Guest House Ozernyi

The road across the lake is busy, so children shouldn't be left on their own. That was one concern during a stay that, overall, was deeply disappointing. The Ozerni Hotel felt stuck in the 90s from the moment we arrived: the owner seemed indifferent, the decor was dated, and the price felt far too high for what we got. Our room needed a complete renovation. The walls were stained, the furniture was worn, and the bathroom plumbing worked intermittently. There was just one bathroom, so people had to queue, and sounds carried through the walls, including at night. It seemed that cleanliness and guest comfort had been neglected for years. The facilities were inadequate, and the stay was so uncomfortable it ruined our holiday. This was among the worst hotels in Belarus for us. We wouldn't recommend it to anyone planning a trip there, or to friends visiting Belarus.

For the price, this felt like a mockery, and I left with our whole family's impressions of Belarus spoiled. My family and I arrived at 7 a.m. with a child, but our room was occupied. Vera didn't even offer us a glass of water. The room felt like a communal rental from the nineties. The shower smelled constantly of rotten water, and the tap ran cloudy whitish liquid that wouldn't even rinse tea mugs. The shower was dirty and rusty, with nowhere to hang towels, so we used the backs of chairs instead. There was no daily cleaning. They brought fresh sheets, but changing the bed linen was left to us. Vera and her son Andrey showed no concern when we raised complaints or requests, and there was no hint of service. I wouldn't tell anyone to stay at this "Ozerny". We wasted our money, and I won't set foot there again.

We went back and were just as happy with our stay as we had been the year before. The rooms were clean and had what we needed, and the hosts were warm and pleasant. Lake Nespiš is right across the street, with a wooden pier. Around the grounds there are gazebos, several places to grill, a catamaran, and a wooden swing overlooking the lake. It's a lovely place to unwind, and I'd happily return if I get the chance.

You can look out at the scenery from your room, and the lake is only a few steps away. I liked taking a morning dip from the pier. The hosts are kind, and you can tell they've put care into making things themselves. The views and fresh air are lovely. The kitchen, shower, and rooms were clean and nice to use. They say there's a sauna, and you can borrow a boat to go for a swim. Now and then, traffic and barking dogs were distracting because there is a road and neighbors nearby. Otherwise, we had a great time.