Hotel Gruner Baum, Zell Am See, Austria

· in the resort centre · 8 minutes’ walk to the ski bus stop · 9 minutes’ walk to the cityXpress gondola · 9 minutes’ walk to the ski school meeting point and nursery slopes at the cityXpress gondola station · 9 minutes’ walk to the train station

Right in the centre of Zell am See, Hotel Gruner Baum is a cosy base with bags of character. You’re just under a 10 minutes’ walk from the gondola to the Schmittenhöhe slopes, with the ski school and nursery slopes at the base of the lift too. And when you’re not out carving turns, the hotel’s spa is a sweet little sanctuary – there’s a Finnish sauna, a gentler bio sauna, a Kneipp basin for a bit of water therapy, plus loungers and drinking fountains to help you cool off and zone out.

The building itself is a charming mix of old and new – think sage-green walls, dark wood trim and a warm, alpine feel throughout. Inside, it’s all rustic wood, soft lighting and natural tones, with rooms that range from classic and comfy to sleek and contemporary. Whether you’re in a snug space with traditional touches or a more modern room with charcoal greys and forest greens, it’s all about that relaxed, natural vibe.

Breakfast is a buffet spread with all the essentials – coffee, cereal, eggs, sausages, fruit and more. In the evening, it’s a five-course evening meal with table service, where you can pick from veggie, fish or meat options (the meat’s from the in-house butchers, no less). After that, wind down in the cosy little pub or head downstairs to the cocktail bar – it’s got a livelier vibe, with music and a bit more buzz if you’re in the mood.

· spa and relaxation area with Finnish and bio saunas, Kneipp basin (used for treading water for health benefits), loungers and drinking fountains · half board restaurant · à la carte restaurant · pub · cocktail bar · lounge with fireplace · in-house ski shop · boot room with heated boot rack · free WiFi · lift to all floors

Half Board

· hot and cold buffet breakfast · 5-course evening meal with table service and salad buffet (drinks not included) · Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala meals included · vegetarian options are available · vegan and gluten-free options are available on request – please let us know about any requirements when you book

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

All rooms are non-smoking and a flatscreen Smart TV with English channels, tea and coffee-making facilities, fridge, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, telephone and safe.

Double room (approx. 16m²) - sleeps 1-2: Double bed, private bath with shower and WC.

Twin room (approx. 23m²) - sleeps 2-3: Twin beds, extra single sofa bed in bedroom when booked for three, private shower or bath and WC.

Junior suite (approx. 36m²) - sleeps 2-4: Double bed, extra double sofa bed in bedroom when booked for three or four, private bath, shower and WC.

Cots are available to hire for approx. €15 per night, payable locally.