Zell am See is a beautiful area in the Austrian Alps. Last Christmas, we enjoyed a ski trip there for a week and we really had the best time. The area is a little spread out, so knowing where to stay in Zell am See could make or break your experience.
Below I’ve put together a compilation of family-friendly places to stay in Zell am See and the surrounding areas of Kaprun and Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Each area is a little different so keep reading to learn more.
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Why Stay In Zell Am See, Kaprun Or Saalbach-Hinterglemm?
If you are planning a ski trip to Zell am See, Austria, you might already know that there are three ski areas in close proximity. This is one of the reasons that I chose Zell am See for our ski vacation.
Since the ski areas aren’t interconnected, though, knowing how the ski resorts and towns differ will be important to help you choose where to stay in Zell am See.
Kaprun
Kaprun’s ski area is Kitzsteinhorn which has a glacier at the top. I was a little worried about snow during our trip because we were going in December, and it is never guaranteed that there will be snow at that time.
Kitzsteinhorn opens early because of the glacier, so I figured we would at least be able to ski here if it wasn’t a snowy December. We thankfully got really lucky with snow on our trip.
This ski area is very high up and while one of the most beautiful, it was also one of the hardest areas for me to ski. If it is cold, it can also feel colder and be windier because of the altitude.
Kaprun itself is an okay town and has restaurants to enjoy, but I prefer the other towns a little more. There is a very big, nice spa there, Tauren Spa, which could be a good reason to stay in this area.
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Zell Am See
Zell am See is the main attraction in the area with the cutest town center, beautiful lake and the most to do. The ski resort is right in town too. Schmittenhohe has lifts that leave from the south area of Zell am See and the main downtown area of the city.
This ski resort opens later than the other two as they get snow later. We were a little worried that it wouldn’t have enough snow in December when we arrived, but it opened the week before we got there.
Schmittenhohe is the most popular and crowded ski resort since Zell am See is the most well-known spot in the area. It has some really pretty views and some nice areas for kids to ski.
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Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a little further away from Zell am See (about 20 minutes driving), but after visiting all three ski resorts, this one ended up being our favorite.
There are so many miles of slopes to whizz down. You could spend a few days exploring it all. We really liked how it was laid out too. It was easy to go up a few lifts and then ski down into a town for lunch. Then go back out skiing.
The small towns down the valley are charming and are filled with hotels and restaurants, so it doesn’t feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. I personally think that we would stay in this area if we returned, we liked it that much.
Want to know more about the ski areas in Zell am See? Read more here: Where To Ski In Austria: Zell Am See Ski Resorts
Places To Stay In Zell Am See
Zell am See itself is split up into two distinct areas. We stayed in Zell am See – Süd which is near the AreitXpress lift to ski Schmittenhohe. We were able to easily walk to the cable car from our Airbnb. This area has restaurants and some shopping, but isn’t the cute historic area of Zell am See.
The North part of Zell am See near the lake is the pedestrian only area that has many cute shops and restaurants to dine at. If you want to be near the Christmas market, the lake trail, and the slopes, this is a good area to find hotels in Zell am See. The further away from the lake you go, the closer to the mountain you will be.
Where to stay in Zell am See for you will all depend on what you want in your vacation. Are you more interested in being able to enjoy the nightlife in town or have easier access to the mountains?
While we weren’t in the middle of it all, it was easy for us to get to the mountain. We knew we would want to go to all of the ski areas and we were driving there, so free parking was really nice to have too. The bed layout is really important for our family too. That way we are all comfortable in the evenings and there is less complaining from the kids!
All of the following Zell am See hotels are great in different ways. Take a look at these places to stay in Zell am See and see which one catches your eye.
- $$ Zell am See Airbnb – This is where we stayed in Zell am See-Süd. The host was incredible and lives in the space above the Airbnb. When we had questions, she was always available to help us. There’s free parking right in front of the Airbnb which was really nice. When you look at the listing, it doesn’t look like much, but honestly the space itself was much nicer than the pictures.
- $$ Fish’Inn Zell – If you are planning at least a minimum stay of 7 nights, Fish’Inn Zell could be a really great option. The hotel has a family room that is perfect for a family of four and the location can’t be beat if you want to be in downtown Zell am See. It is located right in the pedestrian-only area and is only a five-minute walk to the cable car to go skiing or to the train station. We actually almost booked this hotel for our stay, but went with the Airbnb above because it had a little more space and the free parking. However, this hotel would have been a better location.
- $$ Hotel Der Waldhof – This beautiful hotel is great if you are visiting Zell am See with kids and want everything at your fingertips. It is a little more expensive, but breakfast and dinner are also included, making the price actually pretty reasonable. It is in a fantastic location near the Schmittenhohe lift and you can even walk to town. It is about 1km to get to the lake. There are so many amenities for the kids too including an indoor swimming pool, soft play area with a ball pit, small indoor court, ping pong and more. If you are looking for a hotel that has everything you need including the food, this is a great option.
- $$ Haidvogl Mavida – This aesthetically pleasing hotel is in Zell am See-Süd. I really like the room options for families in this hotel and the nearness to the ski slopes is a bonus too. It also has an indoor pool which is great for the kids and a spa for relaxing your sore muscles after a long day of skiing. The reviews say that the food is pricey and not worth it, so I would just plan to eat somewhere else!
- $$$ The Gast House – This beautiful, modern hotel is in a really nice part of Zell am See and boasts stunning views of the lake. They have a lot of room options depending on the size of your group and your budget. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool, sauna and breakfast is included.
- $$$$ Grand Hotel Zell am See – This iconic hotel in Zell am See is located right on the lake. Unfortunately, it is quite pricey. Its location is incredible, and this is what you are paying for. I, personally, wouldn’t be able to justify the price, but I know everyone has a different budget. So, if you looking for a special place stay, this one is for you!
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Hotels In Kaprun
Hotels in Kaprun range from luxury to budget hotels. You can find some more inexpensive options in Kaprun, which can be nice. I found one option below that I thought had good reviews and looked really nice.
I usually like to spend a little more on a hotel. I have stayed in many budget hotels and have found that it can make the vacation less enjoyable.
Here are the best hotels in Kaprun that would be great options for any family ski trip.
- $$$ Tauren Spa Hotel – If you want to combine a relaxing spa vacation and a ski trip, this is the best option by far. Tauren Spa Hotel has an enormous spa area and even one especially for children. You will also find a games room, waterslides, a children’s playground, 12 indoor and outdoor pools, 13 saunas and steam baths and so much more. The room set up isn’t my ideal one, but it would work for a family with a queen bed and sofa bed.
- $$ Haus Lukic – If you are looking for your own private apartment in Kaprun, this is a nice house option. This beautiful spacious place to stay is super clean with very friendly and attentive hosts.
- $ Apartment Tom & Jeri – An affordable option in a good location in Kaprun. For the price you get a very large apartment that is right next to a bus stop for easy access to Kitsteinhorn or going in to Zell am See. There is also free parking on site.
- $$$ – Panorama Hotel Guggenbichl – I love this hotel for its spectacular panoramic views and free access to Tauren Spa. It also has a very nice bed set up for families, especially bigger families. Their family room can fit 6 comfortably! Tasty breakfast is included with your stay. The room also comes with free parking and a kind, responsive host.
Where To Stay In Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Like I mentioned earlier, if we return to go skiing in Austria, we would stay in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. We loved the area and the skiing was the best we found this part of Austria.
Where to stay in Saalbach is pretty flexible as there are ski lifts that start in Vorderglemm and go all the way to Eiböckalm. I researched some options in between these areas and found some great hotels in Saalbach that would work wonderfully for families.
- $$$ Appartements Casa Nuova – These beautiful apartments are located right in Saalbach-Hinterglemm with close access to the slopes and restaurants. The spacious apartments are well equipped and perfect for a small or large family. Free parking is also included with EV charging stations.
- $$$ Wieshofgut – Big, modern apartments located right by a ski lift in Hinterglemm. This well-rated apartment hotel has ski storage and free parking with EV charging stations. It is located a little bit away from town, but you can still walk to Hinterglemm in 15 minutes, and there is a bus stop very close by.
- $$$ Die Alm 1350 – For ski in ski out, I love this hotel. It has modern and beautiful rooms that are a perfect set up for families. Please note, they do have a 7-day minimum stay. The hotel is located higher up on the mountain and not right in the town, but there is still free parking. So, you will either have to ski to lunch or drive to dinner.
- $$ Hotel Unterellmau – If you are looking for ski in and ski out at a more affordable price, this could be a good option for your family. There is free parking and breakfast is included. You can also warm up after a day of skiing in the sauna. The hotel is located very close to Hinterglemm, so it would be easy to walk there in the evening.
- $$ Appartements Der Fuchsbau – For an affordable apartment with spacious rooms, Appartements Der Fuchsbau is a great choice. You can easily walk to the slopes, store your skis in the convenient ski lockers, and park for free. There are some very large apartments here too, so if you are traveling as a big group, it could be a great option. It is also located very nearby one of our favorite restaurants in the area, Mangia!
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Our Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Zell Am See
There is really no wrong place to stay in Zell am See. The whole area is a beautiful, mountain landscape that will captivate you.
I would choose Zell am See if you want to be in the middle of it all.
Pick Kaprun if you want to save a little money or are worried about snow and will mostly be skiing Kitzsteinhorn. Honestly it would be my last choice.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a fantastic option for exploring the wintery slopes and enjoying quieter towns with good restaurants.
Wherever you choose, I hope your vacation in Zell am See is fun, relaxing and filled with long lasting memories!
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