Carea Residenz Hotel Harzhöhe

The soft drink machine kept running empty and wasn't replenished. Aside from that, it's a lovely hotel in a stunning setting. The all-inclusive food selection was limited, but everything we tried was tasty and well prepared.

There are hiking trails right outside the hotel, and you can make yourself a packed lunch at breakfast before heading out. A short walk downhill takes you to a little town with plenty of cozy restaurants, plus a cable car up to the local mountain, which has lots to do. This is a simple hotel, not a premium resort, so it's good to set your expectations accordingly. The rooms are roomy and clean, and well maintained, though the furniture looks a little dated. Meals are straightforward, hearty, and good quality. All-inclusive drinks include hot drinks, soft drinks, local wine, and beer on tap. You can serve yourself from 10:00 to 20:30 and take a drink away from the restaurant. There are pleasant outdoor places to sit, and baskets of pillows and blankets in the lobby.

The bathroom had a bad smell, and the grounds were overgrown with weeds and poorly maintained. Dinner was the same every night, with just one kind of meat, and breakfast was disappointing too: the same hard-boiled eggs, one sausage option, and some bread each day. We brought our dog thinking we could eat with it, since it can't be left alone. Dogs aren't allowed in the restaurant, so we had to use the lobby, where there wasn't always room. The library was also very noisy, with kids tossing the pool table balls around. We had a very bad experience and won't return. Most of the workers seemed to speak only English, even though it's a hotel. I'd expect at least some English.

The bar was a pleasant spot, the drinks were reasonably priced, and the bar staff were friendly and helpful. There are some nice forest walks nearby, and it's easy to get to Goslar by bus. The rooms were comfortable, but the food was poor quality and uninspiring. From the outside, I guessed the hotel might date from the Soviet era. The surrounding apartment blocks felt rather bleak, all grey, though someone has tried to brighten things up with lovely wooden sculptures and Rowan trees. It was a strange place, and I felt as if I'd gone back to the Cold War.