Hotel Deimann in Schmallenberg

With a 5-star superior rating and the title of "Hotelier of the Year," one naturally has certain expectations, and it's all the more disappointing when these are far from being met. Yes, the owning family is present, just as the senior members of the Fessler family were at the Sonnenalp in the past, but that doesn't justify the 5-star superior rating. The spa services may be sensational, but I can get the same at places like Vabali or Mediterana, and even better there. What matters most to me are the rooms and the quality of sleep – and here I'm unfortunately disappointed and would even give it a rating below 3 stars in terms of value for money. The room (351) is large and well-equipped, the bathroom is new and tastefully done, the duvet is great, the bed is too soft for my liking, but I wouldn't deduct a star for that. The problem is the smell and the noise (I'm very sensitive to both). In a hotel of this category, I expect adequate soundproofing from the hallway, not to be able to hear every conversation downstairs verbatim. The humming noise from the elevator is also detrimental to my sleep and definitely not up to 5-star standards. The most unpleasant thing, however, is the smell. It smells dusty and musty. Whether it's the carpet, the curtains, or the cleaning materials used, I can't say, but it's beyond unpleasant. It's that old, musty hotel smell I've experienced in previous years at the Parkhotel Bremen and (unfortunately, repeatedly) at the Dorint at the Nürburgring. For me, it's an absolute headache generator. The fact that a colleague's garment bag only turned up after a long search in another room, and that the Iberico pork was very toothy, are then just minor inconveniences.

We've stayed at Deimanns several times, but it still lacks that certain something. We've tried several of their many room categories, most recently the Junior Suite Deluxe. We've mentioned it repeatedly, and other guests we quickly struck up conversations with have too, that for the price, the suites should at least have a Nespresso machine (a kettle and tea/coffee set are the absolute minimum). Room service for (if I remember correctly) almost €10 for coffee and cake in the room is also unjustified. There's also room for improvement in the hotel's own patisserie. Unfortunately, they always offer the same, albeit tasty, pastries, but very few unusual cakes and desserts, so there's nothing special about them anymore. The value for money, therefore, needs improvement.