Stayed at the Alpenhof over x mas new year 2009/10:
The hotel is basic, has a defragmented layout, dinner is called at 18:30 prompt, hosts angry if any later! The house wine was rubbish and the red wine served was freezing cold: food poor, chef probably a microwave expert and fresh out of catering college: Food far from tasty and no Austrian dishes to be found. Choice of A, B, or C dinner menu is made at breakfast is ridiculous!
The entrance is drab and house cleaning was not good. No where comfortable to sit, dining room rather like being at school!
Finally, DO NOT ACCEPT the eaves rooms, they are slightly bigger than a broom cupboard, very unwelcoming and really not acceptable:
On a good note, the ski bus stop is outside!

As a solo traveller I was made to feel very welcome and felt comfortable for the whole stay. I arrived late ( 21.30) and was very suprised to be given a full meal complete with wine. Chas and Julie are very skilled at helping the guests to intergrate and go out of there way to create an easy atmosphere, but at the same time offer an efficant service. The food was all of good quality, it was british style, but always offered a vegatarian option. The single room was small but very clean and comfortable with a good en suite which always had hot water.
I had a thoroughly enjoyable week and met people who were very good company.

This is the first time I have written a review, but just wanted say how great the Alpenhof is and the resort of Ellmau. We travelled with friends who had a 12 and 8 year old and my kids who are 9 and 6. The resort was small but good for families. We watched the ski school show and did a sleigh ride. The skiing is great with so many runs. The hotel food and staff were brillant and nothing was too much trouble. We would definatley go back.

Having read some mixed reviews of this hotel we decided we should make the effort to put the record straight, This was a great hotel!!!. After a day travelling we arrived to a welcoming reception from Chas and his wife, quickly issuing keys and relevant info and we were able to off load our luggage and head to the dining room for the evening meal - cottage pie...amazing!

Room - Our room was basic, clean and warm with a nice toilet and shower room. We had a good veiw of the mountains although we had to look past the supermarket sign to fully appreciate it (you will know what I mean when you get there). Could of done with a bigger radiator to dry clothes on, however not a major problem. Regular house keeping ensured clean towels and beds were made daily. The only downside of the room was the door lock was a bit dodgy but locked eventually..

Staff - Chas and his wife were very welcoming hosts along with the rest of the staff who promptly introduce themselves and are always happy to answer questions and help out.

Meals - Breakfast was the usual continental style with a single hot addition that varied daily, beans, scambled egg, bacon, tomatoes, eggy bread etc. Between around 1530 - 1630 tea & coffee is available with cake - a more than welcome treat on returning from the slopes. The evening meal is picked in the morning, as a british hotel the food is of a british style although not one day did we have chips with it!! booo.. the food was great though even if the choice was limited - kids get a choice of chips with fish, chicken nuggets etc. Free wine or juice with the meal which is a bonus. The only downfall of the meal is that once you pick your meal in the morning, there is no changing your choice come the evening!

Location - perfect location at the end of the main street with very easy access to the shops (supermarket next door) bars, ski school, hire shops, nursery slopes etc. The hotel bar O'Mallys, an irish themed bar is a popular place it seems with the brits and with the bonus it is the only bar/restaurant in Ellmau that is non smoking and is very child friendly. The ski bus picks up right outside the hotel to take you to the main lift up to the mountain.

Overall a good hotel, ideally suited for families and couples etc.