Hotel Alphubel, Saas Fee - any one been ?

[ruthydd]

Its the only independent hotel in the Mumsnet review.... and the only one we can afford.

Free kids places, guaranteed snow, free creche, bar, sauna etc.

So whats the catch ?

p.s. we're taking 2 kids - 4yrs and 15 months.

Sorry can't help with this one but there are hundres of similar hotels in Austria that would fit the bill i.e independent, family run with child care.

You can look at www.kinderhotels.com however they tend to be exspensive.

I have just tracked down our ski hotel for Jan through www.tiscover.at. Once you click on Accommodation don't fill in the 1st seach page you see (only for last minute bookings), click on "Search" on the top line and it brings up another search page that will let you specify all facilities including childcare (Kinderbetreung, for some reason they haven't translated it).

This is one I found when doing my search www.kalkstein.at

Thanks - Kalkstein looks nice. Is that where you're staying ? Do the children get to wear leiderhousen (spelling?) like in the photo ?

I can't tell if it has a creche though. I still can't quite get my head round the creche at Aphubel being free (9am - 6.30pm), and up until age 6 they can stay in your room for free as well. Perhaps I should take few friends kids as well to get a few favours in!

No I have booked this one www.galtenberg.com in Alpbach. I've found that it's best to phone and check out details, nearly everywhere has someone who speaks English.

One thing I have found it that some hotels advertise childcare but what they actually mean is it is the local skischool kindergarten. That being siad nearly all the resots have a ski kindergarten and the system seem to work well.

Just noticed the Mumsnet review says they take children from aged 2, but I've just phoned and they take them from walking. That said the room prices aren't as cheap as suggested on their website (c£100/person/night not £25) but all in all with the free childcare I think we'll give it a go.

Oooooh I'm all excited now. Back to work on Tuesday after a year off, but at least I can now day dream of a snowy white Christmas!

Thanks lapsedrunner, and enjoy Alpbach. Your hotel looks really lovely.

Don't know how I missed this ! We've been to the Alphubel 3 times in Winter and twice Summer (including this July). The skiing childcare has changed since we last used it in Feb 2005 though and doesn't operate throughout the summer season , just selective weeks so more ad hoc. Long term dedicated member of staff left and it is now run by British daughter-in-law of the owners and a colleague who both have their own kids in tow. Can be chaotic in peak season, with numbers being limited at times, and playroom isn't that big. However it is one fo the few places that even dd will stay !

Very family friendly hotel though with lots of activities, "lively" family entertainment over dinner and we are always welcomed back as friends. Parts of hotel still a bit dated, food improving and standard rooms can be a bit crowded, family rooms with separate room for kids are worth the extra as is a balcony. Have never used the sauna. Have fun !!

btw do take good gear for the kids as the altitude means it can be very cold and the sun dips suddenly - Tchibo are doing suits and snow boots next week !

hth

Thanks Lizs.

We have just returned from a magical Christmas. I can't recommend the Alphubel enough! Heather (the creche manager and daughter in law) asked if I could do one thing, then recommend them at the school gate. I can do better than that - I can say to Mumsnet - this place is fab, fab, fab!

Pleased you enjoyed it ! Glad the recommendation still holds true !! [phew, sigh of relief emoticon]

Did they ask you to complete this survey ?!

ah yes, I was getting round to that. Thought I'd complete the Mumsnet survey first but then my pc crashed half way through it.

btw, see what you mean by "lively" entertainment! Did the owner remind you of a cross between Goldfinger and Tommy Cooper ?

I also spent Xmas at the Alphubel Hotel and had a fantastic time.
My son does not take easily to new faces so I was not expecting to be given the chance to ski with my husband but to adopt a shift pattern as usual. This was not the case.
My son took to Heather and her collegue immediately. They organised daily activities such as pizza making, parties, painting, and mask making and even though interest and therefore numbers were sometimes high and required additional supervision be made available, they catered for this extremely well for children of all ages, were professional yet approachable at all times; I can't thank them enough. I spoke to many of the parents whilst there and all thought it was amasing what the Alphubel Hotel had to offer to children and adults alike. Food was excellent and the atmostphere very friendly and comfortable. We loved it! Can't wait to go back.