Waldhaus Ohlenbach

Waldhaus Ohlenbach in Schmallenberg, Germany, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers guests a tranquil and elegant retreat amidst the picturesque Rothaargebirge Nature Park. This 4-star Superior wellness hotel is particularly praised for its stunning natural setting, exceptional culinary experiences, and dedicated service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Waldhaus Ohlenbach is highly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "perfect for a break" and a "wonderful opportunity for a relaxing holiday". Review scores for aspects like location (9.6), cleanliness (9.1), comfort (9.2), and staff (9.1) are consistently high, reflecting a strong guest satisfaction rate. The hotel is an "escapio Top Hotel 2025," indicating it is one of the most loved hotels among its customers.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several outstanding features of Waldhaus Ohlenbach:

• Location: The hotel's secluded position on a hillside overlooking a valley, surrounded by forests and meadows, is a major draw for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. The panoramic views are frequently mentioned as "sensational" and a "dream".
• Spa & Wellness: The wellness area, including two swimming pools (an 11m indoor pool and a 12m outdoor infinity pool usable even in winter), saunas, and a range of treatments, is a significant highlight. The heated outdoor infinity pool with its views over the landscape is particularly popular.
• Dining: The gourmet cuisine, described as "excellent," "outstanding," and "gorgeous," is a key highlight, with emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and an extensive wine cellar.
• Service: The friendly, attentive, and solution-oriented staff receive consistent praise for their hospitality.

3. Room Quality

Waldhaus Ohlenbach offers peaceful and elegant accommodations, with 47 rooms in total. While many rooms offer stunning views of the mountainous landscape, some guest feedback indicates a mixed experience with room quality. Newer rooms are described as being in a "beautiful contemporary style". However, some reviews mention that certain rooms, particularly those in the lowest category, are "a bit older" or "outdated" with "worn carpeting" and "urgently in need of renovation". Apartments and double rooms are available, with some suites offering generous space (65-85 sqm) and balconies. Amenities generally include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a minibar fridge. A personalized sleeping menu is also offered, including options like side sleeper pillows and soft toppers.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Waldhaus Ohlenbach is consistently lauded as a major strength. The hotel features two restaurants, including the cozy "Schneiderstube," specializing in international cuisine with a modern influence, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests rave about the "excellent quality" of both breakfast and dinner. The breakfast buffet is described as "very diverse" with fresh bread and fruit, and "outstandingly good quality". Dinner often consists of gourmet cuisine using fresh, seasonal, and regional ingredients, with options for a la carte menus or buffets. The extensive wine cellar offers fine wines, with a sommelier available for recommendations. Dining on the hotel terrace with panoramic views during the summer months is a particularly enjoyable experience.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Waldhaus Ohlenbach consistently receives high marks for their "friendliness," "attentiveness," and "hospitality". Guests appreciate the team's willingness to accommodate requests and their "solution-oriented" approach. The service is often described as "authentic" and "heartfelt".

6. Location & Accessibility

Located on the hillside of Mount Kahler Asten in the Rothaargebirge Nature Park, a few miles outside Winterberg, Waldhaus Ohlenbach offers a "wonderfully quiet and sun-exposed location at an altitude of 700m". This secluded setting is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing in the summer, and skiing in the winter. Hiking trails start directly from the hotel, and a "hiking cab" service is available to transport guests to scenic starting points. While it offers a peaceful escape, it is approximately 7 miles (11.2 km) from the center of Schmallenberg. Free parking and free Wi-Fi are available on-site.

7. Value & Pricing

The value for money at Waldhaus Ohlenbach receives a rating of 8.1-8.2. While many guests find the experience worthwhile, some reviews suggest that the overall price, considering certain aspects of the rooms and wellness area, might be "too high" compared to what is offered. The hotel offers various packages that can include half-board, spa treatments, and themed menus. Prices vary depending on dates and room type, with double rooms often available from around €460 per person for a two-night half-board stay.

8. Common Complaints

While overall feedback is largely positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Outdated Rooms: A number of guests have noted that some rooms, particularly those not yet renovated, appear "old," "worn," or "urgently in need of renovation," with issues like worn carpeting or outdated bathrooms.
• Spa Area Improvements: While the spa is generally appreciated, some reviews suggest that the wellness area, especially certain older parts or smaller saunas, could benefit from further development or renovation.
• Service Waiting Times: On occasion, guests have reported long waiting times for dinner courses.
• Minibar Availability: Some older rooms reportedly lack a minibar.
• Wi-Fi Stability: In some areas of the hotel, Wi-Fi connectivity was not consistently stable.
• Price-to-Value Ratio: A few guests feel that the price charged does not fully align with the perceived quality of certain facilities, such as older rooms or aspects of the wellness area.

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