Hotel Hollweger

Okay, let’s start with the good points. The hotel was immaculate and comfortable and well located. We stayed in the annex, which is fairly modern (but take your own USB adapters and a cooling fan as there is no air conditioning). Although facing St. Wolfgansee, we could not see the lake but instead had a very nice, relaxing view of a vineyard. The hotel stands on a slight rise above St. Gilgen, a typical Austrian small town situated at one end of the 11 km long lake. It took about 10 mins to stroll into the town. The owner of the hotel was pleasant, courteous and helpful, which makes this a really difficult review to write. At the time of booking the hotel I did not realize that a buffet dinner was served. Buffets are a cheap and nasty way to serve food which often dries out and hardens. We stayed for two weeks and there were a few nights when the food just looked so unappetising that we did not have dinner. The side dishes were bland and unimaginative, and prepared with very little skill. There were a couple of nights when we were not offered a drink with our meal – can you believe that? - the waitress being more concerned with clearing the tables and preparing them for breakfast. There are other places to eat in St. Gilgen or, if you have a car, you can drive to Strobl at the far end of the lake, or further to St Wolfgang town itself. The breakfast, I have to say, was quite good with all the usual items. However, the toaster broke half way through the second week and was not replaced. We stayed during the last week of August and first week of September 2004 when day time temperatures were 28C to 32C. We spent a few mornings in the gardens reading but, despite the temperatures, no one offered us a drink. We went to the bar only to find that it was not staffed during the day. Finding staff was like playing hide and seek – and losing! The hotel is seriously under-staffed. Let’s be clear, this is not a cheap, 2 star, city centre, back alley hotel: it is an expensive 4 star establishment that has been in business for decades. Unfortunately, in many ways it does not live up to expectations and the management need to take a long hard look at what they are offering. It falls well below the standards we expect of Austrian hotels and, sadly, we will not be returning.

This hotel is absolutely superb. It enjoys a stunning view overlooking the lake. Our room was spotless and perfect for a weeks stay. Breakfast and dinner were buffet style. The reception staff were very helpful. The hotel has its own lakeside bathing area which is a 20 minute walk away. A short walk takes you to the lake. There is a Spar opposite and bus stops directly outside the hotel.

From the warm welcome to checkout staff could not have been more friendly and helpful. Enjoyed beautiful room with small terrace in Annexe which is very accessible by enclosed glass walkway, stairs or lifts. Stunning setting; enjoyed lunch and drinks outside with beautiful view. Full complete choice of delicious cooked and cold food at breakfast buffet. Wonderful selection for dinner buffet. Lovely walk through town to the lake and boat dock for lake trips. Great location for bus travel: went to Salzburg and Bad Ischl. My first 'Solo' trip. My stay was 100% perfect in every way.

Hotel Hollweger did not disappoint on my second visit some years after the first. Frau Hollweger is ever present, the staff are wonderful and the hotel itself one of the best appointed. My partner and I were in the Annexe with lovely views of the mountains and vineyard, large room, comfortable and spotlessly clean. Food is fantastic and all the better for having such a view of Wolfgangsee whilst dining. The gardens are a delight and with the benefit of a swimming pool and spa treatments this hotel is impossible to beat in St. Gilgen. I have never stayed in a hotel where the personal touch is so evident; such a welcoming feeling. Cannot wait to go back soon.