Kokkedal Slotshotel

After a full day cycling, we needed food that worked with our dietary restrictions. Jesper the chef made two vegan meals and gluten-free bread without any notice, and didn't make a fuss about it. Elma at reception, who was also our waitress, was lovely and helped us find a place for our bikes. The service was friendly, the dinner and breakfast were tasty, and the location was wonderful.

The setting and nature around the castle are lovely, and I enjoyed the castle itself. The food was another story: the fish had no flavor, the beef was so soggy it collapsed when I touched it, and the pea soup and skinkesalat had far too much salt. It felt like a two-star restaurant trying to cook fine dining. I hope they consider getting a different cook.

My experience may not reflect what a stay here is generally like. We booked one of the hotel's most expensive suites, but the public toilets were right outside our room. Their loud hand dryers started up unexpectedly about every half hour, so getting a decent night's sleep was impossible. I mentioned it to reception, and was told it was a shame because the electrician had been there the day before and could have checked it. I thought they'd fix the problem, but it continued through all four nights of our vacation. At checkout, I raised it again when asked if everything had been satisfactory. A young castle helper said the dryers startled them too when they went off nearby, so it seems to be a known problem. Reception said my complaint had been noted. Two weeks later, I still hadn't heard anything, not even an apology for the disruption to our stay and vacation. The roof at least wasn't leaking, which is about all I can say for the service. Other rooms may be fine, but my stay wasn't, and the service felt shabby. HH

The cake is nice, but the room was a real letdown. It had a poorly renovated feel, grime all over the bathroom, and MDF furniture. They advertise a pool, but I wouldn't swim in it even if they paid me. We had booked four nights and left after just one. Really disappointing.