Straubinger Grand Hotel Bad Gastein

I want to love it, the property has been beautifully renovated but it’s very expensive for what you get which is average at best. I had much higher expectations Whilst Reception and the Concierge were friendly and the housekeeping was excellent, the service in the restaurant, cafe and bar was very average, a recurring theme in Austria on this trip. Breakfast was OK but eggs are the only included hot dish. Very slow service, took forever to get a simple coffee and it was never that busy. The dining room is stunning and it is a lovely place to be but dinner there was expensive and uninspired. My Carbonara was salty and stodgy. My wife’s Pike Perch bland and somewhat ‘soupy’. I watched wait staff literally fall all over some guests but almost totally ignore others, like us. Some ‘special’ wine list appeared for some, not for others. Every time a dish is bought to the table they ask in an uninterested manner ‘the x’? - they should know who is having what - it’s called seat numbers! For the price you pay and the image they are trying to portray it should be so much better. Our Double Superior Room was lovely, the bed very comfortable and it was a great size with a few sitting chairs and small lounge but needed more light in the bathrooms and entrance, far too dark. Moody yes, practical no. The room was hot one minute, cold the next. Struggled to find a happy medium. The rooms aren’t totally soundproof - we could hear people in other rooms, kids running around and furniture being moved. This intermittent dull thud could also be heard regularly at various times during the day and night - no idea what it was but it was annoying after the third night. The whole place felt a little pretentious to be honest. I want to love it, it’s beautiful and the views are stunning but it’s very expensive at nearly €450/night for what you get which is again, average at best. Didn’t get value for money

It's probably the best hotel in the area! Very nicely renovated, maintaining though, the glory from the past. The dining area especially brings images from its glorious history. The pool and the saunas were also 👌. We truly enjoyed our stay.

The hotel was amazing. We had the most special time there. All the stuff was very professional and accommodating -Especially Oliver, that made us feel so welcome and went out of his way to help us with everything and anything that we needed during our stay. Perfect location Amazing views Can’t wait to go back there again.

One of the most beautiful hotels in Europe with tradition and history and very kind and professional staff and extraordinary hospitality and service. Definitely come back again. Thanks for everything.