Grand Hotel Seeschlösschen Sea Retreat & SPA

I had been wary of booking because of the poor reviews on booking.com, but hoped we'd have a different experience. I also raised my complaint in person and on the property's own review platform. A month later, I still haven't had a response. The setting is stunning, right on the beach, with lovely views from the rooms over either the green field or the water. There's direct beach access, a varied breakfast buffet, and housekeeping kept everything very clean. Some rooms and the dining area have recently been renovated. But our booking was mixed up on arrival. The room was prepared for two instead of three, and breakfast wasn't included as we'd booked, even though I'd called beforehand to check everything. We asked at reception if we could still eat something, and they said yes, with 15 minutes left according to the restaurant's hours. When we got there, we were told the kitchen had already closed. Those can't both be the opening times. Construction work woke us at 7 AM, and there'd been no notice of it when we booked. Several things in the room didn't work, including my shower, which had no water. I had to ask a few times before someone came. I ordered a salad in the restaurant for 8pm, and at 815 it still wasn't ready. The breakfast had plenty of choice, but the breakfast chef was rude and made inappropriate comments to guests. For nearly 300 Euros a night, I expected something different.

The location is amazing and the view is breathtaking, and the staff were very polite and friendly. Still, we left exhausted and disappointed. The atmosphere felt more like a hospital than a family summer holiday, and we were expected to keep quiet all the time. Although the place says it's pet friendly, dogs are only allowed in the room, not by the outdoor pool, on the terrace, at the nearby beach, or in the restaurant. One of us had to stay with our dog so she wouldn't spend the whole day alone and get upset. Even talking on the apartment terrace in the evening seemed unwise, since neighbors complained right away. You can look at the sea in silence. We paid 1480€ for 3 nights and got a smelly room with a stained carpet. We paid extra for a bed for our daughter, but it was behind the door and looked unfortunate. Breakfast was a letdown. There was lots on offer at first glance, but the products felt really cheap. For gluten and lactose intolerance there was basically nothing. I got defrosted gluten free bread and that was it, plus some cheap lactose free milk. For the price and the place's reputation, that was really unsatisfying. The apartment should look much better and more modern for that price range, and the food should meet the standards of an expensive hotel. The website needs to clearly explain what pet friendly means. I assume little can be done about the atmosphere, but some music might add a bit of joy. It felt too depressing. We’ll remember it as an experience we wish we’d paid less for.

The service was excellent, breakfast superb, and there was a pool, fitness area, and a room with a balcony and spectacular bay views. At a hotel with three or more stars, I'd expect tea and coffee making facilities to be standard. The coffee machine was only provided when we asked.

Such a disappointment. The hotel costs a lot, but the room was only average, even with that wonderful view. Restaurant staff were very slow and didn't seem well trained. The bar was poor too. We heard guests shouting at staff, then the staff shouting at each other. I raised several points, including other issues, with the manager, who apologized. At that price, an apology was the least she could do. We won't be back, and I couldn't recommend it. And the house wine was undrinkable!