Verwohnhotel Votters Sportkristall

Set against the epic landscape of the Austrian alps, the Verwohnhotel Votters Sportkristall is surrounded by lush greenery or a blanket of white snow, depending on the season. Grand in scale but quaint in style, the Verwohnhotel features traditional Austrian architecture with charming natural wood balconies finished with flower boxes, hardwood beams in natural wood or painted rich red, with elegant turrets. Natural hardwood is a decorative element throughout the property, and the lobby features wood-plank ceilings with cross beans, wood furniture, and a wood reception desk with a lattice front. The wood is balanced with velvety red couches and Persian-style rugs, and such charming touches as candelabras, an antique cash register, and a wrought-iron chandelier. Contemporary elements, like the hanging track lighting over the reception desk, blend seamlessly with the traditional style, the epitome of which is the desk clerk herself -- outfitted in traditional Austrian folk attire.The overall mood at the Verwohnhotel is warm and friendly, and guests go out of their way to comment on the warmth and helpfulness of the owners of this family-run property. With it’s beautiful location, proximity to outdoor activities, and kid-friendly extras, this is a scene that draws vacationers, especially families and couples.

Located on a country road with other resorts in the quaint Austrian village of Kaprun, the Verwohnhotel Votters Sportkristall sits nestled on the picturesque slopes of the Austrian Alps. Kapron is known as a tourist and sporting destination, and Verwohnhotel is well-situated for guests to take advantage of local hiking, skiing, and biking possibilities. It’s an eight-minute walk to the Maiskogel ski resort, and an 11-minute walk to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski area, though guests can opt to use the free shuttle, which stops right at the resort. A five-minute walk takes guests to Kaprun town center, which has restaurants and cafes, while Kaprun Castle, a local tourist attraction, is seven minutes away on foot. It's a 90-minute drive to Salzburg and Salzburg Airport. 

While not quite up to the decor in the rest of the hotel, the 45 rooms at the Verwohnhotel are clean, functional, and spacious. Green-patterned carpet meets white walls, which are mostly unadorned save for sconce lighting or a framed picture. Beds have floral comforters that match the drapes, and while dated, they offer a nice contrast to the natural wood headboards and red furniture. All rooms let in plenty of natural light and have private balconies or terraces, and many offer panoramic views. Minibars, work desks, flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, and free Wi-Fi also come standard.Bathrooms are fairly roomy, even in Single Rooms, though decor is generic. Fully tiled with large vanities and mirrors and wet-room showers with glass doors, they come stocked with sinks and shower soap dispensers and hairdryers. Larger rooms have bathtubs.Most rooms can sleep up to six, and some have separate sleeping areas and lounges, and add microwaves and coffeemakers. Note that road-facing rooms can get noisy.

The Verwohnhotel Votters Sportkristall has a well-regarded on-site restaurant, an extensive spa, and on-site classic car museum.The spa is luxurious and modern, with wood floors, white walls with red accents, and lots of natural light. The lounge room has windows that extend across two walls, shining light onto a row of wicker lounge chairs. The indoor pool diverges slightly from the Austrian style but still blends in, offering the ambience of a Greek bath, with statuettes, a stone bench and fountain, white walls, red columns, lounge chairs, and lots of natural light from windows that extend across part of the ceiling.The spa includes indoor and outdoor lounge areas, bathrooms and dressing rooms, spacious showers, saunas, a steam bath, a tanning bed, a massage room, a beauty treatment room, an indoor pool, an outdoor whirlpool, a children’s play area, and a fitness room with cardio machines and weights.The hotel also has its own casual and charming bar and restaurant, with a traditional vibe and sporty edge. There are trophies lining one wall along with a wall-mounted television, plus an open fireplace, and wood plank and beam ceilings. Wood stools sit before the bar, while U-shaped armchairs and tables provide seating for groups.The on-site restaurant, in a similar style to the rest of the hotel, sits in an octagonal room full of windows. Here, the hotel serves traditional Austrian food in the form of four-course dinners and buffets, and there are always vegetarian options -- guests rave about the quality and variety. Summer and winter packages, which include breakfast, afternoon snacks, and a four-course dinner are available. The basement of the hotel houses it’s own public “Oldtimer Museum,” which is free to resort guests and contains a large collection of vintage cars and motorbikes.The hotel offers kid-friendly amenities, too, including an indoor and outdoor play area, a hill to sled on in winter, and kids’ menus at the restaurant. Babysitting can be arranged for a fee.On-site meeting and event rooms are available, including a seminar room that can accommodate up to 120 people and a smaller meeting room for up to 25. The Event Pavillon can host up to 150 people, and it's often used as a wedding venue. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.