Joyful family holidays between thermal waters, water slides and a breakfast to remember
A stylish, wonderfully laid-back hideaway right in the village, with a huge garden, thermal water pools and a restaurant concept that feels more like a modern living room – complete with a slide leading straight into the playroom. That pretty much sums up Sendlhofer’s. Not a classic family hotel, not a design temple, but a place that confidently does both, standing out thanks to the genuine passion of its hosts. Relaxed, thoughtfully designed, and with plenty of space for anyone who doesn’t want a tightly scheduled holiday.
Location
Right in the heart of Bad Hofgastein, yet surprisingly green. The large garden isn’t just a nice extra – it’s the stage for everyday holiday life. The kids disappear towards the play lawn with its slackline course, beach volleyball court and football goals, while you’ll always find a sunny spot to sit back with a coffee in hand. The Kaiser Wilhelm Promenade starts right outside the door, perfect for a stroll all the way to Bad Gastein, with an easy bus ride back. The ski area is just a few minutes away and just as easy to reach – a real gift when travelling with kids, where short distances and flexible options make all the difference.
Living & staying
The rooms and suites are as varied as the guests who check in here. Sometimes clean-lined, sometimes a little more playful – but always functional and thoughtfully designed. And then there’s the swing. A small detail that instantly becomes the centre of attention. A magnet for children, and a gentle reminder for adults that nothing here needs to be taken too seriously. In addition to the hotel rooms, there are also holiday apartments located right next door.
Breakfast
Let’s be honest: breakfast here is a small sensation – quite possibly the best in the valley. If you’re lucky, you’ll be sitting beneath a disco ball, starting the day with a smile. Egg dishes are freshly prepared in the open kitchen, exactly the way you like them. Juicers are ready for mixing your own fresh juices, and there’s a generous spread of muesli, granola, nuts and seeds, all waiting to be combined. It’s a breakfast that feels light yet energising – perfect for heading straight out into the mountains afterwards. And for the kids, the day begins with movement: the slide takes them directly from breakfast into the playroom.
Play spaces
The playroom is cleverly divided into different zones. Upstairs, there’s a soft, cosy area for cuddling and reading, with dolls and quiet corners for younger children. Downstairs, you’ll find a foosball table, a lounge area and space for older kids who already have their own ideas of how they want to play. It’s not a flashy indoor playground, but a set of rooms that naturally adapt to different ages. Outside, the garden offers even more space to run, hide and unwind. Everything feels safe and relaxed, without ever feeling restrictive.
Thermal water & spa (with a playful twist)
Thermal water is simply part of the Gastein Valley’s DNA, and at Sendlhofer’s it’s woven seamlessly into everyday hotel life. Indoor and outdoor areas flow into one another, making it easy to splash, swim or simply relax in warm water, whatever the weather. A family sauna, whirlpool and cosy lounging islands create an open, welcoming atmosphere, while adults can enjoy moments of true calm in the separate sauna area downstairs.
The treatments for both adults and children are especially soothing – including the much-loved “Krabbelkäfer” massage for little ones. Throughout the hotel, natural skincare products by SAINT CHARLES, a traditional Viennese pharmacy, are used, perfectly complementing Sendlhofer’s holistic, nature-inspired approach.
Evenings in the living room
In the evenings, the hotel’s living room atmosphere becomes especially relaxed. At the in-house restaurant LUKE’S, the tapas-style concept invites you to order a variety of dishes and share them all – just right for families who love to try a bit of everything. Everything that arrives at the table has a clear origin: ingredients come from Austria, many of them directly from the Gastein Valley. This philosophy runs consistently through the entire evening and naturally extends to the bar as well.
The wine selection is impressively curated, and if you’re in the mood, you’re welcome to browse the wine cellar and choose your own favourite. More often than not, the evening winds down with a small live concert – best enjoyed with one last glass at the bar.
Between peaks and valley
Around Bad Hofgastein, countless possibilities open up. Some days you set off on foot, others by bus, sometimes completely on a whim. Hiking, skiing, sledding and small discovery tours are simply part of life here. With the Gastein Card, guests enjoy a range of regional benefits – which, above all, means less planning and more spontaneous exploring. Many adventures start right on the doorstep.
Whether it’s a trip to the Mirror Lake or a visit to the famous waterfall in Bad Gastein, we’ve gathered our favourite summer tips in a dedicated article – and of course there’s a separate selection just for winter. And on some days, you simply stay put. In the garden, in the warm water, or right at home in the hotel.
