At first blush, Kitzbühel’s hotels might easily be mistaken for well-kept farmhouses, with their sloping roofs and white façades. On the inside, however, they are as efficient and elegant as they are clean. We have chosen these places because they speak English and they are in the old town or very close to the Hahnenkamm gondola. Some of the smaller hotels, gasthöfe and apartments do not take credit cards. Ask before it is too late. Many will take a check.

Based on high season, per person/double occupancy with breakfast: €€€—more than €80; €€—€50–79; €—less than €50.

The Hotel Goldener Greif (64311, fax 65001; €€€; photo right) bills itself as an ancient Tyrolean inn dating back to 1271 and is beautifully decorated in typical Tyrolean style with tasteful antiques. This is where Bode Miller likes to stay when he's in town. The property was recently renovated completely redesigned in 1954 and features a suana and steam bath. It's located next to the casino.

With its sliding glass doors and wide-open lobby, the four-star Sporthotel Reisch (63366, fax 63291; €€€) is by far the brightest of the Kitzbühel hotels. Also offered is a spa where trained therapists provide massages, facials, treatments and relaxation programs.

At the newly renovated Schweizerhof (62735, fax 6273557; €€€), one of the few ski-in/ski-out inns, guests can also enjoy a full-service spa. There's also a children's playroom and free internet station. Live après-ski entertainment is the order of the day in high season.

Another excellent ski-in/ski-out spot is the Hotel Rasmushof (65252, fax 6525249; €€€) right at the finish of the Hannenkamm course. This hotel is pure quality and quiet luxury. It is about a hundred steps from the town and has all the charm you'd expect from a well-maintained establishment. It has been recently renovated and has an indoor pool, sauna, steamroom, and fitness center.

The Hotel Zur Tenne (644440, fax 6480356; €€€) leaves the guest with the impression of living inside a giant ark, with hand-made wooden details. It's styled like a country house and features spacious bathrooms. Some of the bedrooms feature fireplaces. The lovely and bright Wintergarden dining area looks right onto the main street. Throughout the hotel are beautiful hand-painted furniture and antiques. The hotel also offers massage, sauna, and steam rooms.

The stained-glass windows and mounted antlers in the Tiefenbrunner Hotel (66680, fax 6668080; €€€) tell a story of its Tyrolean heritage. Paintings and carvings lining the lobby wall narrate the history of this part of Austria. The cozy bar is often packed with a mix of locals and tourists. Treat yourself to a fine vintage from the 800-year-old wine cellar. For more unwinding, check out the newly renovated heated pool, sauna, and steam room. Most rooms have been recently renovated.

Schloss Lebenberg (66679, fax 64405; €€€) Live like a king in a converted castle just on the outskirts of the town with all the amenities you could ask for.

Kaiserhof (62526, fax 62526155; €€€) Located steps from the Hahnenkamm gondola, you can ski right down to this hotel at end of the day. It's a brand-new property owned by Best Western featuring a pool and sauna.

These apartments are on the slopes and within a few minutes’ walk of downtown: Gisi (62583, fax 02236/41091; €) sleeps two to four people, breakfast included), Maurachbauer (tel/fax 72358; €€, sleeps to eight people in a farmhouse), and Johanna (64856, fax 640547; €€, sleeps two to four people, breakfast extra).

Kitzbühel has scores of other very affordable B&Bs that are perfect for anyone traveling on a budget. Contact the tourist office for reservations and information.

Ski Chalets: Inghams. Click here for more information on ski chalets.

Kirchberg
The accommodations here are not as luxurious as the five-stars in Kitzbühel nor as expensive. If trav-eling with your family, Kirch-berg is a perfect place to stay. The clientele is also a bit younger in Kirchberg. (Note: Telephone prefix for Kirchberg is 05357.)

Hotel Alexander 05357/2222, fax 3407; €€€) the top spot in the center of Kirchberg with sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and Internet connections.

Hotel Sonnalp (05357/2741, fax 2741200; €€) has sauna and pool. It is great for families. The long walk back from town after a night out can be daunting.

Hotel Sonne (05357/24020, fax 2403-88) is a four-star property located close to the slopes. It has a pool, sauna, steam room, and spa treatments.

Hotel Klausen (05357/2128, fax 3613; €€; photo above left) is outside of town right next to the Fleckalmbahn, making it a slopeside hotel. A ski school is also located next to the hotel. It is the perfect place for those concentrating on skiing and not partying.

Hotel Metzgerwirt (05357/2325, fax 232549; €€) Solid four-star hotel right in the center of Kirchberg. It has a sauna and a steam room.

Hotel Cordial (05357/28420, fax 2842406; €€€) Good four-star hotel with heated outdoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, steam room, fitness center, and children's club.

Hotel Seehof (05357/2228; €) Beautifully redone rooms in a three-star hotel, great loca-tion. Sauna, whirlpool, and fitness roomA real bargain.

Hotel Kirchenwirt (05357/2852, fax 37737; €) Well-run, inexpensive hotel right in town center with good food. Sauna and steam room. What more can one ask for?

If you want to stay up on the mountain call Alpengasthof Filzerhof (05357/2587, fax 258752)

There are scores of B&Bs in Kirchberg with prices in the €18–€33 per night/per person range. Contact the Kirchberg tourist office for more information and for reservations.

Ski Chalets: Crystal, Inghams/Bladon, First Choice. Click here for more information on ski chalets.

Apartments, condominiums, flats
A list of apartments is available from the Kitzbühel and the Kirchberg tourist office.

A number of pensions allow visitors to rent rooms with kitchens in ski season, but as always, it’s best to check with the tourist office.

Read the directory carefully and ask the property for a Prospekt or brochure, before deciding where to stay.

Prices per night per person for four people sharing an apartment range from farmhouse inexpensive—about €14 a night in high season—to downtown expensive, €35 a night in the same time period. Apartment prices in Kitzbühel and Kirchberg are about the same.

In most apartments in Europe you will be charged for various services. Meals, cleaning, linen and often utilities can all add up. Ask about what is and isn’t included.