During our four-night stay at the Althoff Palace Hotel, booked via the U.S. website, we were impressed by the facilities but deeply disappointed by the service standards, which fell well below expectations for a five-star property. From arrival, friendliness and professionalism were lacking compared to luxury hotels we regularly stay at, such as the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Peninsula. We initially booked a suite but downgraded due to dissatisfaction with the room. A significant issue arose regarding smoking: we proactively asked staff for permission to smoke in the back garden and never smoked in the room. Despite this, management later accused us—rudely—of smoking indoors, creating an embarrassing and uncomfortable situation that was later disproven. Housekeeping and service were inconsistent. Despite requests, rooms were not cleaned when indicated, housekeeping arrived at 8:00 a.m. despite our jet lag, and room service trays were left in the room for an entire day. Upon moving rooms, we found the toilet improperly cleaned with visible residue, the TV not functioning, and overall poor attention to detail. While the spa staff, valet, and younger apprentices were professional and courteous, interactions with senior management were unfriendly and dismissive. The hotel has strong potential, but service quality, management conduct, and treatment of international guests—particularly Americans—require significant improvement.

Clean room. Comfortable bed. Big bath tub. Breakfast was super. Close to city of Bensberg.

Bottle of wine in our room. The admitting clerk helped us to move luggage to room. This place is huge and could use a map

Beautiful building Great food and beverage options Convenient fitness room Pleasant staff Staff did not greet at door to assist with bags and did not thoroughly orient to room nor facilities

We only stayed one night here to relax in the Spa after an eventful weekend. The service is really good and the hotel is quiet for its size. The spa area was very nice. Unfortunately, Vendôme was not bookable but their Italian restaurant was lovely. The breakfast was good, a lot of variety but we had better in other 5 star hotels. All in all we had a great time and would come again for a quiet getaway.

Excellent property with wonderful and friendly staff. Highly recommend!

Excellent hotel, little frustrating lift to our floor was broke but was getting fixed, as we checked out! But fantastic hotel and will be back in the future!

clean as well as Beautiful

Luxury grand property, the grounds were superb. The area around the hotel had lovely restaurants which we tried. The bus stop and train station is literally 5 mins walk away. Our room was perfect, big plus was the penhaligon bath set provided. The spa area with swimming pool was used by us everyday after our extensions! All in all a very relaxing, much needed stay.

Very nice.

This stay was incredible! It was the perfect romantic getaway! We ate in the Italian restaurant and it was so delicious! Amazing service. Enjoyed watching the chef through the kitchen window! The spa was absolutely perfect too!

Wonderful stay at this property!

A beautiful hotel! Lovely grounds! Breakfast buffet was amazing! Truly enjoyed our stay, which my siblings and I booked in honour of our father, who stayed here many decades ago

Our stay at Schloss Bensberg was great, we wish we could have stayed longer. It’s an excellent hotel and we will gladly stay here again if we are in the area. The staff were great.

This is a fantastic hotel to stay at the staff are courteous and go out of their way to help. The dining is fantastic with lots of great options on the menu and a great wine selection.

Beautiful

Absolutely amazing place to stay and feel like a royalty.

All I can say is that I keep coming back to this incredible palace. The staff the rooms, the restaurants, the surroundings are flawless.

The breakfast was amazing. The uniqueness of the food offerings and assortment was perfect. The large soaking tub was nice. Nice dinner/lunch food choices right out side as well. There is a Rewe about 1km away in case you need any supplies.

One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. Great service very attentive staff all around a great experience.