Naturhotel Forsthofgut

The spa and wellness areas made our stay feel like a proper alpine retreat, and the rooms were comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and spotless. The location is a major plus too: it's practically ski-in ski-out, so getting onto and off the slopes was easy, even after a long day. Naturhotel Forsthofgut is beautiful, with a calm, luxurious feel and fantastic facilities. We'd happily return. Dinner and lounge service was the one letdown. Staff could be hard to get the attention of at times, which took away a little from an otherwise high-end stay. With more consistent service, this would be close to perfect.

We went during school half-term for a romantic late-autumn break and worried we'd made a mistake when we saw how many children were there. They were having fun, though, and the hotel has thought carefully about giving both children and adults room to relax. The areas for each are spacious and comfortable. I've rarely seen that handled so well, it feels unique. There are activities galore, and hiking with Claus is a must. He's such a character, genuinely kind, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. The staff all seem to want to be there, and you can see it in their smiles. The owners and managers have trained them to treat this as a career, not a stopgap job, and it makes a real difference. The food was fantastic. We ate at the buffet and all three adjoining restaurants, and every dinner was outstanding, with so much thought and care in each dish. What an amazing hotel. I almost don't want to say anything because I'd like to keep it to myself. Thanks for a great vacation. We'll be back for skiing.

I hate leaving a negative review, but I wish someone had told me these things before I booked. I wouldn't say not to stay here, though I'd adjust expectations and keep a few points in mind. It can take up to 30 minutes between dinner courses during busy periods, and dinner may last around three hours. Booking a later time or visiting when it's less busy might make for a more relaxed stay. The beds are hard, Japanese-style ones, so try the pillow menu if you need better sleep. Although it's marketed as all-inclusive, you should expect to tip at lunch and dinner, and I recommend doing so. Coffee, tea, and tap water at those meals cost extra. Some lobby items, including the cake bar, don't have prices listed and aren't included. A slice of cake was €9. The rooms are cleaned nicely, but don't expect five-star service. Amenities may not be replenished. If you need something, call ahead and be patient, as delivery can take a while. It seems like a genuinely nice place for children and families, and activities should be booked in advance.

The Instagram gives an impression of peace and serenity in nature, but that's not what we found at this hotel. Although the main branding presents it as a Nature Hotel, the fine print calls it a Family Hotel, and the place was overrun with screaming children. Even the adults-only areas had families in them, and those areas were smaller and sad. Children ran and shouted outside our room door at 7am, yelling for their mom and dad. At one point, a child was literally licking the original Anselm Kiefer artwork hanging in the lobby! People also dined in robes and flip-flops, which felt tacky and tasteless.