I have absolutely fallen in love with this hotel! I have 4 weeks to spend in Europe in December and I'm bringing my newly turned 4 year old and husband. Märchenhotel looks not only absolutely magical with the snow and mountain background, but completely kid-centered. Has anyone stayed here? We were planning originally to center ourselves in Switzerland with a side trip to Innsbruck, but were convinced to stay in Austria the entire time. However, getting to Märchenhotel from Innsbruck (the furthest west in Austria we'd be) looks really challenging with a lot of train changes. Would it be worth it to go through the hassle?
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35620 posts
welcome to the Forum
Where is it? That will make it easier to look at transportation and activities.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
It's in Braumwald, Switzerland.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35620 posts
that really is remote, isn't it?
I haven't looked to see if the foot of the funicular is near a train or bus station, but that's worth knowing.
I see what you mean about kid friendly, but I also saw that the interaction with the children is all in German. I think having a multi-lingual child is so valuable these days - good choice.
When I was younger I would have loved a slide right through the middle of the hotel! Although I wonder if yours would be too young?
Posted by
OP
8 posts
It really is - and we just saw that the "cheaper" rooms are all booked, so it would cost about $5,000 for three nights. Ugh. I think we're going to have to look elsewhere which is such a bummer because this looks just ideal.
Posted by
19 posts
Märchenhotel is totally fabulous and, yes, it is remote.
We stayed there one night only but it fit in perfectly logistically as we were hiking the entire Via Alpina trail, starting in Sargans (near Austria border) and ending in Montreux. It was only about an hour out of our way and what a treat it was! Completely magical for kids of all ages. I would return in a heartbeat.
However, as you have learned, it is a place you need to book many months in advance. We were there in July and booked six months prior. (When doing the entire Via Alpina in one go and not willing to take chances on accommodations that's what you need to do.) We learned that locals book the place out a year in advance during December holidays.
And, unless it happens to fit in nicely with your overall travel route, it's important to take into account how long it will take you to get there.
Just some practical advice!
Posted by
OP
8 posts
I am so sad I didn't start booking this trip earlier. Unfortunately I didn't have the time approved until early August. I am so sad to miss this place, but I don't think $6,000 is something we could ever swing sadly.
Posted by
Switzerland
320 posts
we were hiking the entire Via Alpina trail
@kimhawley60, this is amazing! You clearly have a lot of experience both in hiking as well as traveling around Switzerland. I would love to hear more about it all! Even if this wasn't a current trip, are you willing to write a trip report about it? That is something I would love to read!