Alpine Resort Sportalm

Sportalm has a memorable atmosphere, and it’s a lovely family-run hotel that keeps getting upgraded over time to maintain the quality of the stay. The glacier is really nice, but honestly, I think the hotel is what keeps bringing me back to the valley 😉

The restaurant food and public facilities are good, but the 65 m² suite was a complete letdown. The beds were uncomfortable, and Wi-Fi only worked in the corridor by the phone, not in the suite’s rooms. We complained, but nothing changed over three days. There was no minibar, kettle, or espresso machine, and Wi-Fi was also missing from most public areas, including the restaurant. Garbage was moved in the guest elevator, leaving a stink for part of the day. At dinner they charged for water served in a regular open bottle like tap water, without telling us. The atmosphere felt uptight. Worst of all, when my three-year-old son felt ill and vomited, the receptionist handed my wife gloves and asked her to clean it up. A complete disgrace.

The facilities should stay, but the team needs replacing. I’ve never dealt with staff this unfriendly and arrogant. You’re expected to stick to the hosts’ narrow rules for how guests should behave, and speaking up can get you evicted from the hotel just before night. It felt as if the place was about them, not the guests. We’re Russian, and our English has a strong accent. We noticed a dramatic difference in how staff treated us compared with native German speakers. Make of that what you will. It brought to mind wardens at certain establishments in the early 20th century, in a country I’ll leave unnamed. Ordnung!

**High-mindedness instead of hospitality** It’s a nice hotel, but at least two staff members shared our mother tongue and were NOT ALLOWED to speak it. Think twice before coming and spending time somewhere that tries to make you feel worth less.