Traditional Austrian Charm at Hotel Seespitz, Seefeld in Tirol

Just thinking about my stay at Hotel Seespitz has my heart going all aflutter. It’s very rare that a hotel will elicit such a strong reaction from me, but when you combine the homely feel of Hotel Seespitz with its magical views and superb facilities, you’ve pretty much got everything I love – and I’m fairly certain you’ll fall in love with it too.

As far as hotel locations go, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere better. Just a smidge over 1,000  metres above sea level, Hotel Seespitz is based within the small village of Seefeld, nestled in between mountains. Although a small resort, Seefeld is an idyllic winter wonderland for half the year, brimming with history, quaint shops and numerous opportunities for skiers of all abilities. There’s also a train station in the centre of town, whisking you through the mountains to Innsbruck in under 40 minutes if you fancy a day of city sightseeing.

Now, when I say Hotel Seespitz sits on the edge of the town, this is good for three reasons. One, because the resort is so small that this basically means it’s around a two-minute walk into the town centre. Two, because the hotel is close to supermarkets (and therefore midnight snacks). And three, because, if you’re lucky enough to get a room facing away from the town, you might just get a view from your balcony resembling something like this in the mornings:

Yep, I really miss that view.

Back inside, the hotel’s 4 stars shine through. Traditionally decorated rooms are filled with Austrian charm, including chunky, wooden furniture. Our deluxe room had two beds, as well as a separate lounge area complete with a sofa, armchair and flat-screen TV – perfect for chilling in the evening. Although the hotel also has more ‘contemporary’ rooms with sleek lines, fancy down-lights and more modern furniture, these don’t have quite the same views (or, arguably, the same amount of character) so I was more than happy with how it ended up.

The Spa

The eagle-eyed among you may have also spotted the spa dressing gowns on the beds, plus an outside pool out the back in the pictures above. The hotel’s spa was one of my most favourite things about the whole Austrian trip. Open from 7am until 7pm, the spa consisted of a whirlpool, gym, sauna, steam room, and a mini pool which leads outside. While the outdoor pool is a toasty 30 degrees centigrade, it was still pretty surreal to be in a swimsuit yet surrounded by snow.

As well as a separate section for those who like their relaxing more, uh, naked, there’s also a refreshment station where you can pick up lemon water and various fruit teas.

Although it was off-season when we went, I was still surprised at how quiet the spa was, and many times we had the whole area to ourselves.

The Restaurant

OH GOD THE FOOD.

The hotel’s restaurant was beyond great. Guests were given their own table for the duration of the stay, so there was no jostling for the best seats. Waiters were efficient and always friendly – by the second day our waiter had already learnt our drinks order (two apple juices – we’re not that exciting).

Each evening had its own theme and unique menu. One night we had a traditional Austrian ‘help yourself’ buffet, while on another night we had a six-course gourmet meal. Although the menu didn’t have much of a vegetarian choice for me, the waiters were always able to suggest delicious veggie meals they could rustle up especially, and so over the few days I was there I dined on everything from mushroom risotto to cheese dumplings, all beautifully presented.

As for breakfast, guests were able to help themselves to a wide range of cheeses, meats, cereals, bacon, sausages and fruit.

Having this breakfast for four days has pretty much ruined my dull morning yoghurt back at home. Forever.

In fact, I think it’s fair to say that my stay at Hotel Seespitz has ruined my expectations of hotels. Future accommodation: you’ve got a lot to live up to.

Many thanks to Hotel Seespitz for hosting me on my Austrian ski trip with Inghams. All opinions and pictures are my very own.

Inghams offer 29 resorts in Austria, including the resort of Seefeld. Stay at the 4* Hotel Seepitz from £829 per person, for 7 nights, on a half-board basis including return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort transfers.  A 6 day learn to ski package including ski and boot hire and ski lessons starts from £210 per person. For more information visit www.inghams.co.uk or contact 01483 791 114. For more information on the Austrian Tirol visit www.visittirol.co.uk.