Erika Boutique Hotel, Kitzbuhel, Austria

· 5 minutes' walk to the ski bus stop · 5 minutes' walk to the resort centre · 10 minutes' walk to the Kitzbüheler Horn cable car · morning shuttle service to the lifts (every 30 minutes, 8-11am) · 15 minutes' walk to the ski school meeting point

With its Art Nouveau-style architecture, the Erika Boutique Hotel wouldn’t look out of place in a fairy tale – picture Greek columns, elaborate ironwork and decorative stone carvings. Opened in 1897, it’s one of Kitzbühel’s oldest hotels, but inside you’ll find all the facilities you’d need for a luxuriously modern 5-star experience.

The location is spot on too. It’s a 5-minute walk to the resort centre, and the Kitzbüheler Horn cable car is just a few minutes further on. If you don’t fancy walking, the hotel runs a free shuttle service, so getting to a from the slopes couldn’t be easier. And the building itself is set within spacious gardens – just right if you’re after peaceful winter retreat.

After a day on the slopes, enjoy some sweet treats from the afternoon tea or head to the Green House lounge bar for a leisurely après. And if you need a little pampering, the hotel wellness and spa will tick all the boxes – take a dip in a large pool, warm up in one of the saunas or treat yourself to a luxurious massage.

The food is another highlight here. In the evening, head to the hotel restaurant, RIKS, for five courses of local specialities and international favourites. And whether it’s a hearty meat stew or delicate fruit-filled pastry, only the best local, organic ingredients are used.

The décor inside has an up-to-date feel while managing to hold on to its traditional roots, with cosy cocktail chairs and carved wooden fireplaces dotted throughout. Upstairs, the bedrooms are a restful place to end the day, with natural tones and soft, velvety fabrics used in the furnishings. Slip between crisp sheets and wake refreshed for another day in the mountains.

· free WiFi · bar and lounge area with open fire · weekly wine tasting · two indoor pools · spa with saunas, Thermarium, relaxation area and a salt grotto · extra charge for beauty treatments, herbal baths and massages · fitness room · table tennis · children's playroom with toys · 49 rooms · lift to all floors · non-smoking throughout

All rooms have a hairdryer, safe and cable TV, and are non-smoking.

Twin room - sleeps 2-4 (max 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children up to 14 years): Austrian twin beds, double folding bed, private bath and WC.

Superior twin - sleeps 2-4 (max 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children up to 14 years): Austrian twin beds, two single folding beds, private bath and WC.

Austrian twin beds
Austrian twin beds are very common in Central Europe. They’re simply one large bed frame containing two single mattresses, both with separate duvets and linen sets, that cannot be separated. Separate twin beds are less common and can often be head to head beds, rather than side by side, if they are available.

Half Board

· hot and cold buffet breakfast · afternoon snacks (3-5pm) · 5-course evening meal with a choice of main course, daily salad buffet and cheese board · Christmas and New Year's Eve gala dinners included

Many Austrian hotels do not serve free tap water with meals.

Half Board

· hot and cold buffet breakfast · afternoon snacks (3-5pm) · 5-course evening meal with a choice of main course, daily salad buffet and cheese board · Christmas and New Year's Eve gala dinners included

Many Austrian hotels do not serve free tap water with meals.