I hadn't found a thread on this property, and just spent a couple nights there, so I figured I'd post some brief thoughts and maybe get a thread going for future use. Apologies if this isn't the right forum - I also considered "other hotel chains" - but IMO this hotel is pretty luxurious, so this fits.

The property is easily accessed by road, about 15 minutes from Poprad at the feet of the Tatras. It is off to the side of the village at Štrbské Pleso, so away from the main crowds and right on the lake. Visually, it does lend the fairy-tale look that people ascribe to it, with brightly-colored trip and accents, at least from the outside. At less than 100 rooms, it is not a large property by headcount metrics, but it is quite spread out and there is a lot of space. Indeed, during my stay, I never felt like I was running into a lot of other guests (with one noted exception below).

Upon arrival, we were immediately met with a gracious welcome, including some glasses of sparkling wine. Check-in was prompt, and a property tour was offered, along with assistance getting up to our room. It being a busy check-in period, and just wanting to get up to the room, we declined. Service throughout our stay was consistently gracious and professional. The level of English proficiency was extremely high.

We had booked a standard valley-view guest room, and the room itself was very well appointed, with plenty of space for the king bed, desk, and seating area with armchair and couch. In some circles this could be considered a junior suite, though it would be a stretch. The rooms also all had balconies, allowing for a nice view of the lake or valley as well as a chance to sit outside for some fresh mountain air. The room was furnished in a rustic theme, with wood surfaces and a suede bed cover. The bathroom was large, with a stand-up shower and separate soaking tub.

The property was nicely appointed. I thought that the decor in the lobby was a bit odd, with light fixtures evoking antelope antlers as well as fern wallpaper. Seemed like the decorations were left over from a safari lodge or something - didn't quite give a mountain/ski feel. But the wood fireplaces and cozy furniture were very much appreciated. The lobby bar is small but well-appointed and functional. The centerpiece of the property is the pool and spa. The pool itself is physically great, with views right out onto the lake. However, it was tough to really enjoy it and relax because it was constantly overrun with tons of screaming, splashing kids whose parents did not seem to have any desire to control their behavior. There was a sign saying that the pool becomes adults-only after 8 PM, but that's a bit late to wait. However, I understand that this property caters to a lot of families, so that's that. Much better were the adults-only spa and relaxation room, with nice views from the latter and the former containing the sauna and steam room, cold pool, "arctic/tropical showers", the painful pebble-walking-pool things, and whatever a caldarium is. I'm not a spa expert but I can't imagine what more one could have asked for.

Breakfast is included per brand standards and was definitely the high point without a doubt. Numerous varieties of local and imported cold meats and cheeses, butters and spreads, pate, cold salads, pastries/breads/cakes, muesli, fruits, cereals, and probably 10 hot dishes. Plus made-to-order pancakes, waffles, eggs, and espresso drinks. All very nicely served in their large formal dining room, which probably could hold 50% of the property's guests at any one time. We were down there both days right at the start of breakfast and basically had the place to ourselves.

The location of the property was great for summer activities as there is a trail junction only a couple hundred meters down the road. From there we accessed the main trail network for a hike up Krivan and through the surrounding area. For winter activities, the ski slope is down at the other end of the village, so I am not sure how those logistics work. This doesn't seem to be a ski-in/ski-out property.

The hotel seems to cater to mostly domestic visitors and guests from bordering countries. It seemed to be the new-money crowd - lots of young families with designer luggage and small dogs. We didn't encounter any other Americans in our time there. A few people we spoke to seem somewhat surprised that we had found our way into their corner of the world.

I got this property for about $180 USD/night, all-in, so I consider that a steal, especially with breakfasts that would easily be $30+ per person at any comparable establishment (alas, I probably ate more than $30 worth of parma ham alone on each day). Of course, during high seasons (ski and peak summer), I'd imagine that prices would spike to near-astronomical levels.

For that price, location, and service level I would go back any time.

A few pictures of the property (sorry I didn't take more, but I wasn't really planning an in-depth review when I was there).