Schloss Basthorst

We could see ourselves coming back, but that bartender is the reason we’re giving the hotel four stars instead of five. We stayed one night on 14/7. The location, spa, and most of the staff were lovely, and the bar has great decor that makes you want to spend time there. On our first visit, we were the only people in the bar, but the older gentleman behind it didn’t greet us. When I asked whether he had a pilsner-style beer, he answered so rudely that he made me feel like an idiot. We figured maybe he was having a bad day. Later, after a really nice meal at the restaurant, we came back. He still didn’t greet us, and then got into a loud argument with another guest after bringing the wrong drink. He threw it into the sink and yelled at the guest. We waited around for ten minutes while he ignored us, clearly angry, and eventually left. I wish we’d told reception that he was ruining everyone’s night.

The food at the restaurant was amazing, and the staff were attentive and friendly. The hotel feels upscale without being stuffy, and I really liked the bar too. Rooms are spacious, and the setting is quiet and surrounded by nature. Highly recommend staying here if you’re nearby.

The food was great, and it’s dog friendly. We also enjoyed exploring the old building. I wouldn’t really call it a castle, though maybe that’s just me. If you’re in a modern room, you can still get a feel for the old place during the cocktail evening. The spa is nice, but don’t expect much from the gym. It’s a tiny room that feels crowded with three people, with four cardio machines, a home-style cable weight station, a couple of childish dumbbells, and a useless ab-crunch station. If you’re not interested in the gym, you’ll probably have a great time. It’s a lovely, quiet place to stay, and I slept really well because it was so relaxing.

It’s set away from everything, so it’s quiet and peaceful if you like wandering around. The hotel is simple but tasteful, with large rooms, and mine had a nice balcony. Dinner and the breakfast buffet were excellent, with seasonal dishes, though they’re pricey if not included in your rate. The spa was clean and pleasant, and the staff were friendly and very well trained. Five stars!