Winterberg

Construction across the road was never mentioned, and the noise started at 8am, even though the site seemed to close in the early afternoon. The town felt like the walking dead to me, with just a few shops and restaurants that shut early. Some places asked us to eat outside in the rain. The spa was a major disappointment, even though it was one of the hotel's big selling points. The main pool is nice, but other guests shouted at you in German if you breathed the wrong way. In the sauna area, expect to be berated for wearing a swimsuit if you don't want to look at naked older men. It looked nice, to be fair, but naked guests hounded us out, so we had to stick to the main pool. It didn't feel very English friendly, and the other guests could be rude. It also didn't seem suited to people under 60. The whole place is expensive for what it is, and I wouldn't return. I'd stay outside the Harts and take day trips into the busier towns with more to see, and save some money.

The restaurant food was absolutely excellent, and the service staff in the restaurant and on the floors were very friendly. The 3/4 board is worth recommending, and it includes daily admission to the thermal baths and sauna, as well as a cable car ride. If you can live with the hotel's old charm, I'd recommend it. My first room in Hotel Winterberg was on the ground floor next to the lounge. It faced a parking space, so the view was car tires, and there was a billiards table in the adjoining room where people could play until 10pm. Fortunately, I was able to complain and got another room. That first room really wasn't okay. I also happened to meet a former classmate in Bad Harzburg, whom I hadn't seen in 35 years. She and her husband weren't allowed to join me at my table for a glass of wine after dinner because only hotel guests were permitted. I was very disappointed and had to go out for a glass of wine on both evenings.

Breakfast, the afternoon cake buffet, and dinner were all delicious. The evening menu had lots of variety and was presented very creatively. Staff were attentive and friendly, and the hotel has access to the thermal baths. We highly recommend it.

We felt at home throughout our stay. The villa is lovely and has all the modern facilities, right by the cable car and the great thermal baths. The service was warm and capable, and the food was good. Reception and restaurant are next door at Tannenhof.