Hotel Garni Buchenhof

The place had a good spa area with several saunas, and the landlord was easygoing. Breakfast was plenty for us. Drinks were available from the fridge, and we could settle the bill the next day.

We were happy with our stay and would gladly come back. The owner and staff were friendly, courteous, and helpful, breakfast was very good, and the nice weather let us eat outside on the terrace. The house was quiet even with other guests around, and we didn't hear the railway at night. Maybe trains don't run then. The building looks a little worn but is well cared for. I can't agree that they don't invest in it: a brand-new elevator was recently put right in the middle of the stairwell. There's an easy-to-find selection of drinks near the pool, plus snacks in the fridge if you get hungry. A good idea. The rooms are a bit small, sure, but you're on vacation, not living there forever. The rooms we had were perfectly fine, despite what the lady who commented on the "dog review" said. A dog surcharge is standard these days, and animals shed, which means a lot of extra cleaning. If you're after a 5-star hotel, book and pay for one, but don't badmouth the Buchenhof. In our experience it fully lives up to its rating and is perfectly fine.

There are lots of thoughtful touches here: a WörtherseeCard with plenty of discounts, a pool with loungers and covered seating, a cozy big sauna, and a small bar with a projector for TV. Families get a play area with books and a huge sandbox, while guests can pick up snacks and drinks any time. There's also a big garden seating area with a barbecue, some sports gear including table tennis and badminton, and a hotel room where you can store bicycles whenever you like. The driveway is pretty and well kept. The owner gave us a quick, friendly explanation at check-in. Velden is a 10-minute walk away, and you can hear the train pass since it's so close. The motorway is nearby too, though neither bothered me personally. We were there in the off-season. Breakfast was tasty with choices for everyone, and the woman serving guests was lovely. The building was very clean. The rooms looked renovated, though the bathroom felt a little dated, which didn't bother me. There were spiders outside in a few spots, including on the balcony. I'm sure they'll spruce everything up again after the season or before the next one. Top hotel, we'd definitely return if we're in the area.

The rooms aren't the newest or most stylish, but they're nicely furnished, and breakfast is delicious. We found the pool and sauna area small but well looked after. The Buchenhof is just outside the center and takes a short uphill walk to reach, but the value for money is excellent. Service is generally friendly and helpful.