School?s out and the kids are happy, but with some 6 weeks of summer to fill, mums and dads are already bracing themselves for the ?I?m bored? chorus that?s to come?.
Tired of theme parks and caravan sites? Looking to avoid the cost (and jet lag) that comes with exotic holidays in far off places? Ready to treat your family to a summer holiday that combines child-friendly fun with superior amenities and comfortable accommodation, and gives you the feeling that you?ve ?gone somewhere? at an astonishingly good value for money? Kinderhotels is the irresistible choice. A well-respected Austrian brand in the German-speaking market for nearly 25 years, Kinderhotels? unique collection of 36 hotels offer all-inclusive family breaks with no hidden extras and up to 60 hours a week of free child and babycare. Enthusiastic post-holiday comments from British Kinderhotels guests always inevitably mention ?location, location, location?, the warm hospitality of their Austrian hosts, ease of arrival, range of activities and recreation for the whole family, and of course, how they intend to return! ?
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Little guests, big adventures
Kinderhotels? unwavering philosophy that ?children are not just tolerated, but treasured? is evident throughout each family-run hotel, but no more so than in the diversity and creativity of its kids club programmes, many offering up to 60 hours a week of supervision. Fully-qualified, English-speaking childminders engage their young guests in age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities that change on a daily basis. Knight?s day at a local castle ruins, panning for gold on a pirate ship, fishing expeditions, meeting the friendly inhabitants (maybe even a kangaroo!) of the hotel?s children?s farm, or a yummy pancake party after finding the prize on a treasure hunt ? this is one holiday that?s sure to leave an impression. For the teen set, supervised activities include rafting, canyoning, high ropes challenge and torchlight hikes with campfire. Many hotels also have dedicated youth lounges with popular indoor games such as table tennis/football, darts, billiards, video games, and access to the internet. Baby and toddler care ? from as young as seven days old at some hotels ? is also available in its own dedicated spaces, with stimulating toys, soft play opportunities, nappy changing stations and proper cribs/cots for resting times. Healthy snacks for all ages are served throughout the day.
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Recreation galore, or relax some more
As a summer holiday destination, Austria sheds its famous winter whites and wows visitors with alpine landscapes in full bloom, punctuated by famed peaks, flower-dotted pastures, and warm lakes of drinking water quality. A true natural playground for the whole family and, best of all, your chosen Kinderhotel is right in the middle of it all. Choose from incredible hiking, biking, horse riding, water sports, tennis, and even adrenaline-pumping pursuits such as waterfall climbing, para-gliding, and bungee jumping. Many hotels are also conveniently situated near beautiful alpine golf courses offering Kinderhotel guests discounted green fees and free shuttle transportation. And, should the weather or simply your holiday mood call for it, there are plenty of attractive indoor options. Though mums and dads will appreciate unwinding in a stylish spa environment offering the latest in wellness treatments alongside traditional therapies, many Kinderhotels also have family spa areas that offer special treatments such as baby massage and chocolate-vanilla face masks for the younger set. Indoor pools make a splash with all ages; and that picture of dad on the waterslide is one for the album! Cosy guest lounge areas are a great place to have a family catch up, or, if the kids are still off having fun with their new friends, the perfect place for parents to soak in panoramic views while enjoying a specialty drink, or starting a long-awaited read. The ambience throughout all Kinderhotels is friendly and inviting, with common areas and guest rooms seamlessly blending warm Austrian decor with modern amenities.
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If only mealtimes at home were this easy?
No negotiating needed at mealtime here, unless you count requests for thirds! The experienced chefs at Kinderhotels will have even the fussiest of eaters leaving with full tummies. Generous buffet spreads using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients always include a variety of healthy, yet fun choices for children. Tasty finger foods, organic pizza, ice cream bar, mid-afternoon cakes and snacks, and all-day juice fountains are all part of Kinderhotels? all-inclusive dining offer. Restaurant areas are furnished with family-sized tables and equipped with highchairs, booster seats, children?s cutlery, bibs, and activity packs with crayons, books and toys to help pass the time. And, while children are welcomed in all dining areas at any meal sitting, parents may look forward to enjoying a multi-course gourmet dinner menu, safe in the knowledge that Kinderhotels? in-room baby monitoring system will immediately alert them via hand-held phone if a wee one wakes up. For babies, Kinderhotels has partnered with HiPP Organic, offering 24-hour feeding stations with HiPP Organic baby food, milk, cereals and baby rice. Special dietary menus, including ones for expectant/breast-feeding mums, and allergy-specific are also available.
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No gear (or fees) to weigh you down
Traveling light a thing of the past? Outnumbered by suitcases? Not when you?re packing for a Kinderhotels holiday. Leave that bulky baby gear at home because essential baby equipment, such as buggies, baby monitors, bottle warmers, baby care packages (cream, wipes etc), child-proof safety equipment, black-out blinds, as well as proper infant and children?s beds are provided to guests free of charge for the duration of their stay.
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Expanding our family
In 2013, Kinderhotels welcome two new ?family members?. The Family & Spa-Resort Alpenpark in Tirol is centrally situated in the resort region of Seefeld on one of the loveliest high plateaus in the Alps. The centre of Seefeld, with its shops, cafes and lively pedestrian street is only five minutes on foot. Kinderhotel Oberjoch enjoys an enviable location in Germany?s highest mountain village at 1200m and is home to Germany?s longest hotel waterslide, year-round ice skating and a 2000m? indoor play zone.
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Smooth travels
With UK motorway congestion all too common during the summer holidays, how tempting does a direct, two-hour flight to Austria sound? Upon arrival, a pre-arranged Kinderhotels transfer service (additional charge may apply), with appropriate child safety seats, takes you and your family straight to your chosen hotel where you will be warmly welcomed and invited to enjoy a carefree holiday like no other.
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For more information on Kinderhotels, or for queries regarding press trip opportunities, please contact Martina Jamnig, Austrian National Tourist Office, 0207 440 3840, [email protected], follow us on twitter: @Austria_UK
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