Hotel Goldener Berg, Lech, Austria

The delightful Hotel Goldener Berg in Oberlech has been under the same family management for many generations. In 2014 this 4 star plus property (with 40 bedrooms) passed down to the latest generation who have set about bringing a few extra modern touches to this otherwise traditional hotel.

There is a lovely spa with swimming pool and the outdoor hot tub has spectacular views across the valley. There is also a steam room and a relax room that has been created from one of the old brick lined wine cellars. Whilst we are on the subject of wine the Goldener Berg has one of the finest wine collections in Austria with nearly 900 wines from around Europe and the New World.

Apart from the traditional, warm Austrian hospitality there are two standout features of the hotel. Firstly half board guests can take their evening meals on a 'dine around' package that offers four different restaurants within the hotels three buildings. There are two stuberli style dining rooms, the Dirndlstuberl is in the 400 year old chalet next to the main hotel, which offer traditional ambience and menus. There is a main Panorama restaurant with 120 covers and a smaller fine dining restaurant both of which are in the main part of the hotel. In spring you can take lunch out on the super terrace which gives amazing south facing views.

The hotel's cuisine has been awarded 14 Gault Millau points plus also a chef's toque so you can be assured of some pretty tasty (and healthy) dining. The whole approach from the hotel's owner/manager, Daniela Pfefferkorn, and the head chef is that guests staying at the hotel should experience an enormous sense of 'well-being'.

Secondly, the hotel runs an excellent childcare package (included for free) for children aged 4 and upwards. This is staffed all day long by a team of childcare managers who arrange lots of activities both indoor and outdoor for children to enjoy. The ski school meeting and drop off point is right by the hotel so children can easily be looked after the whole day - mornings with the ski school and then afternoons in the childcare programme run by the hotel.

There is a wide range of bedrooms from an 8 person 'chalet' to more simple double rooms. Families will like the interconnecting rooms and there are also studios and deluxe studios sleeping 4 - 5 people. The bathrooms are all modern having recently been renovated but the more basic rooms, although very comfortable, are a little bland in decor.