Aqualux Wellnesshotel

We had a room in the “Komfort Gartenblick”/“Comfort Garden View” category, and it was clean and tidy, with a comfortable bed and plenty of space in both the room and bathroom. The balconies on that side get sun from noon onward. The spa was enjoyable too, especially the warm brine pool. There are three saunas at 60°C, 80°C, and 90°C, with direct access from the sauna area to the screened garden. The buffet covered breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food was fresh and very good, with meat, fish, and vegetarian choices at each meal. At a four-star hotel, I’d expect à la carte options for at least lunch and dinner. With staff in short supply these days, though, the buffet felt like a practical and creative way to make up for that. We’d planned an extended weekend of wellness and spa time, and that’s what we got. When we couldn’t reach a taxi at Bad Salzschlirf train station, we called the hotel, and the director drove over to pick us up because they were short-staffed. Check-in was easy, and the front office team were friendly and helpful. After four days of physical and mental detox, checkout went just as smoothly. The director offered us a lift back to the station, so we didn’t try the taxi transfer. This place shows how a hotel can be run during times like these, with the Corona pandemic and inflation. The spirit and positive vibe make a difference. Keep it up, guys!

We were exhausted, but left without booking after this experience. There were three of us, so I asked reception for two rooms. They quoted more than booking.com, and when I said we’d sit there and make a reservation on booking.com, an Indian looking man came over, said he was the night manager, and told us to leave because the hotel was closed and had no rooms. He then swore at us in German, though none of us speaks German. He seemed very racist. I’ve stayed at several hotels in Germany for work and have never had this happen. The staff were extremely unfriendly, and I was very disappointed. I couldn’t leave without writing a review.

New owners and a hands-on, forward-thinking hotel director are bringing a different feel to the place. We saw the hotel while improvements were underway, and the wellness area is exceptionally lovely. It has great facilities for a winter hotel. Watch this space.

I went for a conference, and the sound and projection systems were excellent. The hotel itself is cozy, with spacious rooms, a spa, and a swimming pool. Staff were friendly and the food was delicious. Highly recommended.