Mallnitz Dream: Apartment with Private Swimming Pond!
Mallnitz Dream: Apartment with Private Swimming Pond! - A Review That's Actually Real (and Maybe a Little Weird)
Okay, so you're looking at Mallnitz Dream, that place with the ridiculously cool private swimming pond. Let me tell you, I've been there, done that, and now I'm here to spill the tea, the Prosecco, and maybe a little bit of whatever accidental food crumb ended up in my laptop. This isn't your average, sterile hotel review, folks. This is the real deal. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
First Impressions: The Wow Factor (and the Slight Panic)
Let's be honest, the private swimming pond is what sucked me in. And it doesn't disappoint. Picture this: you, surrounded by the stunning Austrian Alps, the air crisp and clean, and a shimmering turquoise pool just for you. Magical, right? Yeah, it is. Until you realize you're incredibly awkward and need to get out of your pajamas without falling into the water. But honestly, that panic? Worth it.
Accessibility: Navigating the Mountain Life (and My Clumsiness)
Alright, let's get practical. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I am a klutz who trips over air. So, accessibility is important to me.
- Hotel Chain: Ah, the name escapes my memory, there were no signs of a chain hotel though, which is lovely.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: I didn't specifically look for this, but the website says there are facilities available. Honestly, the mountains might be a bit challenging for a full-fledged wheelchair situation.
- Elevator: Thank goodness! My legs get tired just thinking about stairs.
- Exterior corridor: I did find exterior corridors, which were a nice touch.
Rooms: Cozy, Comfortable, and My Obsession with Blackout Curtains
The apartments? Lovely. Really, really lovely. Let's dive into the specifics that had me going "Wow!"
- Air conditioning: Phew, I do not like to be sticky.
- Blackout curtains: THIS IS IMPORTANT. I am a vampire. Okay, not really, but I love sleeping in. The blackout curtains were a godsend. Seriously, they are the key to happiness, especially after a day of hiking (or, you know, attempting to hike).
- Bathroom essentials: Everything you could need AND a hair dryer.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Essential for streaming questionable reality TV whilst in my pj's.
- Internet access – wireless: Check!
- In-room safe box: Always a plus for peace of mind.
- Complimentary tea: Because one can't spend the afternoon without a cup of tea in the mountains.
- Additional toilet: Well, that's perfect for a family with a lot of people.
- Refrigerator: Always useful for getting cool beers or water.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Mountain Adventures (and My Love of Food)
Okay, food. This is where things get exciting.
Breakfast [buffet]: Yep. Plenty of choices.
Coffee/tea in restaurant: Necessary, of course. The breakfast was truly amazing.
Poolside bar: A nice touch.
Snack bar: I wasn't able to find a snack bar, but there are many stores nearby.
Room service [24-hour]: I didn't use it, but it's nice to know it's there - maybe if you are feeling lazy.
Desserts in restaurant: All the lovely desserts.
Restaurants: This is an area where I lost a bit of track in, but there were several restaurants nearby.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day, anyone? (Spoiler: I'm Awful at Relaxation)
So, relaxing. That's the aim, right? Let's see what they've got:
- Fitness center: I may have peeked in. Briefly. It looked…intense.
- Sauna, Steamroom, Spa: Yes! I absolutely loved it. The spa was so relaxing.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The most gorgeous view.
- Massage: I didn't get one, but based on how everything else was, I can only imagine how great it would be.
Cleanliness and Safety: Breathing Easy (Especially After a Long Hike)
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yay!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Wonderful for a more eco-friendly stay.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Awesome.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Great to hear.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
- Cash withdrawal: Extremely useful as the nearest ATMs/banks are not nearby.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: A godsend.
- Laundry service: No problem doing laundry.
- Luggage storage: Perfect for storing my luggage!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun (Even for the Big Kids Like Me)
- Babysitting service: Nice to know it's available.
- Family/child friendly: Definitely.
Getting Around: Navigating the Terrain (and My Sense of Direction)
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes! You will need a car.
- Airport transfer: Yes!
The (Slightly Imperfect) Truth
Look, this place isn't perfect. No place is. My biggest gripe? The Wi-Fi. It was a little spotty at times. But honestly? I was there to disconnect (mostly), and it wasn't a deal-breaker. It just added a little quirky factor to the experience.
The Emotional Verdict:
Would I recommend Mallnitz Dream? ABSOLUTELY. The private swimming pond alone is worth the trip. This is a place for escaping, for breathing clean air, for maybe even attempting a hike (I didn't get very far, but hey, I tried!). It's a place to relax, to recharge, and to (if you're me) awkwardly enjoy the heck out of that amazing pool.
The Sales Pitch (Because I Have to, Right?)
Ready for a vacation that's truly different? Do you crave a place where you can unwind in style, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and have your own private swimming oasis? Then BOOK MALLNITZ DREAM NOW! This isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. Don't just take my word for it; go see for yourself. And hey, if you see me there, feel free to say hi (but maybe don't look too closely when I'm trying to get out of the pool gracefully). You won't regret it.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream German Getaway Awaits in Freiamt!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because you're about to witness a disaster – I mean, amazing trip to Mallnitz, Austria. And by "trip," I mean my clumsy attempts to navigate the Austrian Alps, fueled by questionable coffee and an overabundance of optimism. Expect the unexpected. Like, seriously. Expect it.
Mallnitz Mayhem: A Week of Questionable Decisions & Mountain-Induced Euphoria
(Starting Point: My Apartment in Mallnitz… or is it? Gotta find the damn key first.)
Day 1: Arrival & Accidental Altitude Training (aka, Getting Lost in Translation)
- Morning (ish): Landed in Salzburg. Airport looks… airporty. Grab luggage, which, miraculously, appears to have survived the journey. Then, the car rental. Ah, the car. She's a beauty (or at least, I think she is – I chose the smallest, cheapest thing on the lot). The navigation system? Let's just say it and I have a complicated relationship.
- Anecdote: Picture this: me, frantically stabbing at a touchscreen, muttering about “Blaupunkt” and “Guten Tag, Siri, why are you failing me?” Eventually reach Mallnitz, after a solid three hours of taking the scenic route (read: wrong turns).
- Afternoon: Finally, THE APARTMENT! Or, wait… is this it? Did I even put the right address? Panic sets in. Stare at the front door with my hands on my face (don't know how to open the door)
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated relief when I finally find the key (after 10 minutes of searching). The apartment is… cozy. Tiny, but cozy. And the view? Makes all the 'adventure' worth it.
- Evening: Walk to the supermarket. Shopping is an Olympic sport. I buy bread, cheese (obviously), a bottle of wine that probably tastes like vinegar, and a weird yogurt-like thing with raspberry globs.
- Imperfection: Tried to ask for directions in German. The woman behind the counter looked utterly bewildered. Ended up just pointing and hoping for the best. Think I got a bag of dog biscuits instead of chips.
- Quirky Observation: Everyone here seems to be a seasoned mountain-goat. I, on the other hand, am a sweaty, slightly-lost tourist.
- Then, I attempt a (disastrous) dinner. Burnt bread, cheese that oozes, and the vinegary wine. Sigh.
Day 2: The Swimming Pond & a Lesson in Humbling Hiking
- Morning: Woke up feeling surprisingly chipper. Possibly the mountain air. Possibly the sheer terror of realizing I have five more days of this. Decided to kick things off with the swimming pond.
- Emotional Reaction: The pond is an absolute DREAM. Crystal clear water reflecting the mountains. Pure, blissful relaxation. Sun, water, mountains – what more could a person want?
- Rambling: Okay, so the pond is a little chilly, right? But the views are so incredible that I just have to do it, you know? The water is so clear, I can see my toes! It is so amazing. This would be my favourite part of the whole trip if I didn't do anything else. The swimming pond is the best!!
- Afternoon: Hiking. I bravely (foolishly) chose a trail marked "moderate." Apparently, "moderate" in Austria means "steeper than Everest."
- Messy Structure: Halfway up, I wanted to give up and cry. My legs were screaming. My lungs felt like they were about to burst. But the views… the views were worth it.
- Anecdote: Almost stepped on a snake! I screamed like a little girl. The snake, judging by its expression, was probably more scared of me.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated awe at the top. Mountains for days. Felt like I could conquer the world… or at least hobble down the mountain without breaking my ankles.
- Evening: Dinner at a Gasthof (local restaurant). Ordered something that looked vaguely familiar. Turned out to be a gigantic schnitzel. Attempted to eat it all. Failed. Gloriously.
Day 3: The Ankogelbahn & a Misadventure in Mountain Biking
- Morning: Ride the Ankogelbahn cable car! Soaring high above the valley. Terrifyingly beautiful.
- Quirky Observation: Other tourists are all geared up to ski/snowboard/mountain climb. I'm here in hiking boots and a look of bewildered wonder.
- Afternoon: Mountain biking. Another "moderate" trail. This time, I was smarter. Found a slightly easier route. Emphasis on slightly.
- Imperfection: Face-planted. Luckily, into soft grass. Scratched a knee, bruised my ego.
- Messier Structure: The trail was a nightmare in the beginning. Steep drops, loose gravel, tight turns. This time, the mountain beat me. I walked more than I cycled.
- Rambling: But even the walk was gorgeous and fun. The sun was shining, the air was fresh, and the views were insane. I love the mountain bike.
- Evening: Comfort food. Pizza. Because even in the Alps, sometimes you just need pizza. And possibly a large glass of wine. Or two…
Day 4: Day Trip to a Lake
- Morning: Decided to take a drive to a lake. The Austrian countryside is pure postcard material. Cows, rolling hills, charming villages… and me, navigating with the map app.
- Opinionated Language: Beautiful is an understatement. It really is. Austria's a total show-off, and I'm here for it.
- Afternoon: Arrived at the lake! It was crowded. Everyone else had the same brilliant idea. Grabbed an ice cream and sat for an hour.
- Anecdote: Sat next to an old couple. They shared their ice cream. Sweet of them, I guess.
- Evening: Head back to Mallnitz. Made dinner at the apartment. Accidentally dropped sauce on the floor. Sigh.
Day 5: The Swimming Pond… Again! & Farewell Feelings
- Morning: Spent the whole morning at the swimming pond. It was my heaven.
- Doubling Down on Experience: I brought a book to read at the pond. Then, I brought my swimming costume. I swam more and more. The temperature was fantastic, and there was a sun. In the pool, I made some friends. They told me that I was wrong in the night, and they told me that they're going to be there tomorrow. I really really want to go back to the swimming pond again!
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The pond really changed my mind. I'm actually thankful I had this trip.
- Afternoon: Packing. The most dreadful task known to humanity.
- Evening: One last meal in Mallnitz. A final schnitzel. Feeling a little emotional.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm going to miss this place. The mountains. The air. The swimming pond. Even the questionable navigation. It's been a messy, imperfect, absolutely wonderful adventure.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: The drive back to the airport. Tried my best to stay calm.
- Afternoon: Boarding the plane. Saying goodbye to Mallnitz and the world!
Postscript: I’m pretty sure I gained five pounds. And my calves still hurt. But I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Mallnitz, you glorious, slightly-confusing, utterly-charming place. I'll be back. Eventually. Maybe with a better map… and some mountain goat lessons.
Hilders Getaway: HUGE Reinhart Apartment for Your Dream Holiday!
Okay, spill the beans. Is this "Private Swimming Pond" actually swim-able, or am I going to be battling algae and regret?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. This pond... It's *mostly* swim-able. Let's be real, it's not THE Caribbean. I mean, it's in Mallnitz, Austria, not the Bahamas. Firstly, the water is *cold*. Think "refreshing", bordering on "stunningly invigorating." My first jump? Gasped, shrieked, then... started laughing. It’s that initial shock that actually gets you going. The kids? They were in and out like little aquatic rockets. The algae? Well, there IS some, yeah. It's part of the charm, I guess? Look, they keep it pretty clean. Think: a natural pool, not a chlorinated wasteland. One day I saw a little frog sunbathing on a lily pad and I swear, I felt a tiny pang of jealousy. Like, *that* frog gets it! Just be prepared for the occasional leafy friend drifting by. That’s nature, baby!
The website photos look TOO perfect. What's the catch? Is the apartment actually as stylish as it seems?
Okay, I'm suspicious by nature. And the photos? They’re borderline *too* pristine. Think glossy magazine spread. But, and this is a big BUT, the apartment? Pretty darn close. It IS stylish! It isn't *photoshop-perfect*, mind you. Real life happened there before I arrived. A rogue scratch on the kitchen counter? Yep. A slightly wonky curtain rod? Yup. The view from the balcony, though? Unbeatable. The furniture is comfy, the kitchen actually *works* (unlike some rentals!), and the overall vibe is one of ‘modern comfort meets mountain serenity’. The only thing imperfect was me, spilling coffee on the pristine white couch on day one. Oops. Let’s just call it a "lived-in" aesthetic...which is a good thing.
Is Mallnitz itself... actually interesting? Or just a pretty backdrop?
Mallnitz. Before going, I thought, "Mallnitz? Sounds like a town made up by Tolkien." Turns out, it's real! And surprisingly… great. It's not some crazy nightlife hotspot, let's be clear. It’s more about fresh air, hiking until your legs scream, and eating strudel that'll make you weep with joy. The backdrop is stunning, obviously. The mountains are *majestic*. Seriously, they just loom over you. But Mallnitz itself? It's charming. There's a little grocery store (stocked with *amazing* cheese!), a few restaurants (the one with the Schnitzel? Divine!), and a general feeling of calm that’ll make you forget what stress even *is*. You’ll find yourself greeting the locals (they're friendly!) and feeling like you stumbled upon some secret paradise, far, far away from all the tourist traps. Just remember to take cash, some places don't take cards. Learn from my frantic search for an ATM.
The website says "Family Friendly". Is that code for "Prepare to be surrounded by screaming toddlers?"
Okay, this is a tricky one. "Family Friendly". It *is*. But, look, every family experience is different. My kids are… *energetic*. The apartment itself? Kid-proofed enough. The swimming pond? Supervised kid-friendly, and they loved it. But… the potential for screaming toddlers exists everywhere, let's face it. We met a lovely family who brought their pre-schoolers and they seemed entirely content to bounce around playing in a puddle the size of my bathroom. So it’s like a family jackpot that depends on your kids and your tolerance. I mean, a quiet evening sipping wine on the balcony? Possibly. More likely? One kid arguing about bedtime while the other throws their mashed potatoes. But if you *have* kids, and they *like* water, this place is a total score. If you don’t, well, you’ll still probably be okay. Just bring earplugs, just in case... I did. (And ended up not needing them, miraculously.)
Are there any major downsides? Anything the website *doesn't* tell you?
Okay, here’s the (slightly) messy truth. Downsides? Well, the Wi-Fi, if you’re a serious internet addict, might not be lightning-fast. It’s decent, but not "binge-watching Netflix at warp speed" decent. Which, honestly, might be a blessing in disguise. Force you to actually, you know, *experience* the mountains! Also, the nearest grocery store isn’t *right* next door. It's a short drive into Mallnitz. Plan your grocery runs accordingly. The biggest downer for me? Having to leave. I seriously considered faking a medical emergency to extend our stay. (Don't judge me!) Oh, and one other thing... the urge to become a total hermit and never return to civilization is *strong*. Very, very strong. You’ve been warned.
I’m not a fan of cold water. How cold is ‘cold’? And can I survive?
Oof, the cold water question. This is personal, my friend! It’s cold enough to make you gasp. Cold enough to make your teeth chatter. Cold enough to instantly wake you up and realize life is beautiful. I kid, but also, I don’t. My first jump was a shock, I'll admit. Like, genuinely a "woah" moment. The kids? They were already splashing around, clearly unfazed. My husband, the ever-present optimist? He looked like he was in heaven. Me? I dipped a toe in, then a foot, then… I committed. The key? Don't overthink it. Just… jump! And scream (quietly, for your neighbors' sake). Then, you'll get… *used* to it. Or, you know, you'll stay cold the whole time. But, the experience is priceless. By the end of my stay, I was practically *running* into that pond. Even went for a swim in the rain! The water is refreshing, invigorating, and ultimately, a part of the whole Mallnitz Dream experience. Embrace the chill! Bring a towel!
Is there anything to *do* besides swim and look at mountains?
Okay, so you don't want to become a mountain-gazing, pond-splashing hermit? Fair enough! Mallnitz has options. Hiking trails galore! Seriously, just pick a direction, and you'll find one. We did one with a cable car up, and another with the kids. Walking. Stumbling. Sweating. It was amazing. And then the views at the top? Beyond gorgeous. There's also a climbing area, and you can go mountain biking, and exploring in the national park. We're not big skiers, but there's skiing nearby too. There are restaurants with *amazing* regional food, too. If the weather is crap, you can hang out in the apartment, read a book (the apartment has a small selection!), or just stare at the mountains throughLocal Hotel Tips
