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. However, the property was completely redesigned and redecorated and now features such modern amenities as a casino next door, sauna, swimming pool, solarium and Turkish steam bath.

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 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 (652520, fax 6525249; €€€) right at the finish of the Hahnenkamm 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 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.

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. Unwind in the newly renovated heated pool, sauna, and steam room. Most rooms have been recently renovated and there’s a brand new spa.

Schloss Lebenberg (6901, fax 64405; €€€) Lhas always been a hotel where you could live like a king, so it’s no surprise that during the 2007/08 season this converted castle on the outskirts of the town is being renovated and extended to include a spa.

Kaiserhof (75503, fax 7550355; €€€), formerly the Montana, is steps from the Hahnenkamm gondola. Ski right down to this hotel at end of the day. The Kaiserhof is a brand-new property owned by Best Western featuring a pool and sauna. Children under 5 are free (in parents room) and there is a playroom called the Mausefalle.

Hotel Ehrenbachhöhe (621510; €€ half board only) has rooms and an indoor swimming pool up on the mountain, in the midst of the Hahnenkamm area. If you are here for the skiing, this is a perfect place to be. No credit cards accepted.

Hotel Resch (62294, fax 65006; €€) The hotel has a good location near town and the lifts. Rooms vary in size but all are pretty large, however some have tables and sitting areas.

Eggerwirt (62455, fax 6243722; €€) A find with a great eatery. You’ll love it.

Licht (62293, fax 62293-33; €€€) B&B but also has apartments.

These affordable B&Bs have great locations: Haselberger (62866, fax 6286614; €) and Hochfilzer Gästehaus (62217, fax 05355/5864; €).

These apartments are on the slopes and within a few minutes’ walk of downtown: Maurachbauer (tel/fax 72358; €€, sleeps to eight people in a farmhouse); Pension Johanna (64856, fax 640547; €€, sleeps two to four people, breakfast extra)); Apartmentpension Dr. Hillebrand KEG (62614, fax 6261426) sleeps two to or five people, breakfast included); Hof Oberhaus (73267, fax 73267; €€-€€€) sleeps two or four people in a farmhouse).

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, Kirchberg 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 2402-88) 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 3612; €€; photo above left) is outside of town right next to the Fleckalmbahn. It is the perfect place for those concentrating on skiing and not partying.

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

Hotel Cordial Vitalhotel (05357/2842, fax 2842406; €€€) is a good four-star hotel with heated outdoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, steam room, fitness center, and children’s club.

Hotel Seehof (05357/2228, fax 22288; €) Beautifully redone rooms in a three-star hotel, great location. A real bargain.

Gasthof Kirchenwirt (05357/2852, fax 37737; €) Well-run, inexpensive gasthof 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.