Unbelievable Chalet Deal: Ski Murau, Austria Awaits!
Unbelievable Chalet Deal: Ski Murau - Did it REALLY Live Up to the Hype? (My Honest Take)
Okay, so I'm back from the Austrian Alps. Months planned, flights, a little bit of anxiety, but mostly excitement… and the promise of a "Unbelievable Chalet Deal" for skiing in Murau. Let me tell you, the marketing got me. High-def photos of snow-dusted chalets, the promise of pure bliss, fresh air, and… well, everything. Here’s the (slightly chaotic) truth bomb, straight from my travel journal:
(SEO & Metadata First, Because, You Know, Algorithms)
- Keywords: Murau, Austria, Skiing, Chalet, Hotel Review, Accessible, Spa, Sauna, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Family Friendly, Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Fitness Center, COVID safety, Unbelievable Chalet Deal, Travel, Vacation
- Meta Description: Honest review of the "Unbelievable Chalet Deal" in Murau, Austria. Details on accessibility, facilities, cleanliness, dining, things to do, and the overall experience. Real traveler perspective!
- Location: Murau, Styria, Austria
- Target Audience: Families, Couples, Skiers, Everyone looking for a chalet experience in Austria
- Focus Keywords: Murau Chalet Review, Accessible Murau, Ski Murau, Family Vacation Austria, "Unbelievable Chalet Deal" Review
(Deep Breath. Here We Go…)
First impressions? The drive in was stunning. Seriously. You round a bend, and BAM! Snow-capped mountains, postcard perfect. That alone helped alleviate some of the pre-trip jitters.
Accessibility – The Good, The Bad, And The Slightly Confusing
Now, I'm not personally in a wheelchair, but I always check accessibility. The website claimed "wheelchair accessible." And… well… it was mostly true. The main building had an elevator, and some rooms were supposedly designed well. However, navigating the entire complex? Hmmm. There's a bit of a slope up to the restaurant, and while there were ramps in some spots, it felt a bit cobbled together. One particularly enthusiastic staff member (bless her heart) practically lifted someone's wheelchair over a small curb… which, you know, shouldn’t really be necessary. Overall? Good effort, but room for improvement. Ask specific questions about door widths and ramp gradients if this is a must-have for you.
On-site Restaurants & Lounges – Fueling the Adventure (or Maybe Just Fuelling My Love of Schnitzel)
Okay, the food. This is where things got interesting. There are multiple dining options. Let's start with the good: the main restaurant, offering a mix of international and Austrian cuisine, was delicious. I'm talking, melt-in-your-mouth schnitzel, creamy potato soup, and those little bread dumplings they have (I could have eaten a thousand). The breakfast buffet was a winner with an assortment of options, even some Asian breakfast dishes, a nice touch. Oh, and the coffee? Strong, dark, and plentiful! There was also a coffee shop for that afternoon pick-me-up.
The pool-side bar was nice too. Especially for a bit of happy hour! The service in the restaurant and bar? Top notch. The staff were friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to enjoy their jobs, which goes a long way.
The slightly less perfect? The a la carte restaurant was a bit more pricey, but still very good - not quite worth the extra cost, I found.
Eating and Drinking – Because, Calories Don't Count on Vacation, Right?
- Breakfast Buffet: A generous spread with everything from fresh fruit to bacon.
- Restaurants: Offering A- la-carte, Buffet, Asian cuisine, and Western cuisine options.
- Bar: Great for Happy Hour and a relaxing evening.
- Room Service: Available 24-hours, though I only ordered coffee once – it was perfect!
Things to Do – Beyond the Slopes (And the Surprisingly Addictive Sauna)
The skiing? Fantastic. That's why we came, right? The lifts were efficient, the runs were well-maintained, and the scenery… well, you saw the drive in. But, if you’re not into skiing (or if, like me, your legs give out after a few hours), there's more to do. The spa? Honestly, dreamy.
Spa & Relaxation – My Personal Sanctuary Saga (And That Time I Nearly Fell Asleep in a Sauna)
Okay, so that spa. Sigh. It's where I spent a significant portion of my time. The pool with a view? Magnificent. Seriously, swimming in warm water, gazing at snow-covered peaks… it was bliss. They have a sauna, a steam room, and a "spa/sauna" (which I'm not entirely sure what it was, but I loved it).
I did try the body scrub (a little too rough for my delicate skin), and the massage (which I needed after those ski runs). The massage? Pure, unadulterated relaxation. The masseuse had magic hands. I drifted off. Woke up feeling like a new person.
Side note: I’m usually a sauna newbie. But this one? Something about the wood, the quiet, the heat… I fell in LOVE. I actually nearly dozed off in the freaking sauna. I'm not sure if that's a compliment to the sauna's ambiance, or a testament to my extreme exhaustion, but either way, I'm counting it as a highlight.
Cleanliness and Safety – COVID-era Realities (and My Minor Panic Attack)
This is important, right? Especially now. The hotel seemed to be taking things seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff in masks, and they were constantly disinfecting common areas. Rooms were sanitized between stays. They offered room sanitization opt-out, which I appreciated (felt like a good level of safety without forcing things). They also used anti-viral cleaning products. They also had a sterilizing equipment.
However, I did see a guest cough, and, you know, my brain immediately conjured images of virus particles floating in the air. I promptly doused myself head-to-toe in hand sanitizer. So, yeah, they did their part, my anxiety did the rest.
Rooms – Plush, Cozy, and My Temporary Escape from Reality
The rooms themselves? They were fantastic. I had a "double room" - air conditioning, oh the internet access was fine, the best part was the free Wi-Fi. The air conditioning was a godsend (those saunas!), and the bed was, as Goldilocks would say, "just right." The bathroom was clean, the toiletries were decent, all the essentials were there. The little touches – the robes, the slippers, the complimentary tea and coffee – made it feel luxurious. The blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping off the excesses of schnitzel and glühwein. The daily housekeeping was the best, I returned to a perfect room every day.
But… the best part? The window. It opened. And when you open a window in the mountains, the air rushes in, all crisp and clean, and it's like a reset button for your soul.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
The hotel offers a bunch of facilities.
- Daily housekeeping
- Elevator
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Ironing Service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Safety deposit boxes
- Smoking area
- Terrace
For the Kids – Family Friendly? (I Only Saw One Small Human…)
While marketed as family-friendly, I didn't see a ton of kids. There was a babysitting service. The kids facilities were alright, I got the sense it was more geared towards couples and groups of friends.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy (Except for That One Time…)
Free on-site parking? YES! Saved me a fortune. Car power charging station was available too. The hotel made it easy to enjoy the area.
In the Room - The Details
- Additional toilet
- Alarm clock
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary tea
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Non-smoking rooms
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Satellite/cable channels
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- S
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your aunt Mildred's meticulously planned tour of Austria. This is… well, THIS is going to be me in St. Georgen, near that Murau ski area, battling the elements and my own inner chaos. Buckle up, and pray I survive.
Day 1: Arrival & Utter Disbelief at the Chalet (and My Luggage)
11:00 AM (ish): Land in Klagenfurt. Theoretically, yes, the plane landed, the luggage… well, that’s a whole other story. My carefully curated ski gear (including the essential heated socks) is nowhere to be seen. I'm pretty sure I saw a customs agent give it a sideways glance as it disappeared down the conveyor belt. "Good riddance," he probably thought. Now I have a sneaking suspicion my skis are vacationing in Dubai with some businessman. The audacity!
12:30 PM: Rental car collection. The car itself is… fine. A tiny, beige box that I am terrified of driving on Austrian mountain roads. It's got a GPS, which gives me a small (very small) measure of comfort. The "helpful" rental agent just smirks at my bewildered stare.
3:00 PM (ish): Arrive at the Chalet. Oh. My. God. It's stunning. Seriously, picture postcard material. Rustic charm, snow-covered roofs, the whole shebang. I walk in, take a deep breath of that crisp mountain air, and immediately trip over a rogue boot warmer, narrowly avoiding a faceplant. This is going to be a long week.
3:15 PM: No luggage. Call the Airline, which leads me to a painful conversation in broken English (mine) and some kind of high-speed Germanic dialect (theirs). Predictably, it ends with me wanting to throw something.
4:00 PM: Chalet exploration! I find a stash of local beer in the fridge, and I'm suddenly feeling much better about the whole luggage situation. Decided to drink them all and worry about gear later.
5:00 PM: Dinner… I'm pretty sure I have to make it myself, but I'm not sure about my cooking abilities. Time to figure out how to order Knödel for delivery. Wish me luck!
7:00 PM: Attempt to light the fireplace. End up with a smoky room and a newfound appreciation for firemen. This feels a bit over-indulgent, to be honest.
8:00 PM: Collapse into bed (in borrowed PJs, thanks to the wonderful staff here). The chalet's bed is heavenly. Still furious about the luggage. Praying for a miracle.
Day 2: Skiing (or, the Day I Questioned All My Life Choices)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up with a slight hangover and a burning desire to ski. (The beer, you know.) The sun is shining, the mountains are calling, I'm ridiculously optimistic.
- 9:00 AM: Head to the ski rental place. Thankfully, they have gear for rent. Spend an hour trying to figure out how to actually put on ski boots. I am a klutz.
- 10:00 AM: The lifts! The glorious, terrifying lifts! I get on the first one, and immediately feel a wave of absolute terror. Am I even capable of this? I am not. I am sure.
- 10:15 AM: The first run: pure, unadulterated chaos. I spend most of it flailing, shouting, and narrowly avoiding various trees and small children. I manage to only fall twice, which I consider a personal victory.
- 11:30 AM: Coffee (and a shot of Schnapps, because, Austria). This is the only thing that is going right.
- 12:00 PM: More skiing. More flailing. More near-death experiences. I'm starting to think I might be better suited to a sport involving a chair and a good book.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a mountain restaurant. Ordered the Kaiserschmarrn. Heaven. Now I believe I'm an expert.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the slopes. Or at least, attempting slopes.
- 3:00 PM: Give up. Head back to the chalet, thoroughly exhausted and emotionally scarred.
- 4:00 PM: Relaxing in the sauna. Glorious, blissful, amazing sauna!
- 6:00 PM: Start cooking what I think is a traditional Austrian meal. It's more of an attempt.
- 7:00 PM: Eat the meal. It's… edible. Just barely.
- 8:00 PM: Collapse into bed, exhausted, elated, and still, still fuming about the lost luggage. Praying for the ski gods to give me skills for tomorrow.
Day 3: Snow Day, and a Deep Dive into Austrian Culture (and Stinky Cheese)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up to a blizzard. Oh good. (Said with zero enthusiasm).
- 10:00 AM: Embrace the snow. Decide to take a walk.
- 11:00 AM Get lost in the snow and realise I'm so freezing!
- 12:00 PM: Find my way back. Get a hot chocolate and buy some local cheese.
- 1:00 PM: Dive into Austrian Culture. Visiting the local museum will be a great way to learn!
- 3:00 PM: Spend the afternoon indulging in books!
- 5:00 PM: Cheese tasting. Some of it is divine, some of it… well, let's just say it's an acquired taste. My face twists into a grimace. But I soldier on.
- 7:00 PM: Attempt a fondue, because, chalet. This time, I succeed. Glorious, cheesy, perfect fondue. I eat far too much.
- 8:00 PM: Watch some Austrian TV. I understand absolutely nothing, but it's strangely comforting.
Day 4: Skiing (Take Two! Or: The Day I Almost Became One with the Mountain)
- 9:00 AM: Back on the slopes. Determined this time. More confident (slightly).
- 10:00 AM: Skiing. A little better. Still not graceful, but less flailing.
- 11:00 AM: Manage to stay upright for an entire run! This is a huge victory, and I celebrate with a celebratory faceplant.
- 12:00 PM: The one bad fall. I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes. And I'm pretty sure I almost took out a small child in the process.
- 1:00 PM: I survive. I drink a large beer to calm my nerves. I eat lunch.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the slopes. I fall. I get up. I vow to actually take ski lessons when I get home.
- 3:00 PM Decide I am done with the slopes. I go for a hot chocolate.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Chalet. The best part.
- 5:00 PM: Relaxing in the sauna.
- 6:00 PM: I try to order a pizza. I fail.
- 7:00 PM: I eat something I cook.
- 8:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 5: The (Potentially Tragic) Hike & The Luggage Update
- 9:00 AM: Wake up and decide I need to be outdoors.
- 10:00 AM: Hike somewhere. The hike starts well. The view is breathtaking. Austria is beautiful, the air is fresh, the birds are singing…
- 11:00 AM: The hike gets harder. My legs are burning. I question my life choices again.
- 12:00 PM: Get lost. Start panicking.
- 1:00 PM: Find the way back.
- 2:00 PM: My spirits crash. I sit and eat my lunch.
- 3:00 PM: I get a phone call. My luggage has arrived! I jump, I cheer, I scream, I cry of happiness (probably not in that order).
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Chalet. I unpack. I am so happy I start crying.
- 5:00 PM: The sauna is very nice.
- 6:00 PM: I light the fireplace. I eat dinner.
- 8:00 PM: I sleep.
Day 6, 7: More Skiing, More Fondue, More Chaos & Departure
- **Repeat
Unbelievable Chalet Deal: Ski Murau, Austria Awaits! – Let's Get Real, Shall We?
Okay, this "Unbelievable Deal"... *Exactly* how much unbelievable-ness are we talking here? Is it a unicorn, or just a slightly less grumpy donkey?
Alright, straight talk. "Unbelievable" might be marketing speak, but the deal is pretty darn good. Think of it as a super-friendly, slightly tipsy golden retriever of a deal: enthusiastic, maybe a little slobbery, but ultimately a good boy. The chalet... it's charming. Not *perfectly* Instagram-ready, let's be honest. One time, I stayed in a chalet that looked amazing in the pictures but the shower... oh, the shower. Pressure like a polite elderly lady gently misting a fern. This one's better. Not a waterfall, but you *can* get clean, and that's a win in snow boots.
Murau? Never heard of it. Is it… you know… a ski resort, or a field with a rope tow run by a guy named Klaus?
Murau! Ah, Murau. It's not Aspen, people. It's not Gstaad. It's... authentic. Think of it as the slightly scruffy, but undeniably cool, friend who always has the best stories. The ski area is decent, good for all levels, and the crowds aren't crushing. That's a huge win in my book! I once tried to ski Verbier at peak season. It was like being a salmon swimming upstream during spawning season. Murau? You can *breathe*. And the mountains... they're stunning. Seriously, just the drive there is worth it. I remember the first time I saw them... jaw dropped. I nearly drove off the road! Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a *little*, but the scenery is spectacular.
About this chalet... is it actually *in* the town of Murau, or am I going to be spending my evenings plotting my escape from the middle of nowhere?
Location, location, location, right? Well, the chalet is *close*. Not ski-in/ski-out (that's the unicorn), but it's a relatively short drive to the lifts. And the town? Murau is genuinely lovely. Cobblestone streets, a proper brewery (essential!), and friendly locals. It has character. I've stayed in places where the only excitement was a rogue tumbleweed. Murau, thankfully, has more pizzazz than that. Plus, you *need* to try the local schnapps. Just...pace yourself. Trust me on that.
What about the food? Am I going to be living on bread and sausage for a week? Because, honestly, while I *love* a good sausage, a diet of it can get old fast.
Okay, food. Very important. You're in Austria, so yes, there will be sausage. And bread. And potatoes. Glorious, carby goodness. But the good news is that within the village there are some great little restaurants. I had a *fantastic* wiener schnitzel in Murau. Seriously, it was a religious experience. I almost cried. Okay, maybe I *did* cry a little. Don't judge me! And the local cheese? Don't get me started. There are also possibilities of cooking at the chalet and shopping at local stores. The options exist even for the slightly fussy eaters. It's a balanced diet of adventure and sustenance.
What if I'm a complete beginner? Am I going to spend the whole time face-planting in the snow and being judged by expert skiers? I'm not exactly an Olympic medalist.
Listen, we've all been there. The "I-can-do-this!" enthusiasm followed by the immediate tumble. Murau is a *great* place to learn. The slopes are varied, there are good ski schools. Plus, the vibe is generally pretty chill. I'm not a skiing prodigy either. I mostly stick to blues and sometimes bravely venture onto a red. The best thing is not being judged on how good you are but on your effort and laughter. Just remember, even the pros fall. I saw a guy in a *very* expensive outfit take a spectacular wipeout. It happens.
Okay, the chalet itself... what's it *actually* like? Is it cramped? Is it falling apart? Because I've stayed in some "rustic" accommodations that were, shall we say, *challenging*.
Right. The chalet. It's not a five-star hotel, OK? Expect a cozy, comfortable space. Think wooden beams, a fireplace (hopefully!), and a kitchen to make your own gluhwein. Think comfortable, rather than opulent. It's not a palace, but it's clean. It's lived-in. There might be the odd squeaky floorboard (character!) or a wonky door (more character!). And I once stayed in a chalet where the hot water mysteriously vanished at 8 PM every night. This one... it's better. Just don’t expect perfection. Embrace the imperfections... they usually make the best stories!
Are there any hidden costs? Sneaky little fees that magically appear at the end?
Always a good question! No deal is truly perfect. Best to read the fine print. But, generally speaking, the advertised price covers the chalet and the main amenities. Check for things like tourist taxes (they’re common), any potential cleaning fees, and costs of extras like firewood (essential for a good chalet evening!). Make sure to clarify all that with the booking person just to be sure. Better to be safe than sorry. There's nothing worse than getting a nasty surprise bill when you're already broke from a week of skiing!
What about the après-ski? Is it just going to be me, a pint of beer, and the sound of my own existential dread?
Absolutely not! (Although, if you *want* an evening of introspection, the mountains are perfect for it.) Après-ski in Murau is… fun. Think cozy pubs, local beers (and maybe some schnapps, again, pace yourself!), and good company. The atmosphere isn't as wild as some of the bigger resorts, but it's more authentic. I had a night there, and danced on a table – which, in retrospect, was probably a bit embarrassing. But hey, the memories! Plus, you haven’t truly experienced après-ski until you've wobbled your way back to your chalet after a few too many… well, you get the picture. It’s a good vibe, a relaxed vibe and a whole lot of fun.
What's the deal with the lift ticketsJet Set Hotels
