Johannesbad Hotel Palace, Bad Hofgastein, Austria

· free city and ski bus stop outside · 5 minutes' bus ride or 20 minutes' walk to the lifts · 5 minutes' bus ride to the resort centre · cross-country skiing trails in front of the hotel (open until 10pm)

There’s a lot going on at the Hotel Palace. It's a little bigger than you may expect from an Austrian hotel – which is handy as it’s very popular.

In a quiet spot on the edge of a park, surrounding the resort's thermal spa centre, the location is perfect if you’re after a bit of peace in the evening. And there's a stop just outside the hotel for the free bus, which will take you into the centre of Bad Hofgastein and over to the ski lifts too, so getting around is simple.

The hotel has a large, panoramic indoor pool and an impressive spa complex, complete with saunas, steam bath and a salt inhalation cave. And you can stay fit here too – there aqua-gymnastic sessions and a fitness room with all the essentials to keep in shape.

There's also an entertainment programme with live music and a games room with pool and table tennis, so there's plenty to do after a day on the slopes.

In the evening, there's a large international dinner buffet with plenty of choice – even for the pickiest of diners.

The rooms are both functional and spacious, but if you choose the small rooms for a couple, please be aware that the beds are very cosy – measuring around 140cm in width and are fixed in the corner of the room.

· free WiFi · large lounge and bar with open fireplace · entertainment programme with live music · large indoor pool, saunas, steam room, infrared cabin, hot tub, salt grotto, fitness room and relaxation area · aqua gym (Mon-Fri) · extra charge for spa beauty treatments and massages · games room · free GasteinCard for discounts on activities · onsite ski shop · 198 rooms · lifts

All rooms have a hairdryer, safe, flatscreen satellite TV and free WiFi.

Small double room with balcony (approx. 18m²) - sleeps 1-2: D ouble bed in the corner of the room (approx. 140cm wide), private shower, WC and balcony.

Twin room with balcony (approx. 26m²) - sleeps 2-4 (max 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children up to 14 years): Austrian twin beds, two extra single beds when booked for three or four, private shower, WC and balcony.

Double room with balcony (approx. 18m²) - sleeps 2: Double bed, private shower, WC and balcony.

Austrian twin beds: One large bed frame containing two single mattresses, each with their own bedding.

Half Board

· welcome drink · hot and cold buffet breakfast · afternoon cake · international buffet evening meal · Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve gala meals included

Many Austrian hotels do not serve free tap water with meals.