Hotel Zum Hirschen

Just back from a family ski trip in beautiful Zell am See. We have stayed at the Grand Hotel for many years and tried here for a change. Bit of a mistake really. Booked a family suite through Crystal ski described as modern with separate living and bedroom with balcony. Paid extra for this. I also requested a higher floor and quiet room. Well...we were allocated a double room on 1st floor over the bar. I went down to front desk and was told by nice desk clerk that: - "the person who can allocate rooms does not work on Saturdays" (?huh, biggest in/out day??), - "I would only be disturbed by the noise from the bar on weekends" (for real), - "she herself has no power to change rooms", - "hotel full anyway", - usual horse poo about "room descriptions different on websites not under hotel control", and the - disclaimer catch-all caveat that people may be stuffed into smallest space available to maximize hotel revenue (even if you pay for a suite). Needless to say, we were not impressed. She contacted the room allocator by phone and we were shown an old fashioned suite with small double bed and single bed in living room. Bathroom was more modern but the overall impression was a bit slap dash (no toiletries apart from pump soap attached to bath wall, hinges sticking out connected to nothing, cupboards banging off overhead lights, dim lighting overall, fixed bedside lights, shower head needed to fill bath). We had no choice so took it. There was bar and street noise until about 11pm or so (not so bad). We were awakened every morning though by the kitchen staff at exactly 6:38 am with their radio on full blast. I asked desk if they could lower volume but to no avail. We bought ear plugs. On the upside, the hotel is in a great location at top of pedestrianized street a stone's throw from the gondola with a lovely heated terrace for apres ski (not part of the hotel). The half board option is highly recommended and the food was excellent. The kids menu extensive. Everywhere was spotless. The staff were very friendly and kind. My two cents is book cheapest room and upgrade once there to make sure you get what you ordered and only go if you are a bit hard of hearing, happy to wear earplugs, or are a heavy sleeper!

Lovely hotel situated in the centre of Zell am See. All staff very friendly and helpful. Lovely evening dinner. Good facilities with small pool, sauna and wellness area and safe parking in a private parking garage. All in all the hotel can be thoroughly recommended.