The wonderful Weyerhof lies south of the Kitzbühel ski slopes, not far from the better-known town of Zell am See. In winter, you practically have two ski areas on your doorstep: the Wildkogel Arena, with about 75 kilometers of slopes, just five minutes away by car, and the whole KitzSki area, with 58 lifts and some 230 kilometers of runs, reached via the Panoramabahn gondola from Hollersbach, ten minutes away by car.
Yet the Weyerhof is no Alpine sports hotel. Quite the opposite: it is a bolthole shaped by centuries of history, and a perfect fit for the Pretty Hôtels family.
The property’s foundations date back to 1130. It has been an inn since 1664 and once served as a residence for the prince-bishops of Chiemsee. Today the Meilinger family runs it in the seventh generation. There is also a stone tower and a private apartment in a converted barn. A few years ago, the younger Franz Meilinger took over and began a careful renovation, supported by his wife, Lio, his sister Elisabeth and her husband, Christopher (originally from New Jersey!).
If you are lucky enough to get a tour of the newly created rooms, you quickly realize that someone has thought very carefully about the roots of the house and its surroundings, and spared no expense and took no half-measures on floors, windows and furniture. Everything is in harmony with the building, so much so that no one would blame you for pulling on sweatpants and thick socks and simply admiring your room all day. The clever part: the whole renovation was designed by Elisabeth Meilinger, and many details, such as lamps made from old wooden pieces, were crafted from finds in the family’s own barns. You won’t find silver antlers or purple pseudo-design here.
Today there are 15 guest rooms, ranging from 20 to 57 square meters.
Cuisine
The kitchen is the beating heart of the house. Many outside guests come to the cozy parlors for lunch or dinner, especially to try the creations of chef Franz Meilinger, and Falstaff’s restaurant guide rates the kitchen highly. The menu features refined specialties made with regional ingredients, and the house bread and other specialties are still made from Grandma’s recipes – another reason to award plenty of brownie points.
Kids
Very welcome. The family has small children of its own, and in summer there is a playground in the garden. Your hosts can recommend the best rooms for families; a few even have connecting doors.
Ideal For
People with good taste and a week to spend in the mountains in fall, winter or spring, in wonderful surroundings with superb food and Pinzgau hospitality. The Weyerhof is also very popular as a wedding venue.
Small Minus
The property lies in the valley next to a main road, so in rooms facing the road you may hear a few cars at night. The grounds are large, though, so you can hardly hear the road from the terrace.
Big Plus
Bramberg has what is billed as the world’s longest floodlit toboggan run, 14 kilometers long and fun for kids (and adults) – an extra highlight on winter evenings.
Prices
Doubles from about 250 euros per night.
Booking & Contact
Weyerhof
Meilinger Family
Weyer 9
5733 Bramberg am Wildkogel
Austria
