Sonnshien in Niederau!
We had booked a week half board with Thomsons at the Harfenwirt. Arrived at the "Resort" and were told that we were being "upgraded" to the Sonnschien with others who had also booked to stay at the Harfenwirt. No explanation was given as to why we were "upgraded".
The Sonnschien is a nice clean hotel, most of the staff are friendly, helpful and pleasant. It offers leisure facilities which include a small swimming pool, sauna and steam room.It has a large heated ski and boot room and four computers where one can access the internet. There is also a laundry room with two washing machines and tumble dryers and ironing board.
The room were we were allocated was clean and comfortable but was sorely in need of updating.The hotel does have a new extension and we understand that the rooms there are much more modern!
The food however leaves a great deal to be desired! Breakfast was buffet style and there was plenty of choice. Dinner on the other hand was a dismal affair with vegetarians not being given a choice of main course like the meat eaters were.We were even unlucky enough to be served Goulash soup on our fifth night and when I had taken a mouthfull and realised that it contained meat, I was told by the waitress that it was not her fault! It was a case of like it or go without!
Despite having paid for a weeks Half Board we actually ate out four of the seven nights we were there as what was on offer for dinner was just unaceptable. I stay at four star hotels several times a month with my job and the Sonnschien does not come up to the culinary standards of the meals that are served up at four star hotels in UK.
My advice to any veggie who is thinking of booking a half board holiday at this hotel; DON'T.
We had booked a week half board with Thomsons at the Harfenwirt. Arrived at the "Resort" and were told that we were being "upgraded" to the Sonnschien with others who had also booked to stay at the Harfenwirt. No explanation was given as to why we were "upgraded".
The Sonnschien is a nice clean hotel, most of the staff are friendly, helpful and pleasant. It offers leisure facilities which include a small swimming pool, sauna and steam room.It has a large heated ski and boot room and four computers where one can access the internet. There is also a laundry room with two washing machines and tumble dryers and ironing board.
The room were we were allocated was clean and comfortable but was sorely in need of updating.The hotel does have a new extension and we understand that the rooms there are much more modern!
The food however leaves a great deal to be desired! Breakfast was buffet style and there was plenty of choice. Dinner on the other hand was a dismal affair with vegetarians not being given a choice of main course like the meat eaters were.We were even unlucky enough to be served Goulash soup on our fifth night and when I had taken a mouthfull and realised that it contained meat, I was told by the waitress that it was not her fault! It was a case of like it or go without!
Despite having paid for a weeks Half Board we actually ate out four of the seven nights we were there as what was on offer for dinner was just unaceptable. I stay at four star hotels several times a month with my job and the Sonnschien does not come up to the culinary standards of the meals that are served up at four star hotels in UK.
My advice to any veggie who is thinking of booking a half board holiday at this hotel; DON'T.
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Second time we have stayed at this... "
Submitted By: Mrs Karen Laverick
Second time we have stayed at this hotel, we love it, the rooms in the new wing are suberb, spacious very clean great beds.
Very friendly staff and very helpfull. Food was good, excellent buffet style breakfast evening meal was four courses, main course a little sparse so fill up on plenty of bread and salad!!!
Excellent location bit of an uphill walk to the slopes.
Would recommend only one problem not enough SNOW!!!
Very friendly staff and very helpfull. Food was good, excellent buffet style breakfast evening meal was four courses, main course a little sparse so fill up on plenty of bread and salad!!!
Excellent location bit of an uphill walk to the slopes.
Would recommend only one problem not enough SNOW!!!
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Airtours
" i find it hardto understand why... "
Submitted By: Miss D W
i find it hardto understand why people are complaining about this hotel having just spent a week there i cant find anything bad to say about it. the breakfast was plentiful with a good selection, evening meal was excellent, with prompt service. the pool was clean and well maintained, yes a little busy in late afternoon, but this can be expected as people come down from the slopes. there was a steam room and sauna which were equally well maintained.
the hotel staff worked hard, and couldnt do enough to please.
there was a television room, a games room, a small library and internet facilities. free games such as scrabble could be loaned from behind reception, and also decks of cards etc.
ski hire facilites were available in the hotel basement, with free storage at the bottom of the slopes, which were a three minute walk from the hotel.
hotel rooms were warm and had a fresh supply of towels daily. bathrobes were also left in the room.
i would definately return to this hotel.
the hotel staff worked hard, and couldnt do enough to please.
there was a television room, a games room, a small library and internet facilities. free games such as scrabble could be loaned from behind reception, and also decks of cards etc.
ski hire facilites were available in the hotel basement, with free storage at the bottom of the slopes, which were a three minute walk from the hotel.
hotel rooms were warm and had a fresh supply of towels daily. bathrobes were also left in the room.
i would definately return to this hotel.
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Just returned after staying in hotel... "
Submitted By: Mr G Garry
Just returned after staying in hotel Sonnschein, my wife and i were very pleased with our choice we would recommend this hotel to anyone wishing to stay in this area,the staff are friendly and make you feel very welcomed, very good choice of food and plenty of it,hotel facilities are very clean and at a good standard this hotel made the holiday as it has a relaxing atmosphere after being out all day. Only thing that would of made this holiday 10/10 would of been more snow.
Garry and Julie
Portsmouth
Garry and Julie
Portsmouth
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:inghams
" We have just spent a week at the... "
Submitted By: Mrs A M
We have just spent a week at the Sonnschein Hotel and have come back a little disappointed having read all the positive reviews on this and other websites. We stayed in the new wing which meant we had a spacious room with a large balcony (only 2 tired old wooden chairs on it). Unfortunately our room also seemed to accommodate the soil pipe for the rooms above us which meant we were regularly tormented by the sound of splashing water. I guess we were just unlucky with the room because it was clean and reasonably comfortable otherwise, apart from the pillows!
The hotel facilities were great. We took full advantage of the leisure facilities going to the pool every afternoon to help relax after a hard session of skiing. Sadly the pool wasn't huge so when everyone has the same idea swimming isn't an option.
Our hosts were very friendly and welcoming as were the staff. We cannot fault them. However, our biggest regret was going half board. We had to sit at the same table for every meal and choose our evening meal at breakfast time! It was all too much like a canteen and that was also reflected in the quality of the food. There was plenty of it and we never left the table hungry but that was usually due to the self service buffet. The main courses were edible but far from enjoyable.
All in all I think it's a question of what you expect from a 4 star hotel and we were happy with some areas and very disappointed with others. This is probably a great hotel for families (so long as you are happy for your children to live on chicken nuggets and chips!) who need the leisure facilities and a welcoming hotel/bar. But if you are a couple who like to linger and have a chat over a nice meal then I suggest you go elsewhere.
The hotel facilities were great. We took full advantage of the leisure facilities going to the pool every afternoon to help relax after a hard session of skiing. Sadly the pool wasn't huge so when everyone has the same idea swimming isn't an option.
Our hosts were very friendly and welcoming as were the staff. We cannot fault them. However, our biggest regret was going half board. We had to sit at the same table for every meal and choose our evening meal at breakfast time! It was all too much like a canteen and that was also reflected in the quality of the food. There was plenty of it and we never left the table hungry but that was usually due to the self service buffet. The main courses were edible but far from enjoyable.
All in all I think it's a question of what you expect from a 4 star hotel and we were happy with some areas and very disappointed with others. This is probably a great hotel for families (so long as you are happy for your children to live on chicken nuggets and chips!) who need the leisure facilities and a welcoming hotel/bar. But if you are a couple who like to linger and have a chat over a nice meal then I suggest you go elsewhere.
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Inghams
" The holiday and the hotel were... "
Submitted By: Mrs M M Lock
The holiday and the hotel were wonderful. We flew to Munich then coach to the Tirol, loads of snow, the hotel was beautiful and the bedroom huge, very comfortable. Staff very friendly, only problem was the drinks and the evening meal.
The meal was great but just not enough, the portions were child size, it certainly wouldn’t have been enough for my husband (if I’d taken him) it was girls only. And the measure for the drink was much smaller than we're used to.
But we went for the Xmas markets in Salzburg and Innsbruck and it was great.
The ski season was to start the following week; I can't imagine the "beefy skiers" lasting long on that food.
But I must say there was plenty of breakfast.
The meal was great but just not enough, the portions were child size, it certainly wouldn’t have been enough for my husband (if I’d taken him) it was girls only. And the measure for the drink was much smaller than we're used to.
But we went for the Xmas markets in Salzburg and Innsbruck and it was great.
The ski season was to start the following week; I can't imagine the "beefy skiers" lasting long on that food.
But I must say there was plenty of breakfast.
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Travelsphere
" After reading some of the reviews, I... "
Submitted By: Mrs W Brookes
After reading some of the reviews, I felt that I had to have my say. My daughter and I stayed at the hotel over Christmas 2006 with Leger tours. Had a brilliant time, great food and plenty of it. Nice warm comfortable rooms. We were very lucky in that we had a skiers room with self-catering facilities, dining table and chairs and a settee with coffee table, televison etc. Very nice room with plenty of space. White cotton dressing gowns to wear after you have had a relaxing bath.
Jill and Herbert (Jill being British) were the perfect hosts, Herbert (Austrian) played the harp on Christmas Eve and the atmosphere was perfect. We had live entertainment on Christmas night - great night.
My daughter used the leisure facilities every evening before our meal. The hotel boasts a large swimming pool, saunas, steam baths - just the job after a hard days sledging or skiing.
We intended to return this Christmas but unfortunately, we can't make it.
We are definitely going back next year Christmas 2008.... Can't wait.
Jill and Herbert (Jill being British) were the perfect hosts, Herbert (Austrian) played the harp on Christmas Eve and the atmosphere was perfect. We had live entertainment on Christmas night - great night.
My daughter used the leisure facilities every evening before our meal. The hotel boasts a large swimming pool, saunas, steam baths - just the job after a hard days sledging or skiing.
We intended to return this Christmas but unfortunately, we can't make it.
We are definitely going back next year Christmas 2008.... Can't wait.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Leger
" Excellent hotel, stopped there as... "
Submitted By: Mr A J Talbot
Excellent hotel, stopped there as part of a Coach Holiday. I found the food very appetising. Rooms very warm and comfortable. Bathrooms were large and well decorated. Not treated as second class tourists as you often are on Coach Holidays. Staff very friendly, and all spoke English... I would recommend a stay there. Beautiful part of Austria, would love to go in winter to see the snow. Definitely would stay there again and thoroughly recommend it to a lover of Alpine scenery.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Global Late DealsLeger Holidays
" We found this hotel to be delightful!... "
Submitted By: Mr J S
We found this hotel to be delightful! The double room was exceptionally spacious and the bathroom was huge!
The food at the hotel was first class. Buffet breakfast was typically Austrian, and the 4/5 course evening meals were excellent.
The staff were all very helpful and consistently pleasant and friendly.
We particularly enjoyed using the swimming pool area. It is tastefully decorated and surprisingly quiet at times during the day.
Unfortunately the snow failed to make an appearance...but we would recommend this hotel to all lovers of Austria!
The food at the hotel was first class. Buffet breakfast was typically Austrian, and the 4/5 course evening meals were excellent.
The staff were all very helpful and consistently pleasant and friendly.
We particularly enjoyed using the swimming pool area. It is tastefully decorated and surprisingly quiet at times during the day.
Unfortunately the snow failed to make an appearance...but we would recommend this hotel to all lovers of Austria!
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Stayed on recommendation from... "
Submitted By: Mr A Bolton
Stayed on recommendation from friends. Could not fault the place lots of good food, just what you need when skiing.
Reception and bar excellent, staff very friendly and polite.
Swimming pool clean and warm.
Back in Jan 2007, have already booked!
Reception and bar excellent, staff very friendly and polite.
Swimming pool clean and warm.
Back in Jan 2007, have already booked!
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Neilson
" We chose the Sonnschein as we... "
Submitted By: Miss E Stanfield
We chose the Sonnschein as we believed it to be a good quality hotel which would be a well earned treat, we arrived on New Year's Eve and were shown to a tatty seventies nightmare. Cupboards doors were falling off and the plug sockets were hanging off the wall, when we asked to move the owner told us it was full, sorry!
As the week progressed we found the room cold as well and when we informed reception they told us everyone else was fine.
The hotel has a lovely reception with an open fire and comfy chairs, unfortunatley our room was a different story. We had a nice holiday as Neiderau is beautiful and the snow was fabulous but I would never go back to this hotel.
As the week progressed we found the room cold as well and when we informed reception they told us everyone else was fine.
The hotel has a lovely reception with an open fire and comfy chairs, unfortunatley our room was a different story. We had a nice holiday as Neiderau is beautiful and the snow was fabulous but I would never go back to this hotel.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Airtours
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Got a call in the morning from the rep telling us to come down for our lift pass, met with her and that was the one and only time we saw her the full week! she asked us to meet at the hotel at 5.30 for the welcome party,which we sat and waited in reception for for 20 minutes to discover it was being held at Harfenwirt, so we missed the talk which I think may have given us a bit of a head start as we struggled a bit the first day/night trying to establish what's what and where to go, not sure how first time skiiers would have found the experience! Not much to do at all here at this resort, no shops to look at, local spar and a few bars, if you ski all day long and only want a quiet night it's fine but having been to Kitsbuhel with lots more to see and do. Unless it was as cheap as we got it, I probably wouldn't go back, nothing to do with Hotel at all, just based on there being very little to do, spent a lot of time eating and drinking. My little moan is that the breakfast was freezing, we were quite late first morning but even tried going down first thing and it was still cold, eggs and bacon daily along with the usual toast etc which was fine, meals at night I found were good choice and tasty no complaints, the only other complaint I would have to say the wine is a total rip off at 28 euros a bottle, we ended up having water or beer and buying wine for 5/6 euros at the spar and having a drink before and after dinner! All in all a good time, would maybe not have said the same if in Harfenwirt or if paid full price. Found all the staff to be pleasant at all times and helpful
Advice: little to do
Activities:
Good for: Ski