Rugard Strandhotel

Good hotel, nice location right on the beach promenade. Booked room with breakfast was okay. Parking costs extra. Nice terrace next door and panoramic view with a place to smoke on the 6th. Floor. Service staff barely speak German but are very friendly. Check-in worked well. Breakfast selection sufficient. You can sit well in the bar, but there is a cold atmosphere when you order something. If you don't have the room cleaned, you get drink vouchers. Swimming pool not for swimming, many playing children, everything clean and nice.

For us, the Rugard is unfortunately a hotel with a lot of potential that currently does not live up to its claim as a four-star superior establishment. The building itself has character and impressive, almost majestic architecture, but it has clearly aged in many places. Our room seemed to be in dire need of renovation: The mattress was so worn out that a distinct U-shaped hollow had formed, there were numerous stains on the walls from apparently swatted mosquitoes, there is no air conditioning, and proper darkening of the windows was not possible either. Sleeping in without a sleep mask is therefore hardly possible. The check-in was also very chaotic and the staff seemed overwhelmed at times. When we asked for another room, we felt more patronized than taken seriously. The impression continues at breakfast: Frozen fruit, partially worn or coming-loose equipment, and a strange coffee situation. A portafilter machine is available, but it is not used for normal guest service; instead, guests are referred to a self-service machine with powdered milk. For a four-star superior hotel and room rates of sometimes 250–300 euros per night, this is hard to understand. The big highlight is clearly the wellness and sauna area. The selection of saunas and wellness offerings is truly excellent and was by far the strongest part of the hotel for us. However, even there, one can see age and wear in places in the pool area. The direct location on the Baltic Sea is of course great, and with a sea-view room, the impression would certainly be better. Overall, the ratio of price, condition, equipment, and service does not add up for us. In our view, the establishment urgently needs comprehensive modernization, because the foundation for a truly special hotel is actually there.

Stayed one night in July. Amazing hotel; excellent service and staff and excellent service and value.