Quick Trip to Innsbruck

The Hilton Innsbruck was a great choice for our stay in Innsbruck and we were not disappointed one bit. We chose to stay at the Hilton because with our family with small children we like to get a known product as opposed to something "adventurous."

This is the tallest building in Innsbruck, so if you are fortunate (like we were), you can get a room with a great view towards the Goldenes Daschl, the Alstadt, and the Alps beyond. The staff was very courteous to us and very understanding (and accommodating) of our requests. And for those inclined, the Innsbruck Casino is attached.
The hotel's restaurant, Guggeryllis, is one of the higher rated restaurants in Innsbruck. We did not get a chance to eat a meal other than breakfast there, so I cannot attest to the quality of those meals. However, the breakfast buffet was quite robust (hots and colds) and the wait staff was exceptionally friendly.

If you are considering staying here, I would advise contacting the hotel directly for reservations. I looked at Hilton's website and found a €130 advanced purchase, non-refundable rate; by going to the hotel I was able to get a €130 rate that was refundable, included €50 worth of casino chips, and admission to the Swarovski Kristallwelten for the whole family (worth €8 each).

This is the Sacher otupost in Innsbruck. It is convenient to the Goldenes Daschl (just down the alley to the right as you look at the Daschl), in the back of the Hofburg. One of its strong points is this cafe is an oasis of quiet within the crowds of tourists shopping and exploring the Alstadt. It's outdoor seating area is in the quiet courtyard of the Hofburg.

They offer a good variety of German/Austrian food at a fairly reasonable price (given that this is a tourist location). You will see the traditional "usuals" here on the menu. As dessert is my favorite course, I would highly recommend the dessert tower for two--a multi-layered tower containing a variety of small slices of cakes and tortes (including the original Sachertorte) and truffles.

I would recommend the Cafe Sacher to anyone who happens to be in the Alstadt and just wants to get away from the crowds for a nice meal or simply stop in for a coffee and cake.

We took a trip to the Swarovski Kristallwelten (the crystal museum/gallery of Swarovski) in Wattens, a town about 15-minutes East of Innsbruck. I wouldn't say that we were disappointed, but it wasn't all that we expected. We expected a museum of the Swarovski company, crystal production, fine pieces, etc., and what they have is more akin to an art gallery. Granted, there are some nice art pieces on display (Warhol, Miro, among others).

Some of the exhibits can be disorienting, especially to younger children--ours and those around us were more frightened by some of the exhibits than fascinated by them. Our family had more fun outside of the display hall (the "giant") in the park-like grounds and playgrounds. I'd recommend this place for people who are more interested in an art display, but I am not sure I'd recommend this for families with small children.