Hotel Schwarz Alm Zwettl

I have stayed at many 4 and 5 star hotel all over the world and must say, this is one of the best and it is also dog friendly. We booked for a week half board and when we arrived we were greeted by friendly staff at reception who offered us a small beer from the local brewery. they offered to assist us with our luggage which was not necessary as we only had cabin bags. Our room was on the third floor with a large covered balcony with the most fantastic views across an alpine meadow to a forested valley looking west into a beautiful sunset. The room was spacious with a king size bed and every facility you could think of, fridge, TV, Wifi., fantastic lighting for all your requirements. Robes, slippers Toiletries, fruit bowl, hotel and local information. The en-suite was also spacious with a walk-in 'Rain Shower' room. Plenty of wardrobe and draw space, rug and food bowls for the dog, with a welcome snack. Every where was spotlessly clean and the whole room had a well thought out ambience. The dining room was well designed leading on to a large step layered terrace so everyone got a beautiful westward view of the pristine country side. To the side was a well equipped play area for children hidden by a high hedge keeping a tranquil setting on the terrace. The seating was of a high quality with cushions and umbrellas if needed. The breakfast offered a vast array of food to suit the various cultural tastes set out in easy access for self service with friendly smiling attendant staff to assist you if required assistance and to ensure that the tables were cleared without delay. The coffee was out of this world, really good! The evening meal was perfect with a starter, a choice of soup, and choice of main course and then sweet or cheeses. We always had coffee on the terrace to finish off and watch the sunset. The servings were just the right amount and well cooked and presented once again served by efficient friendly staff. every night we were there, there was a different choice. There was also an, 'a la carte' menu if you wanted something different. The hotel is also a Spa hotel and it had a well designed spa area with a Finnish Sauna, Eco sauna, salt and Eco steam rooms, rest areas, indoor and out door pools spa. Plenty of shower and changing rooms, well supplied with crisp white towels. A massage could be booked at reception, we had one, it was great. Everywhere was spotlessly, hygienically clean and fresh, with floor to ceiling windows with views over the rolling hills. The car park was adequate, with a charging point for electric cars and disabled parking areas. All around the hotel are beautiful and well kept gardens. Available at the reception are maps showing a number of beautiful walks through the forests and along a beautiful Alpine stream, also pristine and totally unspoiled. During the whole week we never saw a piece if discarded litter or rubbish, plastic bottles etc. Mountain or electric bicycles can be hired and horse riding arranged The only sounds we heard all week were the sounds of nature, this place is the complete stress buster. We will be returning!