Alpenhof Brixen

“Ski trip hotel ”

Stayed for 3 nights in February for a skiing trip. Room was comfortable with a nice big balcony, tv with international channels, and clean bathroom. Nothing special though - very similar to a premier inn in the UK. For a British person who likes tea I found the lack of tea making facilities in th... more

Stayed for 3 nights in February for a skiing trip. Room was comfortable with a nice big balcony, tv with international channels, and clean bathroom. Nothing special though - very similar to a premier inn in the UK. For a British person who likes tea I found the lack of tea making facilities in the room a real let down. Outside breakfast time the only way to get a cup of tea was from the bar and I really could’ve done with one in my room after a long day on the mountain. Breakfast was good - typical tyrolean hotel spread. Dinner was OK but not really to my taste. Good ski room. I can see why people say the front of house staff are unfriendly but actually I they’re very pleasant once you get chatting to them and were helpful with everything I needed. All staff were good. Location was pretty good for skiing - 2 minute walk to the ski bus stop which is 5 minutes to the gondola station, less than 5 minutes walk from the train station. There is a blue run almost to the back of the hotel but it’s only open when there’s loads of snow. Overall I thought it was slightly underwhelming for 4 stars and slightly overpriced, but then it was peak ski season.

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“Good location, staff great, tastyfood!”

We are not usually fans of half-board but opted for it at this hotel and we were very pleased with the decision. OK - we had to choose in the morning what we wanted for dinner but there was a choice of at least three mains and a buffet on the Sunday. Everything was freshly looked and nicely pre... more

We are not usually fans of half-board but opted for it at this hotel and we were very pleased with the decision. OK - we had to choose in the morning what we wanted for dinner but there was a choice of at least three mains and a buffet on the Sunday. Everything was freshly looked and nicely presented. Waiting staff were really super friendly and efficient. There was a great choice at breakfast too. My only gripe was the mozzarella which was bland and not at all creamy.. The top-floor room had a balcony and was roomy enough. Extra pillows were provided swiftly. The rooms could be upgraded a little but when you are out skiing all day, it does not really matter that much. The spa area was great - steam room, weird and amazing shower - all very nice if you are ok in your birthday suit!! There's a ski room so boots are nice and toasty in the morning. We drove to the base station but you need to get there early to find a space! There is a bus on the main road but they were rather packed!

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“Staff make up for management”

You know me, I write pretty rare reviews and am only inspired to do so when something is either surprisingly good, bad or bizarre. Well the Alpenhof is all of the above. THE GOOD: Ok, lets start with the good: all you’d expect from a ski hotel, well appointed boot / ski room, bar area, apres ... more

You know me, I write pretty rare reviews and am only inspired to do so when something is either surprisingly good, bad or bizarre. Well the Alpenhof is all of the above. THE GOOD: Ok, lets start with the good: all you’d expect from a ski hotel, well appointed boot / ski room, bar area, apres snacks, good location, clean tidy room with a private balcony both of decent size (albeit a little tired). Pool and wellness sauna. The room staff and cleaners on our floor were friendly, efficient and should really be well rewarded. The room was presented immaculately every day. Thank you for that. Restaurant staff were friendly and efficient and did their best to accommodate us. Two in particular were outstanding given the regime they work under - (see bizarre below). THE BAD: However, there were some flaws, the food whilst plentiful but was average at best. Sometimes had even gone off (fruit salad and Bircher muesli was way beyond tolerable - was replaced when mentioned but...never should have been out). Several of the group had specific dietary needs (not complex) and little was done to accommodate these. Bar: these people couldn’t get a room number right if you paid them (oh hang on we DID pay them). Bar bills were either non existent or were charged to incorrect rooms. This is not acceptable. Reception staff: crack a smile will you? You run this place with the Austrian efficiency you’d expect...but make the guests feel welcome please. Your attitude may well work when ordering employees around but it’s not great for guests. THE BIZARRE: There was an atmosphere of “edge” throughout the hotel. It’s hard to describe. Think “The Stepford Wives” or the more recent “Get Out”. The staff did their best to work under what appeared to be an odd and possibly, dare I say it, dictatorial management regime. Note to owner: This could be one of the best hotels around if you at the very least welcomed your guests with a smile (even if it is false Bon Amis, do try). In conclusion I guess a lot of this review is subjective and others may have found it delightful, however in our group’s experience this was not the case.

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“Lacking Soul”

Although this hotel is very clean, tidy and run in an orderly fashion, it seriously lacks a soul or welcoming attitude. The room we had was one of the older ones which has not been upgraded yet and therefore it was pretty basic, and the layout of the toilet and shower was awkward. (Separate show... more

Although this hotel is very clean, tidy and run in an orderly fashion, it seriously lacks a soul or welcoming attitude. The room we had was one of the older ones which has not been upgraded yet and therefore it was pretty basic, and the layout of the toilet and shower was awkward. (Separate shower room & toilet and basin in the another). Asked reception for different pillows and they were sent to my room immediately which was excellent. The Wellness and swimming facilités were also excellent. Breakfast was good with an early start of 7.15am which was brilliant if you want to head to the slopes for an early start. We found it odd that there was no ability to have toast! There was no toasting machine and the kitchen did not accommodated any requests. (We later found out that this was because Dutch Guests tended to try and toast the bread with Cheese which caused issues... But I’m sure they could have found ways to stop this without withdrawing the option all together). On two occasions we had to point out that the fruit and porridge had gone fizzy! (Bad, Bad, Bad) The Bar was comfortable and although on the surface the bar person was friendly and smiling, it was apparent that they did not want to be there serving us... hence the drinks ordered constantly ended up on the wrong room number! We booked half board and I’m telling you the price we paid for the room, expectations were high!. Two of our group had dietary requirements and although the hotel made some effort to accommodate, they were made to feel like they were a hinderance. A simple request for a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of the offending desert was met with a strong no!...(although I think this had something to do with the owner of the hotel being chef in the kitchen who had lost the face to face customer appreciation). One evening however they were offered fruit or ice cream instead of the dessert and so they asked for a small bit of fruit and a scoop of ice cream... and that was met with a no!... so one of them had to order ice cream and the other had to order fruit at which point they had to share between them at the table!... (this was unbelievably bad service) hence many of our group ventured out into the town for dinner on two occasions as they could not face the restaurant food which was just simply bland and uninspiring. The only saving grace was the waiting staff who tried their best under the iron rules laid before them. We found the receptionist was not very welcoming and did not have the ability to smile doing the minimum required to keep her guests happy. I understand that in Austria you are required to have certain services/standards to maintain the four star status that this hotel holds but I’m telling you now this hotel does scrape the edge of these requirements if indeed possible falling slightly below in some areas. Normally I’m very understanding of the industry as a whole and how difficult guests can be but this hotel really has lost it’s soul.. :-(

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