Schloss Hotel Wartensee

The garden and lake views are lovely, and the location is close to the train station with free parking. Our room was okay, though the wall next to the neighboring bathroom was so thin that we could hear everything. Getting drinks outside in the garden was practically impossible because service was almost nonexistent. Dinner at the hotel was a big mistake: the staff were completely unprofessional, service was again nearly nonexistent, portions were small, food came in bowls, and the prices were high. This was our first and last visit.

The hotel was clean and everything was in good condition. We enjoyed dinner there too. The menu was short, and at first I wasn’t sure about having the tables in the entrance hall, but very good service and food soon made up for it. With few restaurants nearby, especially open on a Sunday evening, we were glad we stayed in. The hotel offers good value for money, and we’d return if we’re in the area. We liked the mix of the old building, renovated practical rooms, and a bit of design. During autumn, though, a lake-view room may not be worth paying extra for: it was completely dark outside at night and fog made it all white in the morning. There’s also a highway with constant traffic about a kilometer down the slope, so a room at the back facing the hill may be better. If you’re driving, you’ll need navigation to find the hotel. The free parking is a 100-meter walk from the main entrance, which didn’t bother us. There’s a train station about 200 meters away, so you can apparently arrive by public transport or take it to go hiking in the Appenzeller hills and mountains.

The vegan dinner was fantastic. I’m vegan, and this was the best food I’ve had at a non-vegan restaurant. We had appetizers, soup, a main dish, and dessert, all with amazing flavors and beyond what I expected. Places that aren’t very interested in vegan food often make vegetables boring, but this place was the complete opposite. It’s a quiet, romantic spot that’s perfect for a couples’ weekend. The staff were nice and polite, and the hotel sits beautifully on top of a hill. It’s easy to reach by car, or by the slow train if you don’t feel like walking. I’d strongly recommend it!

We got a cold, unwelcoming reception. No one spoke English, and our room was really nothing special. JHuttopiae would not recommend it to English or French speakers.