Three Of A Kind - On Snowy Bourke Street, Mount Buller

The Sunday Age

Sunday August 1, 2004

Peter Robinson

MERCURE GRAND CHALET

This 65-room luxury hotel is just metres from the village centre, so it's close to all the action - not that you need much more than the Chalet's in-house offerings. Guest rooms vary from king ensuite rooms to apartments, some self-contained, and extravagant suites - but all keep skiers warm and cosy. Got energy to burn? More exercise is available in the gym and squash courts, although a post-ski swim, spa, sauna and massage are better preparation for dining in one of the mountain's best eateries. Buller Ski Hire is located in the building, and each guestroom has a drying closet. The Chalet ain't cheap but it offers value considering the excellent facilities.

WHERE: Bourke St, Mount Buller. Tel: 1800 810 200. See mtbullerchalet.com.au

HOW MUCH: From $560 (king room) to $820 (one-bedroom apartment) per night twin share, full buffet breakfast. Mid-week packages available.

ARLBERG HOTEL

Over the past few years the Alberg has undergone a transformation. Gone are the all-night parties, drinking competitions and deafening rock music: now, it's a solid, respectable family hotel and a good place to ski in for lunch, being close to the Blue Bullet Two quad chairlift. While not completely revamped at this stage, guest rooms are clean, comfortable and steadily being upgraded (apartments are the pick). In-house ski hire, pizzeria, bistro, up-market restaurant (all with children's meals) and transport to the door. Kids are also well entertained here - there are video games and pool tables, and child minding can be arranged so parents can have a bit of time off.

WHERE: Bourke St, Mount Buller. Tel: 1800 032 380. See mtbuller.com.au/arlberg/

HOW MUCH: From $255 to $650 (apartment) per mid-week night plus breakfast.

THE ABOM

The Abominable Snowman - the Abom - remains one of the mountain's most popular eateries although little remains of the original. The dim and rustic Il Grotto dining room with its big round tables and bench seats will remind older skiers of nutcracker rope tows and pomas, and steaming hot pasta and gluhwein. Guest rooms have been upgraded for this ski season, providing comfortable ensuite accommodation for skiers; plans for next season include luxury apartments above the existing bistro. The Abom is a mid-range hotel where skiers can get friendly lodgings and excellent food - try the Abom Restaurant - opposite the ski-school on Bourke Street.

WHERE: Bourke St, Mount Buller. Tel: 5777 7899. See mtbuller.com.au/abom/

HOW MUCH: Mid-week $160 per person in twin room, with continental breakfast.

-- Peter Robinson

© 2004 The Sunday Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home