Vch Seehotel Maria Laach

“Nice hideaway ”

Superb hotel, view at the lake, nice and quit area. In the middle of nature. We stayed for 3 nights. Minibar (softdrinks and beer) is free, but was not refilled. Breakfast was perfect, Many different types of bread, cheese platter, charcuterie platter, smoked salmon, yogurt, muesli, eggs, fruit,… more

Superb hotel, view at the lake, nice and quit area. In the middle of nature. We stayed for 3 nights. Minibar (softdrinks and beer) is free, but was not refilled. Breakfast was perfect, Many different types of bread, cheese platter, charcuterie platter, smoked salmon, yogurt, muesli, eggs, fruit, fruit juices, cava .... Safe parking

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“Modest old hotel in a nice setting in nature, restaurant now so-so”

This was my second stay here ( see prior positive review May 3, 2017), while visiting friends in the area. I think I had the same basic solo room as before, 203 (with a nice big bathtub), facing the abby. I again experienced the joy of bells ringing as early as 5:15, which I like, some may not. T… more

This was my second stay here ( see prior positive review May 3, 2017), while visiting friends in the area. I think I had the same basic solo room as before, 203 (with a nice big bathtub), facing the abby. I again experienced the joy of bells ringing as early as 5:15, which I like, some may not. There were many welcome power outlets and a safe. I was happy to see the room now has a water boiler and provisions for basic morning coffee or tea, ( important) though there is still no in-room fridge ( less important to me though many want one). I had no problem getting a second pillow I needed to be comfortable, and the blouses I sent for washing and ironing came back within 24 hours looking beautiful. I was pleased to see that the restaurant now plays classical music at breakfast, instead of pop radio with loud commercials like at my prior visit. Afternoon coffee and cake was very good ( authentic black forest cake with real cream and cherry liquer). However, I was disappointed in the restaurant at the one dinner I had, and in the two breakfasts. I was there five days but mostly skipped the uninspiring breakfasts. The dinner food ( but not the price) was basic, pork meat a bit dry and veggies overcooked, with sullen and very slow service by a non-German waiter who seemed tired ( about a half hour time from sitting down to getting our wine). Two years ago, to compare, it was fantastic. The breakfast was also not as nice as before: watery coffee, only three varieties of uninteresting sausages ( e.g., salami, flavorless ham), the boiled eggs available were hardboiled and not soft-boiled as is more traditional, and what service there was from young ladies was friendly but minimal. There appears to be some cost-cutting both in food and in personnel. There is still no AC, ( but still typical for Germany) and the weather was humid, so window had to be open all the time, which meant hearing the road noise at night. The high bathroom window was fixed in a partly open position which was odd. The worst was the parking the first three nights. I would typically return after 9 and the close in outside lot would be full. I landed up across the street in the lake parking lot one night for 2 euros, then walked under an underpass in the dark to the hotel, a bit creepy. The next night I tried the same, as the lot was again full and the garage closed off, but the lake lot barrier would not let me in, notes there said it was only for longer term parkers. I drove back to reception, not happy about spending time late at night looking for parking in the dark, and the snippy man on duty somewhat mockingly asked if I had pressed the button to open the barrier, after I had already told him I had but this time it had not opened.He then said he had just opened the garage a few minutes before, so I should park there. There was no apology or offer to reimburse the 2 euros/ night I had paid before to park away from the hotel. I then saw in the garage there were “reserved” spaces for some guests for some days, which I was not offered by the reception man or anyone else at any time and was not aware you could arrange ( no internet info on this) until I left. Others have commented that the hotel needs an upgrade ( worn carpets in stairways etc.) which would not hurt but I think other issues like climate control, food quality, and service ( I know the latter is hard these days) are more important to try to deal with first. Still, I have a fondness for this area and hope to come back.

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“Four star pretty hotel with no air conditioning: good service, mediocre dinner”

I spent two nights here on this non-business visit in this 4-star comfort hotel, in early June just after Covid restrictions loosened ( staff still wore masks and guests were encouraged to as well, few did). This was my third visit here, and my first after the major remodeling that was finished la… more

I spent two nights here on this non-business visit in this 4-star comfort hotel, in early June just after Covid restrictions loosened ( staff still wore masks and guests were encouraged to as well, few did). This was my third visit here, and my first after the major remodeling that was finished last year. I booked a top floor "mini-suite" (311), ( because that was all that was available for my datesm chosen five weeks before) with two sections: an extremely comfortable large bed for two with a small closet, bible, and TV in one section (no split in the middle of the bed as most German beds have), and another section was a mini-sitting area with two chairs, small table, and a desk, and another wall TV ( with limited stations, even in German). There was also an espresso machine, and a tiny fridge with some drinks. The windowless bathroom had a large tub and a separate shower. Bathroom amenities included not just shampoo but also conditioner, body lotion, kleenex, a hair dryer, wash cloths and soap (all except shampoo are hard to find in hotels in the area, most of which are 3 or less stars, as is a room with fridge). Everything was very clean, and the hotel has an elevator (rare in this area), quite welcome at my age and with my heavy baggage. Internet worked. The hotel is located near the ancient Maria Laach abby and across the local road from the pretty vulcanic Laach lake, which offers easy walks around it. The area is also convenient for excursions to other vulcanic sights of interests, walking paths, and historic structures, and is a half hour from the raceway Nurburgring. There is an upscale restaurant offering a limited menu of international food at dinner, for both indoors and outdoors dining, with very good service and a decent wine list (regional and otherwise) , and a pleasant cafe in a separate building offering snacks, ice cream, and cake is nearby, also with indoor and outdoor options. The complex also includes a sculpture garden, nursery, and a shop. It is not directly on the lake, but across a small road, easy walk. Negatives are: 1. Despite the recent remodel, there was still no air conditioning in my room. I guess it is just not a priority. So, during the day, my top floor 'upscale' room, with the sun beating on it, and also facing the sun, was stuffy and sweltering inside ( measured by me at 78) it was only 72 F outside and humid (it would be much worse if it were any warmer). It did cool off at night with open windows, but with no window screens, flys, mosquitoes, and 1 wasp considered themselves welcome. With windows and blinds shut, an odd sewer smell emerged. 2. My room, with its steaming heat, slanted walls and just 1 small high window in each room, was as noted overall unwelcoming during the day. But I also managed to bump my head on the walls three times in one day: once on the low ceiling when getting out of the tub (BTW the otherwise very nice tub does not have a grab bar, or ribbing, so is slippery). I also bumped my head when getting out of bed, due to the combined angle of the wall and window, and when reaching for an item in a suitcase I had put into a corner, due to the low beams. 3. The food in the restaurant was relatively expensive for the region, and though the setting outside is beautiful, the preparation of two different dishes my friends and I tried was ok, but not spectacular (especially for the price). There were only 6 non-vegetarian offerings. Choices were one German dish (suelze), beef bourgignon (dry), chicken breast ( with special sides) , a local fish, and the popular seasonable white asparagus with accompanying ham or other choices. Two large groups of over 10 people were also in the restaurant ( 1 in tuxes celebrating in a banquet room, and another of young dudes in T shirts , many smoking on the terrace) and it appears that this location is popular for group bookings. 4. Parking can be challenging on a busy day, ( as it is popular with day trippers) and when arriving if delivery trucks block access to the front reception area, you cannot get in to park anywhere until you have gotten your access card at reception, which is tricky if you are alone. Once you have your card, you can park in a room card access restricted outdoor lot at no charge if there is space, or in an access restricted small communal garage for a fee. If no spots remain, ( several are reserved for the disabled) you have to walk a path under the road to the lakeside parking lot, and park for a small fee, then walk through a short tunnel under the road. In sum, this is a 4-star hotel with a pretty location near the Laacher lake, which offers amenities that are better than in most hotels in the area, but still no AC, with no window screens and no room fan. I will likely only return during colder weather, but not during warm weather, due to the lack of AC and thus suffocating room ambience between 8AM when it starts warming and 9PM when it cools. I would also eat elsewhere, as there are many restaurants that serve better food for a lower price ( including a wider selection of typical German food) in nearby towns, or just have a snack at the nice open air cafe. A lower level room facing north instead of a high level angled room facing south might also be better. Meanwhile, window screens would help fend off the bugs coming in when there is no AC, but apparentlty most Germans either do not like screens and/or don't mind them in their rooms, because the hotel is heavily booked.

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