Gstehaus Graupner

Breakfast is served in the main building, about a 20-minute walk away, and it was tasty with a good selection. The staff were friendly, and the breakfast room was attractive, with space for groups to eat their own food in the evenings. Cleanliness was okay, but the rest was below average. The building was very noisy, and one night did little to help us feel rested. In March, we found several large beetles in one room, and the tap water was yellow. In another, the remote batteries were dead and the radio by the bed buzzed all night. The heating had already been switched off at the start of March.

The Wi-Fi didn’t work, and the closet was too dirty to use, though I can accept that for the price. Make sure to ask for the key safe code if you pay by credit card, or you’ll have to collect the key in the city center first. Getting hold of the landlord takes patience, especially in nice weather. I managed after five calls and 20 minutes. I was put in a room with two single beds, even though several rooms with double beds were available. The landlord had the cheek to ask what I expected for the price. Be sure to book a double bed if that’s what you want.

The shower was good, and the bathroom had been newly tiled, but the hand basin in the guest toilet was tiny, even though that’s where you’re supposed to wash. The room itself wasn’t clean and only had a 1.40-meter bed. Breakfast was included and covered the basics. The freshly baked rolls came out as white as a sheet, and the oven wouldn’t have made them any different. Tables meant for four were really only big enough for two.

Booking here feels like a terrible waste of money if the hotel’s service and atmosphere are anything like the way this was handled. I booked a double room at the Graupner guesthouse for a wedding, but the wedding was postponed until next year because of Covid-19. I asked for understanding and some goodwill since I can’t and won’t use the room. Now I’m expected to pay around €180 in cancellation fees. My sister had booked a room there too and was allowed to cancel for free. The response was unbelievable: “Your sister booked directly with us. You booked for 90% cancellation fees. Sorry.” Even Booking.com said it could have approved a cancellation or rebooking given the situation, but the final decision was up to the guesthouse. I asked for a voucher so I could use the room next year and was told, “That’s no longer possible at this establishment...” Am I really supposed to pay €180 because they wouldn’t show goodwill or compromise? Stay away from this hotel.