Der Löwe - LEBE FREI

Leogang is quiet rather than lively, which suits us perfectly for a relaxing outdoor break. We had such a lovely stay in a beautiful room, and we're already booking again for summer. The hotel feels welcoming as soon as you arrive. It's spotless throughout and tastefully decorated. Most of the team speak excellent English, which helped since my German is rusty. Dinner especially was delightful, and the food was beautifully presented. After skiing or mountain biking, the spa and outdoor pool are just right. The panoramic sauna in the “Leonarium” is especially impressive. There was plenty of ski storage, heated boot racks and a good-sized garage for anyone arriving by car. Our suite was under a relaxation room, and we could hear furniture being moved early in the morning, possibly for cleaning. We were generally awake by 7 anyway, so it didn't wake us.

Leogang is a pretty place, with pleasant walks beside streams and through the forest, plus a couple of museums. We had a perfect week at the Lowe, pronounced 'Lerver'. The food was excellent, with six delicious courses each evening, mostly healthy. The staff were sweet and helpful, and the on-demand shuttle to the ski lift was very convenient. Everything was immaculate, as you'd expect in Austria. I didn't go into the spa, though it looked steamy and beautiful. We rented skis from Riedlsperger across the way, and they helpfully picked up the equipment from the hotel at the end of our stay. The hotel works well for young families while keeping older guests happy too. There's a quiet drag lift two minutes away that my kids would have loved when they were around 3-8, for burning off energy in the evenings.

The staff were so pleasant and helpful, giving this family hotel a charm of its own. The wellness area and pools were lovely, and there are plenty of activities nearby. It works well for children or a dog. The rooms are modern and stylish, with mountain views, comfortable beds and a positive feel. In a picturesque town, the hotel itself is very pleasant, and the five-course dinner and excellent breakfast, with fresh juices and all the usual quality options, were wonderful. I've stayed in dozens of five-star hotels from China to America, but this place's overall feel surpassed them all. We'd be happy to return.

The room setup could be more comfortable for a family. The shower has a transparent door visible from the room, which surprised us since we'd booked for two adults and our seven-year-old. There's no kettle or coffee machine either. The toilet is only accessible through the bathroom, and at night its light turns on along with the bathroom light, shining through the clear door and lighting up the whole room. In the Family Spa on the ground floor, swimsuits are allowed in the saunas, but some visitors, men and women, walked around completely naked. I'm not a prude, but it felt uncomfortable, and I think that should be allowed only in the adults-only area on the fifth floor, where children aren't permitted. From booking directly over WhatsApp right through checkout, we felt welcome. Everything looked beautiful, and the staff were friendly. Breakfast, snacks and dinner were all high quality, and the five-course set dinner was a treat every time.