Relais & Châteaux Hotel Schloss Dürnstein

This review is long overdue; we stayed here 2 years ago. There's a strange confluence of old and new at this place: on one hand, it's full of antiques, but the bathrooms are modern and there's a Tesla charging port in the driveway! Pros: Lovely view of the river during lunch or afternoon tea. Modern, clean bathrooms in the hotel rooms. Quaint old-fashioned teapots during breakfast. They produce their own jams! This region specializes in apricots so they make their own apricot jam. We were given a small jar of it upon departure. Restaurant food was pretty good. Cons: it felt more like a big mansion than a palace. Service was generally slow at the restaurant. I came for tea time and sat at one of the tables; one server walked by, looked at me but didn't acknowledge me, and then after waiting quite a bit another server came up and finally asked for my order. River view during dinner at the restaurant is moot because it is so dark in the evening aside from the hotel's lights, that you can't really see much. This is also not a place for noisy/energetic groups; there's a pool table in the living room but it's old, and also since it's near the other guest's rooms they ask you not to play during the sleeping hours. There was no iron in our room (due to it being a fire hazard), and the hotel did offer a free pressing service, but you need to give your clothes to them by 4pm or something like that. We arrived at the hotel after the cutoff time so I couldn't get my dress ironed for dinner that night. Finally...Europe is known for a no-tipping culture but the room guidebook actually stated that the hotel workers depend on hotel guests tipping, because it's difficult to get hotel staff to live and work in Wachau. I would prefer to just pay higher hotel fees than to be guilted into tipping.

My husband and I spent a few days in Durnstein before returning back home to the USA. We have originally booked a room in the hotel, however, upon our arrival we were offered to upgrade to the private Villa. We are so glad we have decided to take the Villa! The Villa was absolutely AMAZING! The views from every room were breathtaking! The first night, we had room service delivered to our private terrace overlooking the Danube river at sunset and it was simply one of the most romantic evenings we have had. The food was superb! Starting with a breakfast buffet including a large assortment of cold & hot items, pastries, cheeses, meats, smoked salmon, fresh squeezed juices, champagne, and specialty coffees. The lunch & dinner menu was great and the presentation of the food was beautiful. The food was exceptional, thank you Chef! A special thank you to Silvia at the front desk who made us feel welcome with her kindness and her smile.

Our stay was excellent! It felt like staying at a castle. The decor was traditional but upscale. We had a wine tasting in the cellar (beautiful) and a wonderful dinner. Special details like luxury robes in the room were nice. This hotel has a wonderful location. I would highly recommend! Very special feel!

My wife and I visited the property from Florida. Start to finish it was an excellent stay. The staff was warm and courteous. The property is charming and beautiful. We frequently travel for work and vacation and both agreed that this property is one of the nicest places we have ever stayed. I was impressed that the staff was so responsive in advance of our stay as well. We recommended the hotel to our family and friends - some of whom are already planning a trip. Truly a great place - the owners of the hotel should be proud.

Superb!!! We have spend there some beautiful time. The hotel is classic, has spacious rooms and good friendly service and staff. The highlight is the terrace, that has a breathtaking view over the Danube! The food is good, Austrian style. The wine and schnapps offer is generous ?. The hotel provides for the guests bicycles for free. The outside swimming pool is great!

The bathroom is very small for the level of such a hotel. the internet conexion is poor. I suggest you to have a coffee machine(such as Nespresso or Lavazza) in the room.

Nice, friendly and competent staff. Luxurious hotel with amazing location and view; 5 star niveau carelessly reached, with the charms of a private retreat; nice spa area, nice restaurant with an exceptional view of the danube and the wachau, absolutely stunning! Restaurant is fine, portions a little too big for my taste, the wine list is unreached and tremendous! Highly recommended!

Brilliant hotel in one of the most outstanding locations you'll find along the Danube! Authentic Austrian cuisine, service, interior and fantastic selection regional and international wine (highly recommend to try some of the regional Wachau wines). My wife and I had a fantastic time and will return for sure.