Das Balance - Spa & Golf Hotel am Wörthersee in Portschach

**Absolutely Avoid – Terrible Experience, Not Family Friendly**

We were so excited about our stay at this hotel, having paid nearly £3000 for the week, expecting luxury and comfort for our family of three (my husband, our 3-year-old, and me—five months pregnant). Unfortunately, the reality was a complete letdown from the start.

Firstly, this hotel is far from family-friendly. There was nothing to accommodate children—no child-friendly meals, no play area, and absolutely no consideration for the needs of a family. For a hotel marketed as luxurious, the suite we booked was shockingly small (with the sofa bed you can't even open the door to the balcony or walk between beds), lacking even basic comforts like a bath, which is essential when you have a toddler. The toiletries provided were minimal, the towels were tiny, and the pillows were flat and uncomfortable. To make matters worse, there was no option to enjoy breakfast outside, despite the stunning views, and when you have a child, the fresh air would have been a godsend.

The entire hotel felt mismatched and dated, from the decor to the furniture. Even the bed was uncomfortable, which is the last thing you want when you're pregnant and already struggling to get a good night's sleep. The pool area, which was meant to be a highlight, had no food or drink service, and shockingly, the spa area was completely unattended the whole time we were there, despite being advertised as a "spa destination." It was bizarre to walk into an unmanned spa with no staff at the reception throughout our stay.

But the worst part—something I will never forget—was the sheer humiliation I endured. The hotel does not provide kettles in the rooms, so for three nights, I kindly requested hot water from downstairs to make tea. On the third night, I was humiliated in front of other guests, accused of "stealing" hot water and was forced to pay for an Earl Grey tea I never ordered. I was wearing my dressing gown at the time and was escorted into the restaurant to sign for this ridiculous charge. When I tried to explain the situation, I was cut off and treated with such disrespect. No empathy, no understanding—just pure humiliation.

After telling my husband, he spoke to both the manager and the owner the next day, but nothing was done. No apology, no effort to make things right. Instead, our concerns were laughed off, as if our discomfort and embarrassment were a joke. It left me feeling anxious for the rest of the stay, constantly on edge, wondering if I'd be reprimanded again for some trivial reason.

I can't emphasize enough how unwelcome we felt—especially our 3-year-old son. It was painfully clear that children are not wanted here, and this hotel is not a place for families. The lack of basic hospitality, combined with the utter disregard for our concerns, ruined what should have been a relaxing and enjoyable trip.

If you're considering this hotel, *especially* if you're traveling with children or expecting any kind of decent customer service, **please stay away**. Our experience was not just disappointing—it was downright distressing. What a waste of time and money.

ZERO STARS. They were rude and upset my pregnant wife. They humiliated her in front of other guests after asking her to pay for HOT WATER. Most basic hotels offer a kettle in the room, this 4 star hotel that is £3000 per week doesn't. They then make up the price of hot water to be the same price as tea...but for just the water. DISGRACEFUL. The owner likes to upset pregnant women.

It would be too long to list the things that are NOT right in this hotel but I made an effort to list the basics.

Let's start saying that the "value for money" is a missing principle here and the discrepancies are ON YOUR FACE.

320euros/night for:
- very old and uncomfortable mattress where you can actually feel and see the springs
- very old and uncomfortable pillows with that typical texture and firmness of those 10years old budget pillows
- no one sign or booklet or anything else is written in an another language. You either speak German or you are lost.
- no coffee facility in the room
- spa with NO staff members onsite to help those who do not speak the language (all the signs in German). Many spa rooms closed. Very Confusing. We have not been able to enjoy the spa
- linen in the rooms very old.
- bar prices of London standards. Excessively expensive considering the place.
- dated

I could go on talking about decors etc but it would be too personal.

To avoid if thinking to check in an unique hospitality experience.

The staff is super friendly, nice and welcome-y