ZELL AM SEE GOLF HOTELS
The best hotels in Zell am See for Austrian golfbreaks.
Sporthotel Alpin**** - Zell am See
At the very foot of the slopes that descend into Zell am See, the Sporthotel Alpin looks out across the town to the lake beyond. A traditional hotel from the huge wood-burning stove in Reception to the traditionally uniformed staff.
The owner, Veronica Schwaniger, is a fanatical and energetic golfer, fiercely proud of her local club, she will do everything in her power to ensure that you enjoy the unique atmosphere of golf in Austria: she even provides drinks, fruit and choccies for you every morning as you head for the Tee. During the week there is often an in-house competition, which you are more than welcome to compete in.
The hotel itself has nicely sized bedrooms with sitting areas, mini-bars and balconies. There is a large indoor pool, with sauna, solarium, and steam rooms too; outside there is sun deck.
The hotel restaurant is excellent, Saturday evening's menus are very impressive, with a huge variety of dishes (half-board holidays are very popular with teutonic tourists). Next to the restaurant, the solid bar is ideal for aperitifs, or you can always enjoy drinks outside on the patio on warm summer evenings.
The Grand Hotel****
Surrounded by water on three sides, the Grand Hotel juts out into the Zeller See and is the dominant landmark as you approach Zell am See. The single track railway that runs along the edge of the lake separates the hotel slightly from the town - adding to the feeling of splendid isolation.
The Grand Hotel feels rich in Victoriana as you sip your afternoon tea in the gardens by the lake, but the bedrooms are surprisingly furnished with light woods in a more modern style and the indoor pool and Spa is thoroughly up to date. There is also a private beach with pedalos and rowboats to hire should you fancy a waterborne jaunt. The Grand Hotel prides itself on its reputation and you will find the service very correct, whether in the ornate bar or the restaurants.
Landhotel Kirchenwirt**** - Leogang
A hotel richer in Austrian charm is unimaginable and finer Austrian cuisine than at the Kirchenwirt has yet to be discovered.
Standing by the church in the sleepy hamlet of Leogang since 1623, Kirchenwirt is one of the oldest hotels in Austria. As you heave open the thick oaken door the cavernous entrance hall that greets you is unlike anything you will have seen before. The halls and bedrooms on the two floors above are all hewn from massive pine.
In Leogang you can lose yourself in the Austrian countryside church and cow bells the only intrusion. Run by a young couple Barbara and Wolfgang (daughter of the creators of the legend - Hannes and Elisabeth) will take very good care of you in the Kirchenwirt. Their chef is truly excellent and renowned throughout Austria. There is a daily menu in addition to the extensive a la carte menu, making dining in every evening a delight. N.B. The half-board supplement is exceptional value.
Should you wish to go out for the evening, the nearby town of Saalfelden is quite large, filled with shops and restaurants and only ten minutes by car.
