If anyone knows of family vacations those are the Austrians. They have made hospitality an art by turning the Austrian Alps in a paradise for the whole family.
In general, when we think of Austria, Vienna or Salzburg comes to mind, beautiful monumental cities where you can enjoy art, music and gastronomy. We also usually imagine snow-covered slopes that delight the most hardened skiers. We may not realize that the Austrian Alps, in addition to being an ideal place for anyone who wants to practice winter sports, is an ideal place to enjoy a fantastic holiday in the mountains with the little ones in the house. The Austrians are very aware that much of their wealth lies in the greenery of their mountains and the glow of the incredible lakes that nest in their valleys, and carefully pamper their businesses, many of them of family tradition, where they offer us a High quality service always with a very personal touch.
They also know that when it comes to traveling with young children and the gear that entails, every facility they can offer you is small. That is why they have created a hotel rating program as they are suitable for staying with children. These hotels, in addition to having the relevant stars, have what is called Smileys depending on the facilities, services and activities they offer for young children and babies.
Quality assurance and dedication
In order for a hotel to join the program, it has to achieve a minimum of three Smileys, which implies complying with very strict child safety standards, offering a wide range of services adapted to the needs of children such as children's menus or babysitting services , and have a number of facilities such as swimming pools, game rooms and adapted furniture. The quality criteria are very demanding, it is about everyone, parents and children, can fully enjoy all that Austria and its mountains have to offer.
The earthly paradise for every father with a desire to enjoy a few days of relaxation is achieved with the five Smileys. The implication that these hotels are required reaches to such an extreme that a hotel with five Smileys can only accommodate families with children or babies to whom they dedicate themselves diligently and carefully.
A real vacation
We have been faithful to one of these hotels for five years, the Almhof hotel in Zillertal. Although we are very travelers and we go to all kinds of sites and hotels, these are the best vacations of the year, without a doubt. The first time we went we had two daughters and, if all goes well, next year we will be seven. They are the only vacations in which I really rest because they have everything in mind, to the smallest detail.
One of the requirements of these hotels must meet is to be able to offer accommodation to families in the same room but with a certain independence. All rooms have a children's room, integrated but separate, so you can be with your children without having to sleep in a tetris of beds and mattresses impossible. In our case, as we are so many, we are now awarded a room of about 60 square meters with two children's rooms inside with bunk beds where our four girls can sleep divinely.
All rooms have a changing table, a washbasin, an adapter for the WC, hangers for children and an integrated babyphone service. There are gels, shampoos and children's beds in addition to bathrobes and slippers for the whole family. They also give you the pool towels and a bag so you can carry them comfortably. Depending on the age of your children, they have cribs or barriers to normal beds.
Menus for all ages
Another aspect that receives special attention is food. All these hotels offer full board services for parents and children with menus adapted to all ages. There are even baby pots, formula milk, baby cereals, bibs at discretion, silicone spoons and unbreakable dishes for the little ones. Of course there are high chairs and elevators for all children who need them.
In addition to the three regulatory meals during the rest of the day they offer piscolabis so that no one goes hungry or thirsty and snacks or snacks between hours do not become a drama. There is fruit, ice cream, breads, cheeses and everything that can occur to you available all day.
Together but not mixed
The idea of these hotels is to enjoy nature as a family but they also offer you the possibility of having a few hours of relaxation while your children have a great time in the million activities they organize for them.
They are required to offer childcare services and children's activities six days a week for a minimum of eight hours a day. The same can leave a child half an hour while you give yourself a massage than a few more hours to play sports or rest in the SPA or other areas reserved for adults.
Even the smallest detail
Every year there is some new detail that surprises me. Upon arrival, for example, children can choose a drawing that is placed next to the door so that they can recognize the room without remembering the number.
Somewhat older children are also given special room cards that give them access to all areas suitable for their age but with which they cannot enter more dangerous areas such as the pool.
There are toys, books, muffs and everything that can occur to a parent's total disposition and a mobile park of off-road strollers that can be used freely. It is not necessary to take even the stroller, they leave everything there.
All this seasoned with endless fun activities for the whole family such as hiking, climbing, horseback riding or cycling, or canoe trips to give an example.
If you have not yet decided where to spend this vacation and want to run away from the crowds and the heat do not hesitate, the Austrian Alps are a paradise for the whole family.
