MAXIMILIAN Grand Hotel

We return every year and have always had a great stay. The staff and amenities make it easy to relax. Bad Grießbach Therme has a welcoming feel, and the setting is peaceful. At the Grand Hotel Maximilian, the quiet elegance and comfortable surroundings make our visit especially restful.

The cocktails at the hotel bar were very good, and the bartenders know what they're doing. Even when one of them is serving alone, we didn't have to wait long. For a birthday, we also found a bottle of Prosecco and a pastry in our room, a thoughtful touch. The Maximilian is a good hotel, but it didn't meet my expectations for a five-star place. The reception and lounge look grand and chic, and the reception staff were polite, but nobody told us basics like breakfast or dinner times, sauna hours, or where to find nearby restaurants. At checkout, no one asked if we'd been satisfied. The rooms are large, though somewhat dated, and the shower barely put out any water, possibly because of low pressure or heavy scaling. Breakfast was excellent, with lots of variety, fresh egg dishes, and pancakes. Dinner was another story. As guests without full board, we were told there was no space at the evening buffet and that we should have reserved, which made us feel unwanted, almost like second-class guests. We were sent to the bar and initially told we couldn't eat there. After I asked the bartender to confirm, it turned out to be possible, and the food was fine. The next day, even with an advance reservation, we were again told there was no room. Reception sent us to the Max Bar attendant, who eventually arranged for us to eat in the restaurant that evening. At least one person understood hospitality, so thanks to them. The buffet was tasty, but hotel guests shouldn't have to go through all that just to eat there. The thermal baths and sauna are beautiful, but the wellness area is very noisy, especially with children running around the thermal pools with balls, water pistols, and inflatables. The noise reaches the quiet zone too, since it also serves as a route to the thermal and wellness areas. The layout is odd. The only genuinely quiet part is where the two saunas are, which is the only adults-only section. It's small, there's nowhere to sit or lie down after the sauna, and the saunas don't open until 14:00. For a few peaceful wellness days, this place is too loud. Better-trained staff and a shower that works properly would help it meet its five-star expectations.

The scenery around the hotel is amazing. Our room was wonderful, the service was exceptional, and the food was delicious.

I booked a special offer recommended by Secret Escape. The hotel was in a perfect location, with parking available for an extra charge. There was WLAN with Internet in every room, half board with breakfast and dinner, and thermal baths in the hotel.