Escape to Austria: Your Dream Mittersill Apartment Awaits!
Escape to Austria: Your Dream Mittersill Apartment Awaits! - A Rant, Rave, and Honest Review (and a Booking Plea!)
Okay, so, "Escape to Austria: Your Dream Mittersill Apartment Awaits!" sounds pretty idyllic, right? Like something out of a cheesy travel brochure. And, alright, some of that cheesy brochure stuff? It's true. But let's be real: I'm here to give you the real tea, the unvarnished truth, the stuff they won't put in the glossy pamphlet. I'm talking about a review with some soul, some sweat, and maybe a little bit of, "Oh, God, I need another coffee."
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Because, let’s face it, you're not just looking for a pretty picture, you're planning an escape. And escapes, my friends, require some serious intel.
Accessibility? (Because, Let's Be Real, We All Need to Know This Stuff!)
Okay, so, the official spiel says "Facilities for disabled guests". Hmph. Alright, I'll get into that and dissect it. The website isn't doing cartwheels demonstrating how accessible this place truly is. The brochure makes it sound good, but as someone who has navigated cobblestone streets (and let me tell you, cobblestones are the DEVIL in a wheelchair!), I want specifics. I need to know about ramps, elevators, and accessible bathrooms. I need to know if the "facilities" are actually functional or just a well-meaning afterthought. So, on that front, I'm giving this a… "Needs more info." Let's be honest, the website itself is kinda clunky. SEO-wise, they're missing some accessibility-focused keywords. They should be shouting from the rooftops about their commitment. I’m going to have to dig DEEP to find some actual answers. Let’s assume they're good, because Austria is generally decent about this stuff, but I'm withholding judgment until they prove it.
The Tech Stuff (Because, Let's Be Honest, We Can't Live Without It!)
- Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events: YES! Thank God for this one. I need to know if I can stream Schitt's Creek without buffering issues, or if its just a glorified dial-up situation. The “Free Wi-Fi in all rooms” is a HUGE sigh of relief. My sanity (and my ability to work remotely) depends on it. And, this is modern Europe. I expect nothing less.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center, Meeting/banquet facilities: Okay, maybe I'm not throwing a conference. But, hey, if the in-laws suddenly decide to visit… you know what I mean. So this is useful, although I will probably never use any of this.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because, Hello, COVID-19!
Alright, this is the BIG one. Let's see what they bring to the table:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Honestly, this is a pretty comprehensive list. They seem to be taking this seriously. The "Room sanitization opt-out" is a nice touch, too – gives you a choice if you're feeling particularly eco-conscious. The thing is… this all sounds great, right? But you know the REAL test? Seeing it in action! I'm a big believer in, "Show, don't tell."
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Essential! Peace of mind, folks. Peace. Of. Mind.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Because, Food.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Okay, THIS is where things start to sing. Seriously. Look at THAT list! Everything from a fancy Asian breakfast to a poolside bar. My biggest weakness: endless coffee and (I hope) some really good apple strudel. And if I can get that strudel WITH a view of the mountains from the restaurant? Sold. The "24-hour room service" is also a big thumbs-up. Late-night cravings and all that…
- The Cafe Experience (and My Near-Death Strudel Experience!): Okay, so the "Coffee shop" situation here is… well, let's just say it was an experience. It's a charming, slightly quirky little spot, all wood paneling and dim lighting. They have this amazing apple strudel that you absolutely must try. I ate it one morning, and the sheer joy nearly choked me. Pure bliss. Be warned: it's so good, it's borderline dangerous! The menu is pretty international. I'm not sure what “Asian breakfast” entails, but I’m intrigued. I'm not a buffet person, but if it's got good coffee, I'll suffer through it.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Because You're on Vacation!
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Basically, they've got the works. Are you feeling stressed? Head to the spa. Want to see the mountains? Pool with a view. Need to work off all that strudel? Fitness center. This place is basically designed to turn you into a relaxed, mildly hedonistic puddle of bliss.
- My Sauna Debacle: Okay, I'll admit it. I'm not great with saunas. They make me feel claustrophobic. But I bravely ventured into the sauna. It was hot, really hot. And then, the guy next to me started… well, let's just say the experience didn't quite live up to the brochure's promises of serenity! But hey, at least I can say I tried! The point is, the amenities are there. You can be as relaxed or as fitness-focused as you like.
Rooms & Amenities (AKA, Where You Actually Sleep!)
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Okay, this is a LONG list, but it's a good one. Basically, everything you need for a comfortable stay. Air conditioning (essential!), blackout curtains (hallelujah!), a coffee maker (double-hallelujah!), and free Wi-Fi (repeat after me: HALLELUJAH!). The "laptop workspace" is a nice touch for those of us who can't truly escape work! The extra long bed is a plus. The "additional toilet" – well, let's just say that could be a lifesaver depending on who you're sharing the room with. The mini-bar: a temptation. The Slippers: necessary.
Services and Conveniences (Because Life is Easier with a Little Help!)
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Okay, I'm impressed
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to get REAL wild in the Austrian Alps. This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect travelogue. This is… well, this is my attempt at trying not to screw up a vacation in Mittersill. And honestly, I'm already sweating a little.
Charmante Ferienwohnung Chaos: Mittersill, Austria - The Itinerary of Existential Dread (and hopefully schnitzel)
Day 1: Arrival & "Lost in Translation" – AKA the Austrian Welcome
- Early Morning (like, REALLY early): Wake up. Curse the alarm clock. Curse myself for thinking I'd be a "morning person." Scramble to pack the last-minute essentials. Is it a scarf? A hat? Nope, it's the charger I definitely needed.
- Flight (and the inevitable airport drama): Smoothish flight, mostly. Until, of course, I realized mid-air I had forgotten my noise-canceling headphones. The flight was a symphony of crying babies and loud snorers. Note to self: Next time, pack brain-sized earplugs.
- Arrival in Salzburg: A quick, scenic drive to Mittersill. My jaw dropped at the sight of the Alps. They're real! And BIG!
- Check-in (the Great Apartment Quest): Found the "Charmante Ferienwohnung" thanks to a few misdirections. The apartment is… charming. In a slightly "grandma's attic" kind of way. It's fine. The view from the balcony? Stunning. The Wi-Fi? Praying to the tech gods.
- The Grocery Run (disaster, part 1): Armed with my terrible German and a poorly translated list, I attempted to shop at the local Spar. "Brotsuppe?" I asked the bewildered cashier, gesturing vaguely at the bread aisle. She just stared. I ended up with sauerkraut, which isn't exactly what I was aiming for. Lesson learned: Google Translate is NOT your friend when hungry and overwhelmed.
- Evening: Dinner & Existential Dread (more than the sauerkraut): Tried my hand at cooking. Let's just say my culinary skills are best described as "ambitious." Ate my culinary disaster with a glass of local wine. On the gorgeous balcony. Thinking, mostly to myself, that I should have just gone to a restaurant. Still, "What am I doing with my life?" and "Is this schnitzel worth it?" are the thoughts I go to the balcony with.
Day 2: Hiking Hysteria & Mountain Melodrama
- Morning: The Hike (or, My Attempt at Exercise): Decided to be sporty and hike a trail. Chose one with a "beginner-friendly" label. Lies. All lies. Hilly! Steep! At some point, I imagined I was a goat, climbing with the grace of a drunken walrus. Made it to the top, though, and the view was breathtaking. Worth the near-cardiac arrest.
- Lunch: The Most Delicious Kaiserschmarrn Ever (and some tears): Found a mountain hut. Ordered Kaiserschmarrn (a fluffy, shredded pancake thing) and ate it while staring at the majesty of the mountains. Overwhelming gratitude. I may have cried a little. Over the pancakes, the view, and the fact that I was actually there.
- Afternoon: Back to the Apartment & the Deepest Depths of the Internet: Back in the apartment. The Wi-Fi is still spotty. Spent an hour trying to upload a photo of the view. Failed. Took a nap. Then, I started making a list of all the people I needed to call.
- Evening: Failure Cuisine (Take 2): Tried to cook (see "ambitious" above). Ended up ordering pizza. At first, the pizza was the usual, boring pizza. Then, I realized the best thing about the pizza was the box.
- Late Night: Star Gazing and the Big Question: Went back to the balcony. Looked at the stars. Realized I have no idea what I'm doing. Still, Mittersill. The Alps. The stars. Feeling hopeful.
Day 3: Culture Shock & The Schnitzel Showdown
- Morning: Exploring Mittersill & The Austrian Charm: Wandered around the town. Admiring the cute houses. It all feels too good to be true and a little bit like a dream.
- Lunch: The Schnitzel Quest Begins: Decided it was time to find the schnitzel. Did some searching, asked for recommendations, and found a place called "Gasthof Zum Goldenen Hirschen" (maybe?).
- Afternoon: Schnitzel, Schnitzel, Schnitzel (AKA All the Schnitzel): Finally! The arrival of the schnitzel. It was bigger than my head (and also the main reason I had even come here.) I took a bite. It was PERFECT. Crispy, tender, and with that wonderful, slightly sour tang. My eyes rolled into my head. I may have actually started speaking in tongues. It was so good I ordered a second one, and then I went home to watch a movie.
- Evening: Schnitzel Regret (and a nap): I ate more than I should have. Felt like I could barely move. The only thing I want to do is sleep, but I can't. Should have gone for a salad.
Day 4: The "Perfect" Tourist Day & (Maybe) a Little Enlightenment
- Morning: The Panettone Adventure: I found a shop with panettone, and just when I thought I was not going to find any kind of carbs in Mittersill!
- Afternoon: The Alpine Slide of Terror (and Joy): Found an alpine slide nearby. Sat on it. Took the ride, and it was thrilling!
- Evening: Final Dinner and the inevitable tears: Forced myself back into the now familiar apartment. Still feels like a dream. I don't think tomorrow is real.
Day 5: Departure & The Aftermath
- Morning: Farewell to Paradise (and the questing for the correct charger): Packing. Realizing I'm already sad to leave. One last look at the mountains. Checking and rechecking my bags. Still can't find my charger.
- Departure: Airport. Plane. More crying babies. The realization that I left a pair of socks behind.
- The Aftermath: Home. Re-entry into the mundane. But the view is still in my head. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll go again.
Final Thoughts (and a few important caveats):
- The Food: Eat the schnitzel. And eat the Kaiserschmarrn. Also, try the strudel. And the local bread. Just eat everything.
- German: Learn some basic German phrases. "Bitte" (please) and "Danke" (thank you) go a long way.
- Embrace the Chaos: Things will go wrong. Get lost. Forget your charger. Embrace the mess, and enjoy the journey.
- The Alps: They will take your breath away. Prepare to feel small and insignificant. And amazing.
This, my friends, is the truth about travelling. It's not always pretty. It's not always perfect. But it is always… something. And in Mittersill, in the heart of the Austrian Alps, it's something truly special. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to look for my charger.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Chalet in Knegsel, Netherlands!
Oh, Austria? You Crazy Kids Thinking of Going To Mittersill?! (Let's Get Real...)
So, what *is* this "Escape to Austria" thing, anyway? Is it, like, a timeshare con in disguise? Because I almost fell for one of those once...
Okay, relax. No timeshare. (Thank the heavens.) It’s basically a rental apartment in Mittersill, Austria. Think of it as your own little alpine haven. This isn't some hotel room, but a genuinely *lived-in* space, someone's home, ready to be temporarily yours. The pictures ARE usually pretty – trust me, the Austrian Alps *do* look like that in real life, especially when the sun is hitting them just right – but the reality of *being there*? That’s where the magic, and the potential for minor disasters which turn into hilarious stories, begins.
Mittersill? Where the heck is that? Is it near, like, a McDonalds, at least? Because, you know... sometimes a girl needs a McFlurry.
Mittersill is in the heart of the Austrian Alps, in the SalzburgerLand region. It's… scenic. Like, ridiculously scenic. Think crisp mountain air, cowbells (that sound *insane* at 6 AM, I’ll admit!), and villages that look like they just jumped out of a Christmas card. As for the golden arches... well, you *might* have to drive a bit. Let's just say, if you're coming to Mittersill expecting the convenience of urban sprawl, you're in for a culture shock. Embrace the bakery. That's my advice. My absolute favorite bakery with the most amazing bread. Seriously. I miss it.
What's the apartment *actually* like? Does it have a dishwasher? Because washing dishes by hand is... well, it's the 21st century, folks!
Okay, let's be honest. The apartment's usually pretty darn good. The ones I’ve seen have been well-equipped, but it's always a gamble. Dishwashers are generally a yes, thank heavens! (Praise be, modern conveniences!) You can usually expect a well-stocked kitchen (though confirm the specifics; my first time in Austria I forgot to pack any coffee filters, which nearly ruined my entire holiday). The bedrooms are cozy. The bathrooms are... well, they're Austrian bathrooms. Functional, but usually not the highlight of the trip, unless you're into the whole bidet thing. The overall vibe? Comfortable, homey, and hopefully, with a balcony that overlooks *something* jaw-dropping. Don’t expect a minimalist IKEA aesthetic, more like "lived-in, loved-in." I once stayed in one that had a tiny, creaky balcony – but the view was so spectacular that I nearly cried. Literally.
Can I go skiing/hiking/rock climbing/staring dramatically out of a window? What's there *to do*?
Oh, sweet summer child, you've come to the right place! Mittersill is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Skiing is HUGE in winter. Hiking trails are everywhere in the summer. Rock climbing? Yep. Staring dramatically out of a window? Guaranteed. There are lakes for swimming (brrr, even in summer), cycling routes, and enough stunning scenery to make you Instagram famous. Honestly, you'll probably need a vacation *after* your vacation, because you'll be burning through energy like a wildfire. And the best part? No pressure to *do* anything. Just breathe the mountain air. Sit on the balcony and watch the world go by. Seriously, that's an activity in itself.
What about food? I'm a foodie (and also, I need to eat). I'm terrified of getting lost in the mountains and starving to death.
Okay, breathe! Austrian food is… hearty. Think schnitzel (which, oh my god, *do* try the schnitzel), dumplings, strudel, and sausages of every variety. You will *absolutely* not starve. Restaurants range from cozy traditional Gasthofs (inns) to more modern establishments. The only problem? Portion sizes. They're… generous. You might waddle out of some places. There is also a local market I stumbled across one time that had the most amazing fresh bread, and cheeses the smell of which could clear a room. The food is an EXPERIENCE. And if you do get lost in the mountains… well, hopefully you packed a chocolate bar. And maybe some mountain rescue phone number. Just in case.
How hard is it to get around? Should I rent a car? Am I going to end up stranded? I have a terrible sense of direction.
Renting a car is a good idea, unless you're absolutely terrified of driving on unfamiliar roads (which, let's be honest, the mountain roads *are* a bit… interesting). Public transport is available, but it’s not as frequent or convenient as in a major city. You might get stuck waiting for a bus that never comes (speaking from personal experience!). Driving also gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas. Just… be prepared for narrow roads, hairpin turns, and the occasional herd of cows. And for the love of all that is holy, download a map app *before* you go. I once managed to get completely lost trying to find a supermarket, spent hours driving in circles, and ended up buying a week's worth of snacks from a vending machine. Don't be me. Don't be that person.
What's the weather *actually* like? I need to pack, and I'm useless at layering.
The weather in the Alps is… changeable. Pack for all seasons, even in summer. You might get glorious sunshine one minute, torrential rain the next, and hail the minute after that. During the summer months prepare for the sunny weather. For winter you need heavy duty snow boots and a jacket. Layering is key! Think t-shirts, sweaters, waterproof jackets, and maybe even a down vest. And don't forget a hat and gloves, even if it's sunny in the morning, and sun cream, even if grey clouds are coming. It's a mountain, people! Things can change *fast*. Remember: warm clothes are your friend. And in winter, bring a good scarf, or you’ll become very unpopular very quickly.
Language barrier? I can say "hello" and "thank you" in German, and that's about it. Am I doomed?
Not doomed! While knowing some German is helpful, most people in tourist areas speak at least some English. You can get by with a few key phrases, a smile, and a willingness to try. The Austrians are generally friendly, even if you butcher their language. I once managed to order a beer in what I *thought* was perfect German, only to have the waiter give me a look of utter bemusementStay Finder Review
