We have stayed here many time, and its great because theres a shop for the kids to rent DVD and buy lollies and the other crap they love. It also has a pool with a spa and that keeps everyone entertained.

Approximate cost: $700

I usually find that ski accommodation is a let down, but this time I was pleasantly surprised. Four of us stayed at The Arlberg at Mount Hotham at the end of July and we were very impressed with the room. It's not a cosy little club lodge, so if that's what you are after don't come here. This is a big place, with heaps of rooms and is great if you want a comfortable place to crash for the night. For $690 we got a fully self contained room with kitchen, bathroom, small balcony etc. It was more spacious than I expected and had the added benefit that the couch was a sofa bed, so that meant that no one had to share a bed. (We were 4 guys and there was 2 singles and a queen.) It had recently been done up too, so things were pretty new as well.

BTW, I rang one of the snow accommodation booking agencies and was told that there was availability on the weekend we wanted. I also rang the The Arlberg directly and they told me that there was no availability, so I think that some of the ski accommodation agencies must have preallocated bookings. Call around if they say they are full.

Oh yeah, the snow was awesome too!

Approximate cost: $690 for the weekend