Golden Lakes Hotel

The room was comfortable and good quality, and dinner was satisfactory. Even so, we were so disappointed that we cancelled our second night and left early. We’d been looking forward to this hotel as the last stop of our European holiday, but it fell well short of what we expected from a four-star property. The room itself was fine, but a lot of the stay was frustrating. As two elderly guests with heavy luggage, we weren’t offered help carrying our bags, even though our room was quite a distance from reception. There was also nowhere to sit for a drink: no guest lounge, just a bar that hotel guests couldn’t use because a private BMW function was taking place. BMW signs and what looked like reserved BMW parking spaces were all over the site when we arrived, and we had to search for a spot. Reception explained that the hotel had recently hosted a BMW event. The spa cost €55 per person for up to two hours, including for hotel residents. We were surprised by that charge, since we expected at least some spa access to be included at a spa hotel. At dinner, we asked for tap water by the carafe and were told only bottled still or sparkling water was available. We shared a salad, and had a burger, a shrimp dish, one beer, and a 50cl carafe of wine. No dessert or coffee, yet the bill was €94. We’ve stayed in many hotels around Europe over the years, including plenty of four-star places, and this didn’t provide the service we’d expect at that rating. The good room couldn’t make up for the lack of luggage help, the restricted facilities during a private event, the lack of a place to relax with a drink, and the extra spa charge. We wouldn’t stay here again or recommend it.