Fred V
Google
I stayed four nights at Hotel Belmar and honestly, I left with mixed feelings. The most striking issue was a complete lack of generosity, which is disappointing for a property that presents itself as a high-end wellness retreat. From the moment you check in, you quickly understand that you just have your room – and that’s it. Guests are not offered much beyond the basics, and you are left on your own for the rest of the stay.
Almost everything is charged at a very high price, even a simple tour of the property. When we asked about it, the answer was dismissive – that the property is “very small” and just to go down to the lake and back. Yet there is a farm, trails, and more, but access always comes with extra fees. This really gives the impression that the guest experience is not valued.
Breakfast, although good in quality, was repetitive and lacking in generosity. At this price point, one expects more variety, abundance, and care. The food in general was tasty, but one evening after eating shellfish we felt unwell – still, I recognize that overall the cuisine is of high quality.
The service, however, felt cold and detached throughout the stay. No one really checked in to see if we were enjoying ourselves. Ironically, we received multiple follow-up emails after our departure, but during the stay, it felt like we were invisible. The only warm and engaging staff were Steven, the cocktail master, and the yoga instructor. Both were excellent, but again, the yoga is limited to only one complimentary class – all the others must be paid for, which is unexpected for a so-called wellness hotel.
Facilities are also underwhelming: the jacuzzi is set uncomfortably hot (almost discouraging to use), and the common areas are not as spacious or relaxing as advertised. The restaurant is practically inside the reception, with no real separation – it doesn’t create the serene ambiance you would expect.
In short, there is a clear gap between what is promised online and what you actually experience. For the nightly rate charged, guests deserve more care, more generosity, and more authenticity in the service. Unless these points are addressed, the hotel will continue to feel more like a business than a genuine wellness retreat.