Hotel der Bär

Our kids, aged 4 and 6, loved the pools, but the kids club was the real highlight, run by a family member this year. They don’t speak German, and still had a great time. The food throughout the day was consistently good, from breakfast and noon jausse to afternoon pastries and dinner. Some dishes were especially high quality, wine suggestions were always available, and the extensive list had other options. There was always something appealing for the kids alongside the adult menus. We’ve stayed at der bär for two summer holidays, and in more than 20 years of travelling three or four places a year, this is the only hotel we’ve returned to. The atmosphere, service, food, facilities and location are all great for a very fair price. It’s family owned, and the care in the details shows. The staff seem happy to work there, and they’re competent and very friendly. We might visit Der Bär again next summer, which would make three years in a row.

Half board is well worth choosing here. There’s a big breakfast selection, lunch, then tea and cake, and the five-course dinners were cooked to perfection, every single course. The food was next level. My husband and I have stayed at luxury hotels around the world, and our week at Hotel de bar has been outstanding. The hotel is stunning, modern and well located, and the luxurious rooms seem to have everything you might need. Staff clearly take pride in making your stay feel perfect. They remember who you are and what you like. We’ve been blown away and can’t wait to return. Thanks for all the effort, it’s truly been a pleasure.

The restaurant food was excellent, and all the waiters were very professional. We loved the spa too. Hotel Der Bar is cozy and very nice, right next to a ski lift. If we come back to Ellmau, I’d definitely want to stay here again.

The food was next level, with local and international dishes prepared really well. Some days it reached a gastronomic standard, and other days there was a buffet with local food. Kids have their own buffet with the foods they love, and the kids club runs from 4 to 9 pm for children, with meals available for them too. You can ski to and from the hotel, or take the private bus to the gondola. The hotel also offers 20% off ski location. The heated infinity pool is gorgeous, with panoramic views of the Kaiser montains. There are three saunas, including a panoramic one, and a hamman. The sauna is adults only, mixed and naked, in the autrichian style. Massages are available on site, and there’s a panoramic quiet room where you can relax or read. Amazing place, about as close to paradise on earth as you can get. Highly recommend it!