Seehotel Fleesensee

The spa and bar were enjoyable, and the hotel has real potential for a relaxing break, with fresh air, a large area, and a pleasant atmosphere. Our room was spacious, the bathrobe was soft, and the bar was nice. The bartender did everything he could: the cocktails were delicious, his advice was spot on, and his service was excellent. We also liked the private beach, though it came with questions. The newer spa areas were clean and modern, especially the salt sauna and gentle Finnish sauna. Our massage was friendly and very high quality. Breakfast was varied and very good. I want to update my earlier review after the hotel's reply: I may have been a little harsh because I was upset about the bathroom light incident. The problems below still need attention. The main issue was the service and promises that weren't followed through. The hotel advertises a 24-hour reception on Maps and Booking, but at 10:30 pm on Saturday, 28 June, our bathroom light went out and never came back on. The switch didn't work. We called reception several times, including the internal number in the hotel booklet, but nobody answered. As a guest, I shouldn't have to go downstairs in person to get help, and the room price surely includes that service. We ended up lighting the bathroom with our phones. We'd booked a package with half board and a massage, but on arrival nobody knew about the half board, and I had to arrange the massage myself. Even after I'd contacted them, it took almost 48 hours to get a reply about a time slot. I expected the hotel to handle these bookings or at least contact us ahead of time. Instead, guests have to call each provider separately after arrival, including the restaurant and spa. We couldn't have our massages together either, so we had them one at a time, and there was no help booking despite having booked in advance. Dinner was very poor: limited choice, small portions, and average, rather bland home-style flavours. Friday's staff were lovely, but on Saturday they seemed absent. One main course was half a chicken breast with a small side of vegetables, a portion more suited to a four- or five-course meal. It felt like the hotel was cutting costs. I'd go to the nearby Italian place instead. The lunch snacks were also a joke, with very little real food, mostly frozen items and ice cream. The beach area was covered in dog poo, with some every metre or so. You could sunbathe, but had to watch every step. There was no service or cleaning. The hotel needs backup staff for sick days, an actually staffed 24-hour reception if that's what it advertises, an earlier opening time for the bar, proper restaurant cover instead of having the bartender work half his shift there, and regular beach cleaning. The hotel doesn't live up to its advertised stars, and the service seems to be slipping. It feels like a common problem around here, which is sad.