Hotel Grauer Bär, Innsbruck, Austria

· approximately 6 minutes' walk to the city centre · 15km bus ride to the Mutteraralm lift · 7 minutes' walk to the ski bus stop · 10 minutes' walk to the train station

At first look, the peach façade and the peeping towers of the Hotel Grauer Bär seem to blend in with the neighbouring Austrian-style buildings in Innsbruck’s city centre. However, once you step inside, you’ll be welcomed into a cosmopolitan, modern abode, that’s both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally satisfying.

In recent years, the whole hotel was redeveloped, transforming its 196 guestrooms into bright and spacious spaces with stylish wood cladding, sleek bathrooms and plush furnishings. As well as the rooms, the lobby of the 4-star Grauer Bär is decorated with rustic brick feature walls and contemporary chandeliers.

The ground floor is also home to the hotel’s restaurants and bar – the Restaurant Galerie, the Wintergarten and the Woodfire Steakrestaurant. The Galerie is the venue for breakfasts (and dinners, if you choose to upgrade), while the Wintergarten is ideal for snacks and smaller dishes with views of the Nordkette mountains. The real star of the show, though, is the elegant Woodfire Steakrestaurant that’s known for its wood-grilled steak that’s cooked in an open exhibition kitchen, making eating here an unforgettable culinary experience.

Jump in a lift and head to the top of the building for an afternoon of pure relaxation. From the panoramic swimming pool to the beauty and massage facilities, you can pamper yourself to heaven at the hotel’s rooftop wellness centre. Brave the outdoor temperatures for a few seconds before being rewarded by the gorgeous outdoor hot tub that looks over Innsbruck’s rooftop terraces – it’s a must – or stay inside and warm up in the Finnish sauna or Turkish steam room.

When it comes to skiing, the ski bus stop is only a 7-minute walk away, meaning you can be out and up on the mountains in as little time as possible. And if you’re into a bit of sightseeing, the city centre is only a short walk away, so you can explore to your heart’s delight.

· hotel bar · live music · smoking lounge · free WiFi · indoor pool · outdoor hot tub · sauna · fitness room · ski room with lockers · 4 lifts to all floors

All rooms have a flatscreen TV with UK channels, free WiFi, hairdryer, safe, minibar and air conditioning, and are non-smoking. Cots are available, free of charge, on request.

Twin room - sleeps 2: Austrian twin beds, private bath or shower and WC.

Twin room - sleeps 2-3 (max 2 adults): Austrian twin beds, extra single bed for one child up to 15 years of age, private bath or shower and WC.

Single room - sleeps 1: single bed, private bath or shower and WC.

· hot and cold buffet breakfast · optional upgrade to half board which includes buffet evening meals and Christmas and New Year's Eve gala meals

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