Falkensteiner Hotel Schladming

When booking this hotel I was searching for a few criteria, one of them being Air Conditioning. As we checked in, the receptionist didn’t do a thing except hand me a tablet that I had to fill and the keys. It would have been cheaper for the hotel to have just a tablet as they’re as useful. I explained to the receptionist it was her job to fill all that info, she insisted… The AC advertised is false advertising as it doesn’t work for a while already as a management decision. I called the reception and asked for a remote to the AC (it physically is in the room) and was told they will check and get back to me in “just a few minutes”. After half an hour I went down to the receptionist and explained it was too hot in the room. Once again I was told to wait and the manager would check it. The lying games by the hotel manager and receptionist continued and throughout our stay, with solutions such as “we have another room for you where we opened the windows” to which I responded “does it miraculously maintain the cold temperature after you close the windows?” Ira got inside, the hotel is surrounded by roads and a rail track. I paid to be on vacation and part of it includes sleeping how much I want! The only positive part of the vacation was the f&b team who were super friendly, polite and helpful. Guess what, they are not local!

I recently stayed at the Falkensteiner Hotel in Schladming with my partner, hoping for a special getaway. Having chosen this 4-star hotel with a spa based on its glowing reviews and using a WellCard voucher, I was excited for a relaxing weekend. Unfortunately, the experience fell far short of expectations due to several missteps in communication and service. Pre-Stay Communication: Disappointing Before even arriving, the hotel's communication left much to be desired. When I inquired about using the spa after checkout on Sunday, I was told this would require an extra fee. Based on this, I adjusted our plans and booked our return train journey accordingly. Later, when I tried to book a massage through their early bird discount, I was told the only available time was Sunday evening—after being previously informed I couldn’t access the spa then without paying extra. When I pointed out the inconsistency and shared my earlier conversation, the staff admitted there had been a misunderstanding but did nothing to rectify the situation or offer compensation for the confusion. Arrival and Check-In: No Resolution Upon arrival, I raised the issue again, hoping the hotel would acknowledge the inconvenience and perhaps offer a gesture of goodwill. However, the receptionist merely said they would "have to ask," and no follow-up or resolution was provided during our stay. This lack of complaint management set a disappointing tone for what was meant to be a special experience. Service and Facilities: Below Expectations The overall service did not meet the standards of a 4-star hotel. The staff appeared stressed and overworked, and small details were overlooked: • I was given documents with my name spelled incorrectly and the wrong gender. • Staff couldn’t confirm whether the spa area was clothing-optional, which added unnecessary confusion. • Dinner service included an awkward comment about the complimentary prosecco we had requested, which felt dismissive and unprofessional. While the food at dinner was excellent, the spa facilities were underwhelming. The spa area was smaller than expected, and the water temperature in the pools was disappointingly cold—not even body temperature. Atmosphere: Not Relaxing The hotel’s atmosphere didn’t match our expectations for a tranquil, upscale retreat. Its large size gave it a more impersonal, factory-like feel, which detracted from the sense of exclusivity and relaxation. Additionally, children running and shouting in the hallways on Sunday morning made it hard to unwind—a personal preference, but something worth noting for others seeking a quiet getaway. Missed Opportunities to Make It Right Ultimately, what disappointed me most was the hotel’s lack of effort to turn things around after the initial misunderstanding. Mistakes happen, but the staff made no meaningful attempt to address the issue or ensure we left feeling valued as guests. A small gesture—like a late checkout, a spa access pass, or even an apolog

Excellent service throughout the hotel. Great location - the buses make it easy to visit the area for hiking etc.. Nice spa and pool facilities. The restaurant serves fantastic food- great quality and variety ! We would go back in a heartbeat! We recommend a visit to the Dachstein Mountains too!