Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden — Hotel in Velden am Wörther See

Preliminary remark: For a review of my stay kindly watch my comprehensive video review on my YouTube Channel Truly Excellent Hotels & More (link can be found in my profile) & don't forget to subscribe for further reviews of Truly Excellent Hotels & More around the globe.||Nestled in Velden on Lake Wörthersee, in the Austrian province of Carinthia, the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden is a luxurious retreat with a rich history dating back to its origins as a Renaissance castle in the late 16th century.|As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World the Schlosshotel Velden is operated by Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences, which took over the ownership & management of the hotel in 2011.||The hotel boasts 105 exquisitely designed rooms & suites, offering breathtaking views of either the castle garden or Lake Wörthersee. During my stay, I was allocated a Junior Suite Deluxe in the contemporary annex building. The Junior Suites Deluxe offer an expansive area ranging from 58 to 78 square meters & feature separate living spaces, king-size beds, lounge sofas, work desks, reading chairs, two flat-screen TVs & luxurious marble en-suite bathrooms. Additional amenities encompass touch displays for room control, complimentary Wi-Fi, a Nespresso coffee machine, a minibar, a complimentary bottle of water daily, & welcome sweet treats upon arrival. The white marble bathrooms, illuminated by natural light, feature dual washbasins, a freestanding bathtub, a rain shower, a separate toilet & bidet, as well as Falkensteiner branded bath products from dispensers. Spacious, furnished terraces, complete with a sun lounger & a table with two chairs, offer exceptional views of the historic castle grounds, the garden, & Lake Wörthersee. ||The Schlosshotel Velden was originally built in 1590 as a Renaissance castle for Count Bartholomäus Khevenhüller. After changing hands multiple times it became an inn after a 1762 fire, & was transformed into a hotel in the late 19th century. The Schlosshotel Velden is also known from TV due to its appearance in the popular German TV series "Ein Schloss am Wörthersee" (a Castle on Lake Wörthersee), which aired in the early 1990s. A sumptuous breakfast buffet is typically served in the elegant ballroom overlooking Lake Wörthersee or on the terrace in summer. During my stay, breakfast was relocated to the "Salons Restaurant & Atelier". The buffet selection includes fresh pastries & breads, spreads & jams, regional cold cuts & cheeses, smoked fish, cereals, yoghurts, vegetables, salads, fresh fruit juices, including those you can prepare yourself on a juicer, & hot breakfast dishes. À la carte breakfast dishes such as freshly prepared omelettes, Eggs Benedict, Austrian pancakes, or porridge are offered on a complimentary basis. The breakfast service was friendly, though it lacked efficient coordination.|An underground tunnel conveniently connects to the hotel's beach club, which is located across the road in front of the hotel, featuring a heated lake water pool, numerous sun loungers, & direct access to Lake Wörthersee. Integrated within the beach club, the "Seespitz Restaurant & Living" provides a culinary journey with a focus on regional & seasonal ingredients, & boasting accolades of 89 points & two hats from Gault Millau. Guests who opt for the half board package are treated to a nightly four-course menu at the "Seespitz Restaurant & Living". Although the service can sometimes be slow & uncoordinated, the overall friendliness of the staff consistently stands out. The "Charly Walker Schlossbar", set in the region's former first cinema, offers exclusive events, live music, sophisticated cocktails, & a well-curated wine cellar. The hotel in addition offers a variety of event spaces, including five event rooms with a total area of 800 m². ||The Acquapura Lake SPA at the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden spans a luxurious 3,600 square meters & boasts panoramic views of Lake Wörthersee. A heated indoor & outdoor pool as well as a spa bistro is available to all guests.|The indoor pool at the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden is a perfect year-round oasis, offering a refreshing swim. Adjacent to the pool, the spa bistro provides a cozy retreat where guests can relax with a variety of healthy snacks & beverages. The adults only spa features an array of exclusive amenities, including several saunas, a steam bath, an ice fountain, & relaxation rooms. Various infusions, peelings & refreshing milkshakes are offered complimentary by the sauna master. Guests can indulge in various treatments, such as massages, facials, & beauty therapies, using high-quality products. In addition the spa suite offers a luxurious retreat with a private sauna, steam bath, & an experience shower. The hotel's gym is well-equipped with modern fitness equipment, providing guests with a comprehensive workout experience. Guests can also enjoy playing tennis on the hotel's own tennis court. ||The Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden impresses with its opulent amenities, an outstanding spa & beach club as well as a notable culinary experience. Despite occasional lapses in restaurant service coordination, it remains an excellent choice for families & couples alike.||The Schlosshotel Velden, originally erected in 1590 as a Renaissance castle for Count Bartholomäus Khevenhüller, has a storied past. After several changes in ownership and a devastating fire in 1762, it evolved into an inn and later, in the late 19th century, was transformed into a hotel. The Schlosshotel Velden gained widespread recognition through its feature in the beloved German TV series "Ein Schloss am Wörthersee" during the early 1990s.|Guests typically indulge in a sumptuous breakfast buffet served in the elegant ballroom with stunning views of Lake Wörthersee or on the terrace during summer months. During my stay, breakfast was served at the "Salons Restaurant & Atelier". The buffet offered an extensive selection of fresh pastries, breads, spreads, jams, regional cold cuts, cheeses, smoked fish, cereals, yoghurts, vegetables, salads, and fresh fruit juices, including those you can prepare yourself. Additionally, à la carte options like freshly prepared omelettes, Eggs Benedict, Austrian pancakes, and porridge were complimentary. Despite the friendly service, it occasionally lacked coordination.||An underground tunnel conveniently links the hotel to its beach club, located just across the road. This club features a heated lake water pool, numerous sun loungers, and direct access to Lake Wörthersee. The "Seespitz Restaurant & Living", integrated within the beach club, offers a culinary experience focused on regional and seasonal ingredients. It boasts an impressive 89 points and two hats from Gault Millau. Half board guests enjoy a nightly four-course menu here. While service might sometimes be slow, the staff's friendliness shines through.|The "Charly Walker Schlossbar", situated in the region's first cinema, hosts exclusive events, live music, sophisticated cocktails, and a well-curated wine cellar. The hotel also provides an array of event spaces, including five rooms spanning a total area of 800 m².||The Acquapura Lake SPA at the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden covers a lavish 3,600 square meters, offering panoramic views of Lake Wörthersee. Guests can enjoy a heated indoor and outdoor pool as well as a cozy spa bistro. The indoor pool offers a year-round oasis for a refreshing swim, and adjacent to it, the spa bistro provides a range of healthy snacks and beverages. The adults-only spa features exclusive amenities including several saunas, a steam bath, an ice fountain, and relaxation rooms. Complimentary infusions, peelings, and refreshing milkshakes are available courtesy of the sauna master. Guests can indulge in various treatments, including massages, facials, and beauty therapies using high-quality products. Additionally, the spa suite offers a luxurious retreat with a private sauna, steam bath, and an experience shower.||The hotel’s gym is well-equipped with modern fitness equipment, providing a comprehensive workout experience. Tennis enthusiasts can also enjoy playing on the hotel's own tennis court.||With its opulent amenities, outstanding spa, and beach club, coupled with a notable culinary experience, the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden is an excellent choice for families and couples. Despite occasional lapses in restaurant service coordination, its overall appeal remains...

Preliminary remark: For a review of my stay kindly watch my comprehensive video review on my YouTube Channel Truly Excellent Hotels & More (link can be found in my profile) & don't forget to subscribe for further reviews of Truly Excellent Hotels & More around the globe.

Nestled in Velden on Lake Wörthersee, in the Austrian province of Carinthia, the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden is a luxurious retreat with a rich history dating back to its origins as a Renaissance castle in the late 16th century. As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World the Schlosshotel Velden is operated by Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences, which took over the ownership & management of the hotel in 2011.The hotel boasts 105 exquisitely designed rooms & suites, offering breathtaking views of either the castle garden or Lake Wörthersee. During my stay, I was allocated a Junior Suite Deluxe in the contemporary annex building. The Junior Suites Deluxe offer an expansive area ranging from 58 to 78 square meters & feature separate living spaces, king-size beds, lounge sofas, work desks, reading chairs, two flat-screen TVs & luxurious marble en-suite bathrooms. Additional amenities encompass touch displays for room control, complimentary Wi-Fi, a Nespresso coffee machine, a minibar, a complimentary bottle of water daily, & welcome sweet treats upon arrival. The white marble bathrooms, illuminated by natural light, feature dual washbasins, a freestanding bathtub, a rain shower, a separate toilet & bidet, as well as Falkensteiner branded bath products from dispensers. Spacious, furnished terraces, complete with a sun lounger & a table with two chairs, offer exceptional views of the historic castle grounds, the garden, & Lake Wörthersee. A sumptuous breakfast buffet is typically served in the elegant ballroom overlooking Lake Wörthersee or on the terrace in summer. During my stay, breakfast was relocated to the "Salons Restaurant & Atelier". The buffet selection includes fresh pastries & breads, spreads & jams, regional cold cuts & cheeses, smoked fish, cereals, yoghurts, vegetables, salads, fresh fruit juices, including those you can prepare yourself on a juicer, & hot breakfast dishes. À la carte breakfast dishes such as freshly prepared omelettes, Eggs Benedict, Austrian pancakes, or porridge are offered on a complimentary basis. The breakfast service was friendly, though it lacked efficient coordination. An underground tunnel conveniently connects to the hotel's beach club, which is located across the road in front of the hotel, featuring a heated lake water pool, numerous sun loungers, & direct access to Lake Wörthersee. Integrated within the beach club, the "Seespitz Restaurant & Living" provides a culinary journey with a focus on regional & seasonal ingredients. Guests who opt for the half board package are treated to a nightly four-course menu at the "Seespitz Restaurant & Living". Although the service can sometimes be slow & uncoordinated, the overall friendliness of the staff consistently stands out. The Acquapura Lake SPA at the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden spans a luxurious 3,600 square meters & boasts panoramic views of Lake Wörthersee. A heated indoor & outdoor pool as well as a spa bistro is available to all guests. The indoor pool at the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden is a perfect year-round oasis, offering a refreshing swim. The adults only spa features an array of exclusive amenities, including several saunas, a steam bath, an ice fountain, & relaxation rooms. Various infusions, peelings & refreshing milkshakes are offered complimentary by the sauna master. Guests can indulge in various treatments, such as massages, facials, & beauty therapies, using high-quality products. In addition the spa suite offers a luxurious retreat with a private sauna, steam bath, & an experience shower. The hotel's gym is well-equipped with modern fitness equipment, providing guests with a comprehensive...

We stayed for two nights as a family at the Falkensteiner Hotel in Velden, booking two rooms under the same reservation. While the hotel enjoys a beautiful setting on the lake and has impressive facilities, our experience fell short of what’s expected from a true 5-star property.

What we liked:

The lakeside location is superb, with direct access to Wörthersee and elegant hotel design. The wellness area is well-maintained and relaxing. Some staff were friendly and professional. Breakfast was varied and of good quality.

But several issues were unacceptable at this level:

Room allocation: Despite a shared family booking, we were placed on different floors in opposite ends of the hotel. No effort was made to keep us even remotely close. Child supplement, no added value: We were charged €80 per night for our child, but received no third towel or any child-specific amenities — not even the basics. In-room slippers: Only size 40 slippers were provided, which were unusable for an adult with size 44 feet. Bathroom functionality: The towel dryer didn’t work, and the shower temperature was impossible to adjust — swinging between scalding and freezing. Language barrier: Several breakfast staff could not speak English, which is surprising and inconvenient in a hotel catering to international guests. Wine pricing: Wines in the restaurant were hugely overpriced, even by luxury hotel standards, which took away from the overall dining experience.

In summary, the hotel has the infrastructure and location of a premium destination, but the service, coordination, and guest experience need significant improvement. It felt like a 4-star stay priced and presented as 5-star.

With better attention to detail and guest needs, this could be a truly outstanding hotel. For now, expectations should be adjusted...