Hotel Helikon — Hotel in Keszthelyi járás

Disappointing - not recommended for a 4 star experience

Location and wellness facilities were good. However, the food, service and decors left much to be desired.

Food consisted of a buffet style, with breakfast and dinner part of our package. Food quality was below average, similar to that found in a school canteen. Glasses at breakfast were dirty and the fruit looked tired and nearing its expiry date. Desserts at dinner were not defrosted completely. We were left hungry, and the communication from staff was inadequate. Sat down at a table and were told that the space was reserved for a work group, which was not made known to us by staff checking us in. We were informed there was a sign to say that this was reserved for a group, but as you can see from the photo, the sign was ambiguous

No slippers provided in the room or available in the spa. Only at the spa did they say we had to go back to the main reception to pick some up. Not communicated to us at check in, and we were sternly asked at the reception if we really needed them. Room had cleanliness issues, and my partner was bitten overnight, causing her leg to bruise and balloon from swelling (we’ll spare readers the photos). Finally, the room was very hot despite decreasing the temperature, requiring us to sleep with the balcony door open.

On the plus side, the wellness facilities were fine. And the views of lake balaton from the outdoor jacuzzi were a highlight. Staff at the spa specifically were friendly and helpful. Close proximity to the Keszthely train station.

Finally, hotel was kind enough to let us leave our bags in storage, but unlike other hotels, there was no lock. Anyone could come in and out. Additionally, the bike rack was too small and was full despite being off-season and raining outside. It was also not properly protected from the elements and our bikes got wet. Hotel’s decor left to be desired and looked cheap. Towels provided at the spa were small, thin and had to be used for 2 days

In summary, more in line with a 2.5/3 star hotel rather than...

The hotel is nice it has been renovated not long ago. We stayed in a bigger room (suite) you have a seperate toilet from shower and bath with a view very big main area where you have a sofa tv and a bed and also tiny table with one chair with a view of lake balaton and sunset. Howewer the down site is the bugs after eight in the evening it is imposible to open a window the bugs are every where am not sure if they can stibg but they gave an uneasy felling. But they have it under control on every openeble window you have a full proof coverage so no bugs can enter the room. On the balcony they dont have anythink so you have to be carefull and close ut on the also in the morning the bugs cant fly so the are all over the floor but if the maid come she clean it. But the maid does not vome every single day it comes on every second or thirth day she does not make the bed and does not clean the used and dirty cups that are on the table and does not reffil the coffe or tea you have drink so you have to take the tea bags from breakfast if you want to drink tea. The food is good it chages every one to two days and it rotetes so one day is this the second sonethink else and thirt day the sam again so if you stay for five days you can quicky get bored. The pool and spa area is ussually busy unless you go for the time of dinner its open from 8AM TO 8PM and so is the gym the gym is clean with working matchines and for the most times you have it for you only and you also have a view on jaccuzies and lake. The only think that really need to change is the elevator becous there are only two of them on the busy hours on some floors just cant get into it so you have to use the stairs and on not so busy hours so not the time of breakfast or dinner its ussually the same just less people but you have to still wait for it for minimum of 5 minuts becous the hotel has 9 floors. The receptions people are friendly not everyone but some they dont speak much english but can give you basic advice the reception phone always picka up and helps you...

Hotel Helikon in Keszthely, a charming relic from the early 1970s, has undergone a stunning renovation, thanks to the discreet acquisition by one of Viktor Orbán’s favoured oligarchs. While the transformation has certainly enhanced the experience for guests, it seems the benefits have not extended as generously to the staff.

Anyway, the hotel’s location is fantastic, offering lovely access to Lake Balaton, just as it did in the past. The wellness area is a true highlight, with a luxurious and magnificent setup, including a stunning terrace on the second-floor sauna overlooking the lake. The sauna area also features programmes and Aufguss sessions on Wednesdays and weekends, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.

The rooms are comfortable, particularly the beds, though the northwest-facing view may leave you questioning the value for money. The restaurant is a culinary delight, offering an abundant selection of superb Hungarian dishes at both breakfast and dinner. Dinner is especially impressive, with all the Hungarian classics sumptuously prepared by a dedicated and professional kitchen team.

That said, the breakfast experience could be improved—some of the staff appeared completely indifferent, even bordering on rude, rushing to clear plates before guests had finished, which detracted from an otherwise pleasant meal.

A special thank you to the absolutely adorable staff at the pool and wellness areas, who truly made the...