The Seehotel Gruner Baum is located in Hallstatt, a charming town in the Salzkammergut area of Austria. The hotel is located directly on a lake and some rooms have small balcony opening out to the lake. The hotel and the rooms are very quaint and comfortably situated for European standards. The hotel has a restaurant that serves excellent food. Our lovely experience in this town, however, was dampened significantly due to the lack of proper customer service. On the date of our check-out, our group of 11 got up early to have breakfast and head out to our next destination. At approximately 8:45 a.m., we attempted to check-out of the hotel and pay for our rooms. The office, however, was closed despite the fact that their posted hours are from 8:00 a.m. We inquired with the kitchen staff and were informed that in fact that office was scheduled to open at 8:00 a.m. We asked the kitchen staff to call someone and were told that an office staff member would arrive at the hotel within 15 minutes. After waiting nearly 1 hour, we demanded that the kitchen staff do something so we could leave. After more waiting, we requested that they call the local police (as we did not want to be arrested for leaving the hotel without paying our bill). The police arrived and essentially said that they could not do anything to resolve the problem. By this point (1 hour 45 minutes later), the cook had "walked through" the office computer with the manager on the telephone and had figured out how to process our bill. We requested a discount for the significant stress the situation had caused and the delay in our travel plans. The manager, however, was unwilling to provide any discount. In sum, its a beautiful place, but I would look for accommodation elsewhere as a result of this type of poor customer service.

We went to the Gruner Baum with no ideas what to expect however it was the best holiday we have done in a long time. The place is from a storybook. The rooms are great and lots of character, a very special place with alot of special people. I would go back in a minute. I agree with the option of the last traveler, what did that comment about the run down hotel come from?? The place is top notch.

we returned jan 23 2005 after staying here for 5 nights. It is perfect, I question the reviewer who said it needed alot of work. The resort is first class! We stayed in the apartment and did the half board option. The food was outstanding, the service was great, everthing was taken care of. Very well trained staff, from the reception to the maid to the dining expericence. Do not hesitate to indulge in this resort! You will love it.

Friendly staff,family atmosphere,clean&tidy,centre location,good food,nice all round.