I know what you’re thinking.
Kid-friendly...
Luxury...
In the same hotel?
Yea, right.
But if there’s one hotel that can pull it off, it’s Das Edelweiss.
Families will love the perfect combination of upscale and laid-back. Champagne with breakfast? Don’t mind if I do. Toddler in the piano lounge? Knock yourself out. Top that off with friendly service from dirndl-dressed staff (love it! I want one!). You’ll feel right at home. Only better.
From the chic piano bar,
to the indoor water park…
…this five-star mountain resort has it all. Trust me when I say that you won’t want to leave.
I mean, we didn’t. We skipped our day trip to Salzburg because we couldn’t get enough of the fun slides and relaxing spas at the best kid-friendly luxury resort in Austria.
Keep reading to see how traditional Austrian charm meets modern luxury, with splashes of fun for both kids and adults!
Side note: I did not receive any “freebies” from this hotel. They weren’t aware that I’d be writing this post. Nor would it have mattered – their service couldn’t have been better!
Location, Location, Location
Whether you’re in the mood for adventure or relaxation, Grossarl Valley has it all.
Grossarl is about 45 miles outside of Salzburg, Austria. Reach it in an hour by car or an hour and a half by bus and train combo. The closest train station is in St. Johann im Pongau, which is about a 20-minute drive. The resort can arrange airport and railway station transfers if you’d prefer.
If you arrive in Munich or Vienna, rent a car or take the train to the closest station. We prefer renting a car from Munich airport. There’s nothing like the autobahn! It’s so clean and uber easy to drive.
Grossarl’s location can’t be beat, with so many nearby adventures to choose from. Step right out the front door for a panoramic gondola ride, trail hike, or bike ride. Go snow tobogganing in winter or mountain carting in summer.
Take a day trip to Salzburg, slide down salt mines, traverse an aqua-blue gorge, or canyon over waterfalls. Got your adrenaline pumpin’ yet?
If you’re lucky enough to visit in the winter, take advantage of their ski in-ski out privileges. The valley station cable car is next to the hotel, taking you to the Grossarl-Dorfgastein ski area. Trip Advisor reviews give this ski area 4.5/5 stars, that’s pretty darn good. Rent everything you need online in advance, and the hotel will have it warm and ready for you. Literally warm? I wouldn’t doubt it.
Fancy some lessons first? Well, you’re in luck because it’s only a 5-minute walk to the ski/snowboard school. Who knows, your little boarder could be one Austrian lesson away from turning pro.
Fun For All Ages
There’s plenty to keep you busy around Grossarl, but with all the resort has to offer, you may never want to leave. Sorry Salzburg, hopefully we’ll catch ya next time.
The kids’ club is available for excited children three and up.
But I’m warning you, the kids won’t want to come out after they set foot into this play haven. A travel kid’s dream: cinema, climbing wall, ball pit, toys galore, art projects, and more.
Don’t worry, the tweens won’t be bored either. They’ll stay busy with games like PlayStation, pool table, and air hockey in a separate rec room.
Our favorite family activity? The watersliiiiiiiiiiides!!! I told you it’s the best kid-friendly luxury resort in Austria, didn’t I?
We all (yes, Dada and Mama too!) were like sugar-rushed kids at Disneyland. Needless to say, we had a blast racing down those slides!
The indoor kiddie/baby pool was genius, a parent must have come up with that one. The water was shallow enough for our not-yet-walking 11-month-old and, thank goodness, warm enough for this cold-fearing mum.
Both kids could have splashed around for hours, playing with the water toys and going head-first down the mini truck slide again and again. And again. And…
When your little swimmers are finally ready to return to dry land, they can run wild at the playground and get down and dirty in the sandbox.
If you have an ounce of energy left after all of that, rent some e-bikes and gear up for a scenic mountain ride.
If your little ones aren’t big enough to ride with you, take advantage of babysitting for a fee. But then you might just skip the bike ride entirely and enjoy a glass of Gruner Veltliner in the wine tasting room.
I almost forgot – the gym! After converting to home workouts, their new machines more than satisfied my inner gym rat. If you’re a runner, you’ll love the scenery and refreshing mountain air.
A Spa Sanctuary
After running the hills of Grossarl, my glutes were craving some jacuzzi time.
I was in luck. Because “The White Flower” (Das Edelweiss) is a European wellness resort. If you have never been to one, then you haven’t experienced a true spa day. And I live near the Napa Valley, one of the spa capitals of the world. Trust me when I say, Europeans know how to be well (and for half the cost).
The elaborate spa is spread amongst five floors. They even have an entire spa area dedicated to families. The whole fam will be rejuvenated after relaxing in the jacuzzi, sauna, Finnish sauna, solarium, steam room… I felt like a clueless American not knowing what half of the rooms were for.
I’m glad I at least figured out the swimsuit dryer.
Be sure to try the day beds at the baby pool. Your little one can play safely in the shallow water while one of you catches up on some well-deserved R&R. Draw straws? I’m thinking we should have…
Family Suites
We’ve finally found a nice hotel in Europe with enough space for all of us without breaking the bank.
Our kids were excited to have their own room, while we had the master to ourselves. Elle’s crib was waiting for her when we arrived at the room. That’s always nice in case mama, I mean baby, is in dire need of a nap.
The views from the balcony weren’t too shabby either. We indulged in delicious burgers we got from the bar as we admired the picture-perfect Austrian flower boxes.
(Nearly) All-Inclusive
The room fees are for half-board, which includes pretty much everything except lunch and drinks. More specifically, included in the price are elaborate and delicious breakfasts, four-course dinners, first mini bar stock, kids club for ages three and older, access to wellness amenities, and more. Sweet deal, I know. Pay the same price for a 5-star world-renowned hotel chain in Hawaii and all you get is bottomless ginger lemonade and a view of the parking lot. Even on your wedding/honeymoon. True story.
Kids get to make their own sundaes at the nightly ice cream bar. Just send them to the kids club after to burn off that sugar high while you go relaxing in the lounge. That’s just a typical night at the best kid-friendly luxury resort in Austria.
The term “all-inclusive” is a turn-off because I associate it with mediocre food. But the food did not disappoint. We went to bed excited for breakfast the next morning. There. I admitted it.
Our only regret? Not trying the steakhouse. It looks more than worth the bit extra they charge if you choose to eat there instead of the standard dining room.
After-Dinner Cocktail Anyone?
Some of our favorite moments were relaxing in the swanky bar lounge for a little nightcap. Ah, now this is vacation.
Our version of date night. It almost felt like pre-baby days…
I said almost.
Best. Hotel. Ever.
I could go on and on about this magical place, but I’ll stop myself here.
I tried to keep this little gem to us, but that’s been impossible. In fact, I’ve done the opposite. I’ve been blasting this gem all over travel groups and social media, because I want other families to have the same unforgettable experience that we had. This has got to be the best kid-friendly luxury resort in Austria.
We went in September of 2021. And how do I feel about it now? Well, we rebooked our entire Spring trip when I learned they’d be closed for renovation at that time. So instead of May, we get to see Edelweiss’s updated suites in November. Christmas Markets are calling!!!
I think I might have to change the title of my post. For the price, location, and everything it has to offer, Das Edelweiss has to be one of the best family resorts in the world, not just Austria. Strong statement, but I stand behind it 100%.
I’m obsessed with finding others like it, and in the unsuccessful meantime, we’ll just keep going back for more. Be sure to read my more recent post about our winter stay that topped this first visit – The Best Austrian Resort Just Got Even Better.
If you’re thinking of trying Edelweiss for yourself, then contact me first at jennifer.mcfadden@fora.travel. As a certified travel advisor, I’d love to help you plan an unforgettable trip, at no extra cost to you.
