Sauerland Stern Hotel, Willingen (Upland)

The batroom door.opening on the inside and if one of us was inside He/She will get hurt by the door..( didn't like it) For the rest everything was great.. the food was very good and lots of it too, the place was clean and Personal was very friendly..I like the view from my window,and the fact that you can walk to the town for shopping or whatever you choose to do. If you love snow and like to ski that is the place for you. Hope to go back again.

We just returned today of a 3-days visit at the Sauerland Stern hotel. We had great wheather with 30 cm of fresh snow, which lead to a warm wintersport atmosphere. We booked the Sauerland Stern because of nice memories of my youth (I crossed certainly the line to seniority, booking the same hotel with my family as I stayed in 25 years ago with my parents :-) ). The hotel is okay. The swimming pool, the food, the location, the rooms: fine. But what struck us from the very beginning is the complete lack of hospitality towards the customer. Nobody said 'gutentag'. You had to sign for swimming towels to avoid theft. Pillows desperately need replacement. Our room, our family with 2 young childeren, was booked next to a group of people that booked five rooms, goal: partying. Complaining triggered security at 4:30 pm, but why booking families next to partying-groups? All personal (except for the cleaning lady's) was stubborn, unfriendly, brisk, non-helping. Personel seemed not happy to work at the Sauerland Stern. The most annoying thing to us however, was the dinner/breakfast at Friday/Saturday. After a nice buffet dinner/breakfast in the restaurant on Thursdaynight/Fridaymorning, the Restaurant was forbidden area to all 'halfpension guests' (=booking stay, breakfast en dinner) in the Weekend. We, together with another 1000 or so guests, were guided to a huge congressroom, which didn't look as a restaurant at all. That would be our 'restaurant' for the next 4 meals. The point is: we understand that 1000 people don't fit into the real restaurant. But if this is the normal capacity of your hotel, why not restyling the 'fake-Restaurant'? Or offering the guests in the fake-restaurant a free drink or so? There are so many ways to avoid the feeling that 'halb-pension' guests get: that they are second-best. Remember, these people pay there good money too to stay and eat in this place! We complained at the Reception, but were not heard at all. We asked for the manager (who only spoke German) who told us this is 'policy' and that he was not allowed to do anything with our complains, because otherwise 1000 people would follow. We felt not heard at all. My partner and I are both managers and we thank the Sauerland Stern for a learned lesson. Personal en attitude is a Key Factor. No matter how beautifull your hotel is, if the atmosphere is wrong, customers will notice. It doesn't cost anything to be friendly, to create a warm hospitality and to approach your customers as valued guests instead of possible thiefs/complainers/etc. It's Mc Gregors XX-YY theory translated in the real world at this place. ALthough we had a great time with my beloved family, the snow and the good food, we won't return and we won't recommend this place to friends.

4 Star Facilities, and a great location within the community. The staff around the hotel were exceptional, but the front desk staff seemed a bit elitist. When asked simple things they did answer, but did not try to find any answer they did not have. If you want to know anything or need anything, certainly ask the bellman or restaurant staff. They are much more willing to help than the people at the front desk. Other than that, the room was fantastic. The pool was adequate. The hotel offered many shops, restaurants, a bowling alley and a night club. Parking is free, but a little non-traditional. To find the best option for you, ask the bellman. This hotel has a staff that is very child friendly, but have nothing for small children to do. The hotel is more oriented towards the corporate type clientele. There is a separate business about a block away with a great swimbad and other activities for the family. Overall, I would stay at the hotel again. It is nice. However, with my three small children, I might try to find a hotel that is more suitable for their enjoyment as well.

With all the luxuries you could ask for, it's no wonder this hotel is number one! I had a great time with my friends here, and I am getting ready to go back this weekend!

The hotel is a reflection of the country of Germany itself; warm, inviting, and beautiful. The resources and amenities of the grounds are endless, and the staff if very friendly and helpful. For all those U.S. travelers worried about a language barrier, it is not an issue here. Beautiful area, wonderful hotel.