Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden

We chose this hotel because of the wonderful memories we had from staying here a few years ago, when we celebrated my wife’s birthday and our wedding anniversary. The service back then was exceptional, which is why we decided to return to celebrate two very special milestones: my wife’s 55th birthday and our 30th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, this visit was a complete disappointment. Although the hotel had been informed in advance about the occasion, our table at the beach restaurant was not ready when we arrived. We had to wait while it was being prepared, and the only table arranged for us was under a damaged canopy that could not be closed. When it started raining, we had to interrupt our celebration and move to another table. What disappointed us even more was the complete lack of response from the management. The restaurant manager never came to apologize or acknowledge what had happened, despite knowing it was a special celebration. Our friends had arranged a birthday cake for us. After dinner, we discovered that several pieces had already been taken from it, yet nobody even offered us the remaining cake to take with us. After checking out, I sent a detailed email describing the situation. More than two full days have now passed, and I have still received no response. Even more surprisingly, when we spoke to the reception during checkout, it became clear that our email had not even been read. I would like to make one important exception: the entire beach service team was excellent. Every member of the beach staff was friendly, attentive, and professional. They did a great job throughout our stay. Unfortunately, the lack of attention and accountability from the management completely overshadowed their excellent work. It is truly disappointing to see how much the level of service has declined since our previous visit.

Velden is a small summer resort for Europeans on shore of the Wörtersee. The lake is very peaceful and pretty, its water is warm. During the XVII century a noble man decided to build himself a house on a huge track of land on the lake shore. The house was later enlarged to a prestige mansion painted in the Schönbrunn fashion. After several owners and enlargements the mansion was converted into a hotel at the end of the XIX century. Although there are many traces of the original building, the temptation of using all the available real estate area, produced another enlargement of the hotel, this time in a brutalistic modern architecture style surrounding the whole complex. This last decision, from my point of view, ruined the hotel from the outsize. You can choose to have a room in the original mansion or in the brutalistic block. We had an oversized suite in the original part consisting of a living room, terrace and gigantic bedroom and compartimented marble bathroom with sauna. WiFi and AC worked well. Bedsheets are very good quality. Bath towels could be larger. A fantastic Spa with an indoor and outdoor pool plus gym and relax areas provide a pleasant stay. On the lakeshore a beach club with another pool and restaurant and bar completes the experience. Breakfast is served buffet style with many options. Staff are very kind and well trained. Sadly the complex has become huge. Any remnants of an intimate hotel have gone.

I spoke with someone who did not isdwnriry himself at this property as I had written a review regarding how I was treated by the reception, the lack of courtesy, the room with no view , dog poop on the carpet and the moment you entered the hotel it felt dark and unfriendly, it smelled and it was dark and gray. I was told they fired the person at the desk and took it very seriously. I was told it was now in the hands of the team in Vienna. I don't like to speak with someone who says how important it is for a good review as they kept all of my money and before I left the hotel, as I did not stay there I had asked to speak to someone of authority to sort it out as I don't like to give negative reviews so I agreed to remove it but since I have not heard from anyone I can see that their management does not walk the talk. The ball was in their court to demonstrate thier commitment to me and they have failed. The front is beautiful but I can see they only want the money and talk about how important you are but then forget about it.

What a stunning location! We truly loved Schlosshotel Velden. We travelled with our children and my MIL and everyone had a great time. The food was great, the location was unbeatable. Beautiful, large rooms, with everything you could need. We walked through the town of Velden, rode E-bikes around the lake, went paragliding and even shot down to Lake Bled for a day. One of the highlights of the trip was a boat ride out to dinner in Maria Worth, which was so stunning. Had the best time and would not hesitate to go back!

Total recommendation if you can afford it (we are members of their loyalty program so we got some discount). Yes, it is kitschy, especially if you know the TV Program “Ein Schloss am Wörthersee” (A castle on the Wörthersee). But the hotel they made out of this castle is really exceptional. Not just the renovated castle, but also the extension they built, all rooms are absolutely 5* standard, the same goes for the service. They read every wish from your mind, this is e.g. visible at breakfast – which is by the way one of the best breakfasts I ever had. Great buffet with high quality products, but you can also order stuff like a “Buddha bowl” or “Egg benedict”. The pool and sauna are also perfect, there are always enough fresh towels and the sauna service is really good. The beach area is wonderful, staff prepares a sunbed for you as soon as they see you from a distance, you really feel like a star from the TV series. Which makes you think of this kitschy TV program again! :-o All in all, total recommendation!