This was our fourth return to Bollants and for sure not the last one. Since our first visit there have been a lot of changes and it looks like there are more to come. Currently there is a construction site for a new outdoor pool that will be opened in summer. Since we usually take our Bollants break in winter we may not get a chance to use this pool - but that does not matter. There is so much to do and so many ways to relax! The food is excellent, as is the service. The service in the Spa has improved 100% from our previous visits. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to coming back.

We chose this hotel as it is a member of the Romantik Hotel Group and hoped for a certain level of quality. We were VERY disappointed. We were 4 adults (traveling with a dog) and had 2 upper category rooms (Euro 162/pp/day for half board): a Carpe Diem Suite and a Spa Lodge. Although the compound is situated along the peaceful Nahr river (near the wine areas) in an area secluded away from town, our problems with the hotel began almost immediately. Our party (2 adults, dog) was assigned the Spa Lodge as not all room types are available for dogs. The courtesy shuttle (a VW Phaeton) drove us and our luggage to our 'room' leaving the hotel compound way behind. The windy road lead to a remote, hilly wooded area where we saw 3 or 4 weathered free-standing huts (!) which had been jerry-rigged together with inferior materials from a builder's supply store. We walked along a loose gravel path past what had once been decorative bamboo plants in pots, but which were now nothing more than months-long neglected brown clumps. When we entered the room, we saw that the living area where the bed and bathroom were was extremely small; barely enough room to pass around the bed's corner to the other side. It was a challenge to stow our bags and keep enough room to move about! Going through a door in the room, one was led to the separate 'spa' area, which was a type of open-air patio with outdoor shower, lounging furniture and tub. It had no doubt been modern and kept-up ~ 5 years ago, but was now weathered and showed its years. The view of the valley was blocked by branches which had needed trimming years ago. The outside tub, which in the brochure looked comfortably roomy, was in fact a normal tub set in the wooden deck. The water did not work when we entered the room and only after some hours did it function enough to be able to count on. After that, the pressure fluctuated wildly. Again, because of our dog and because the hotel was supposedly very well booked, we could not change rooms and were stuck. We were happy our stay was short! As to the others in our group: they had the Carpe Diem Suite at the same room rate. in contrast to us, their suite was centrally located on the second floor of the main building, but was only accessible via an ill-lit, windy staircase (no lift). The room had a an odd lay-out: very long and narrow--as if the room had been forcefully squeezed into an existing space under the roof. In addition, the shower afforded no privacy as the area had no separate door; there was only a glass door around the shower itself. The hotel skimped on toiletries: a soap dispenser in the shower doled out soap for both shampoo and shower gel. Packet samples from manufacturers for shampoo (for thinning hair!) and body lotion (for aging, very dry skin) were the only other offerings. The towels were also not very fluffy and generous in size. The compound itself was spread out and we felt poorly signed. The breakfast buffet was average in every way, not even offering much selection. The staff there was almost invisible, so we can't comment on service either way. At the prices we paid and for the hotel category, we expected quite a bit more. We felt very ripped off. There were only 2 bright points to our stay. The hotel was set very close to the river near open fields and woods thus allowing for wonderful walks with our dog. This was a great plus. The other pleasant surprise after all our disappointments was the restaurant "Passione Rossa" (One Michelin Star). We opted to upgrade our half-board dinner at an additional cost (Euro 34-) and did not regret it for a moment. The restaurant is set under the vaulted ceilings of a one-time root cellar. It is decorated in a comfortably modern style and has a cozy feel. The staff was efficient, not overly visible or pushy and were great in their knowledge of the local Pfalz wines. (Quite a surprise to us that the Pfalz produces a few truly outstanding wines!) Our dining experience started off on the right foot with the first 'greeting from the kitchen' and continued through dessert. All four of us were quite impressed and satisfied. The dishes were creative, tasty--despite unsual combinations--and minutely and artistically decorated. Wonderful! We can heartily recommend the Star Restaurant, but would strongly advise against staying at this hotel.