Hotel & Spa Haus Hirt, Bad Gastein

We have gone to this hotel for many years and find it a very spoiling experience. The welcome is very warm, and from the moment you arrive you don't really have to think about anything. The food is heavenly and you are sure to put on weight there. It's on offer all day so you don't have to wait for mealtimes if you are coming hungry off the slopes. The hotel also offers a very good children service where they drop the kids off at the skischool and fetch them, give them hot chocolate, then off to the pool for an hour and a separate childrens' dinner. They only emerge from this at 9pm in time for bed, a really great service. Their wellness area is great and you don't have to go anywhere outside. Big pool and a sauna as well as a steambath with a resting area with panoramic views over the valley. The beautician changes every season and can be dodgy, enquire with reception. The only fault I can find is that it is just very expensive, about �1000 per couple for the week,but to be honest, it is really worth it. It is quite a distance away from the village so if you would like to go (window)shopping you need to go by car or walk along the Kaiserpromenade.