Zum Goldenen Hirschen

I left extremely disappointed with the service. Booking.com listed check-in at 2 pm, but when we arrived at 1:20 pm, the receptionists offered two choices: pay 30 euros to check in early or wait until 3 pm. We were on a road trip in rainy, off-peak conditions, and arriving only 30 minutes ahead should not have caused this much trouble. They seemed unaware of what the listing said and showed no interest in acknowledging a mistake. There was no apology, just insistence on the extra charge. I’ve spent a lot of time in hospitality and studied at top universities, so I found the staff’s unprofessional, unfriendly manner especially shocking. Early check-in requests are commonly accommodated in hospitality, and this felt like a disgraceful way to treat guests. Given the hotel’s price and size, the experience was unacceptable. It felt like they saw us only as a way to make money. I expected much better from a hotel of this caliber.

The hotel has welcomed guests since the 17th century, and after its latest renovation it had only been open for 10 days. It feels like a place that could carry on that tradition for another 17 centuries. The service and rooms were outstanding, and the location was excellent. We had dinner there too, and the food was fantastic. I was there on a business trip, but I’ll do everything I can to return with my family. Huge congratulations to the owners, and thank you!

The interior design was breathtaking, mixing modern pieces with timeless antiques, and our loft had a lovely view. There’s a gym and sauna on the same floor. In the room, the local eco-friendly bottles of lotion, soap, and conditioner smelled wonderful. The hotel staff were very welcoming. Breakfast was the best, with loads of choice: fresh fruit, vegetables and berries, sweet and savoury pastries, croissants, rolls, and even banana bread. It’s close to the city center and right beside a beautiful art gallery. A huge lake with crystal-clear water is nearby, great for swimming or taking in the views from the ferry. Just an awesome experience.

The easy walk into Gmunden's center was a real plus during my February 2023 business trip. I spent ten days here and found the small hotel comfortable, with a euro-style room in the old part of the building. The food was delicious and the hospitality outstanding. I can truly recommend it. I'm coming back in September with four colleagues for more meetings in the area.