Aparthotels good for toddlers in alps

[DTR]

Hi folks

Looking for apartment recommendations ideally in a hotel type complex that’s suitable for families / toddler for an early Summer break in the alps (late June/early July). We stayed in Chamonix last year and loved it, but it wasn’t the most toddler friendly town/apartment hotel. So we wondered perhaps about the Italian or Austrian alps. There are lots of kinder hotels but they seem to be quite expensive even though it’s summer (Chamonix was a snip in June).

We’re looking for good quality ideally with pool/spa in the complex but doesn’t need to be 5*. Apartment is important though as we bring along the grandparents for help! Ideally 2k euros would be enough for a week…

Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance

[memesweeper]

Pierre and Vacances have a variety of places in Avoriaz. I think the premium ones have spa/pool facilities. Its traffic free so a toddlers paradise.

[The real Swiss Tony]

Note the kinder hotels include a lot of added value (i.e childcare pretty much all day and tailored to all ages) that you won’t be needing if you take the grandparents.

Presumably you also want somewhere with a number of child-friendly activities, too? If so, I wonder if a smaller village in the Ziller valley near Innsbruck might work? Only ever stayed in hotels down there so can’t recommend an apartment complex i’m afraid.

[DTR]

Hi both

I just wanted to report back and thank you for your advice. We ended up booking an apartment in Zell am Ziller and it was the perfect location. Brilliant access to the mountains with cable cars in all directions up down and across the valley, and lots to do for little ones. I was very impressed with the play equipment and provision for young ones compared to other alpine destinations eg Chamonix area. The prices were very reasonable compared to Swiss and French alps. We got a great deal too on the apartment at the start of July, presumably before the German schools had finished for the summer but after the summer season was fully underway.

Once again, thank you both for your replies and advice.

I would love to visit the Italian alps next summer, just for a change, so any destination advice there would be very welcome – again friendly for youngsters good access to mountains etc.!

D

[jj]

@DTR, it’s always good to see post-trip feedback from people who seek advice, so thank you. Austria is a wonderful country to visit, being beautiful, tourist-centric and reasonably priced, despite having world class facilities and cuisine. We went frequently when our kids were in their teens, as walking, cycling, swimming, hiking and rafting are a great way of keeping older kids happy.

The Dolomites are a great alternative and have a surprisingly similar vibe to Austria. I can’t vouch for childcare facilities, but, as adults, we have enjoyed the area around Corvara. Just make sure that you don’t accidentally travel when the Maratona dles Dolomites is being held or one of the less famous closed road cycle events in the area.

[The real Swiss Tony]

@DTR pleased you had a good time and thanks for reporting back. I’m assuming you took a fair few rides on the train as well! Not much knowledge of Italy. They make a great fuss of families which goes some way to my experience of everything else as being significantly less efficient than Austria…