Der Alpenblick

Overall, this is an excellent hotel. We stayed as a family for a week in January on a ski holiday , half board. Location - the hotel is situated above the town of St. Johann im Pongau and within walking distance of the ski lift in Alpendorf. It is a little isolated but in a stunning location. The walk down to the gondola each morning was nothing short of magical. We got a taxi back in the afternoon as we were tired after skiing . Food - we had half board and the food is really excellent . Breakfast is very nice and all produce seems of very good quality. They cooked porridge for me every morning at no extra charge . There were some lovely cereals , lots of bread and various egg types. My kids would have liked some bacon and some pastries but still managed to have a very filling and enjoyable meal every morning ! Dinner was a set meal with a choice of main course . The food at dinner was just delicious. It changed every evening and was tasty, creative and beautifully presented . One night we had roast chicken and I have never tasted any chicken so good. If you didn't like the set dessert you could have delicious ice cream. Staff - staff were hardworking and really friendly . We loved the fact that we were among all Austrian/ German people . It made it really authentic. The owner , Raimund, answered about 100 emails from me to prior to our visit and he is a very engaging and entertaining host ! We had good fun with him. Rooms - the hotel has just been renovated and it is very nice . Rooms are clean and spacious with a great minimalist look. Pool and spa - there is a gorgeous outdoor pool which we used every day ! Swimming in the pool with snow falling is just incredible and one of our pre requisites for our annual ski holiday . Der Alpenblick did not disappoint . Value - we paid just over 4000 for 7 of us ( adults and teens ) for a week half board and that total included our wine and soft drinks ( charged separately ). I have no idea why this hotel is not 4 star ! It is really fabulous in every way .