Hi, We just returned from a ski trip to the Dolomites, but flew in and out of Innsbruck. We had a few extra days and decided to spend some time in Hall as recommended by Steve. Gasthof Badl was unavailable so we booked Goldener Engl. Okay, I know it was deep in January but although a cute medieval tangle of streets, there was very little to see or do. We peaked into the beautiful church, but the mint was closed and that was about all to see. Also, this was not out in the countryside as one was led to believe but a small old town in the middle of a busy neighborhood. The hotel was quaint with lots of stairs, room was so so but didn’t find the staff friendly or helpful. The attached restaurant was traditional Austrian fare which seemed to attract many locals, though. We walked across the pedestrian bridge to see the Gasthof Badl but saw that was next to a very busy 4 lane highway in a not so great looking neighborhood. I don’t know if this would be an unforgettable Tyrolian experience even in the summer. We had booked three nights prepaid but went back to Innsbruck a day early. I’ll do a bit more homework next time.
On a lighter note, we loved our stay at the Goldener Adler in old town Innsbruck. Staff was friendly and great service, rooms and food!
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7799 posts
Wow, that sounds sad to have a location as you described! We stayed in Mittenwald, about 45 minutes from there (an hour by train), and we found it a charming small town with an interesting violin museum and nice hiking around it. Someone on this forum had suggested Mittenwald when I shared our first draft itinerary for that trip.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1677 posts
"this was not out in the countryside as one was led to believe" - I don't know who told you that. I have a different recollection. We once spent the better part of a day in Hall. A long riverside trail walk followed by a memorable lunch in the old town and a walk about the cobbles. I thought it was charming. Some of the backstreets have a scenic backdrop.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
Back in 1970, the Golden Adler in Innsbruck had a small orchestra playing at dinner. A bunch of us college students took the place over and put some life in the old place.
Sorry you were disappointed in Hall. The valley east and west in Tirol is full of small towns with a bunch of B&B's. They're busiest servicing those there for winter sports. The place has immense beauty.
We always go and come via rental car when in the area so we can get up on the mountain and go from village to village touring. Go into any bar in Tirol and buy a round for the bar. It's the last money you'll ever spend there.
Posted by
OP
28 posts
I’m so glad others had good experiences..I guess I just didn’t do my due diligence and “town” to me indicates outside of the city. This was just my experience and after all it was the middle of January not near a ski area! We loved Castelrotto our base hotel while skiing in Italy. Shout out to Cavallino di Oro and the Villa there!
Love the other suggestions of villages a little farther out of Innsbruck and buying a round !!
Thanks for your feedback!
Posted by
Southern Oregon
682 posts
Oh, oh! We have reservations for 3 nights at Gasthof Badl in September. Our plans are to spend a day in Hall and another day in Innsbruck. I knew the hotel was next to a highway, so requested a room away from the road. I appreciate reading your impression of the town so I’ll have a more realistic expectation of our stay.
Posted by
Southeast US
4044 posts
Donna -- I'm sorry that Hall in Tirol did not meet your expectations. I stayed there way back in August 2014. We were there in summer, so totally different time but found the place pretty charming. We arrived on the morning of the Saturday market and then wandered around town and along the river. It was great.
Carol -- Gasthof Badl is on the main road but set back a bit, as I recall. The road makes the bus stop very convenient to the Gasthof for those without a car. Lovely, lovely place run by lovely, lovely people. I thought is was great. I snapped a picture of the town from just across the bridge that crosses the river near Gasthof Badl. My friends gasp when they see it and say, "Where is THAT?????" I wouldn't get too caught up second guessing yourself.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1677 posts
"Oh, oh!" - I wouldn't worry unduly about it, Carol. I think Donna was expecting a village in a more rural setting.
The river walk we took looks like it was the trail close to the hotel you will be staying at. A short walk across the covered bridge close by the hotel (photo opportunity) takes you through about ten minutes of side streets (not that bad) before you reach the old town. Hall is not large but the core is lovely.
Pretentious name-dropping. Every place has its little faults. The outskirts of Innsbruck, Bamberg and Strasbourg are not particularly attractive. Some areas in Rome and London are rough as a badger's arse.
Posted by
Texas
375 posts
I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it. Your experience is your truth and don't let people tell you anything else. I felt very similar when I went to Fussen, Munich and Salzburg. Berlin was amazing though and funny enough Rothenburg too.
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Thanks, RafaFan!
In retrospect, three days was just way too much time..I think in warmer months it could be a delightful one day excursion.
Posted by
NYC area
2979 posts
Hi Donna,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Hall in Tirol experience. We stayed at the Badl five times for a total of 18 nights. We did these trips between 2001 and 2013 with a car. While we know Hall doesn’t have much as far a things to see and do, we use the Badl as our base and after dinner we love to just stroll the quiet old town of Hall. As for the Badl, we never heard traffic noise, the Steiners (owners hosts) are simply fantastic. In fact the entire staff is fantastic.