Last time I was here - September 2012 - I griped about the lack of a/c in a driveway/view-of-the-plains-below room. This time, in a room on the opposite side of the building, with opening windows and a superb lake view, the strong, cool Alpine breezes straight off the mountains and water were blessed relief after the Europe-wide heatwave that had nudged temps at home into the mid to late 20s or early 30s. I had no idea what a thermostat in the room was supposed to do but an open window combined with the bathroom extractor fans kept the room cool and fresh enough. Besides, as I learned this trip, the lake is frozen 165 days a year, so I guess keeping guests warm is more of a priority most of the year though the fires staff had lit in the bar and dining room were unnecessary in late July.
My room was magnificent and well equipped, bar any tea making gear, though bottled water was supplied. The bathroom was also great though the lack of a nice, separate shower cubicle was annoying. Instead, you extend a hand held nozzle on a loooooooonnngggg hose, clip it into a hook above the bath and then turn the taps on too much and flood the floor. Thank goodness for absorbent bath mats and a turn-down housekeep who finished the clean-up and changed all the towels while I was at dinner.
While room quality is mostly top-notch, the menu choice offered for a business group wide ranging, dinner courses served hot and promptly and the combination of buffet, chef at an egg station and a la carte for breakfast (EUR400m king's breakfast, anyone?) ideal, the real treat of this hotel - clustered with others - is location. A lakeside stroll I had been looking forward to doing again saw seven wedding photo shoots, a restaurant, numerous carved wooden seats (pine is grown locally), various exercise torture devices with instructions, a cage with two budgies (no explanation from the locals sat by it), a ski area hotel ski jump, two world war two graves/monuments and, seemingly half of Slovakia on a bracing, walking summer holiday. Even a family of fellow Brits. This place is popular but not overcrowded. And they start early - walkers, and a distant chainsaw, got going at 5am! I love it here.

Beautiful hotel, spa, dining and the service! Thank you very much to the Kempinsky team! We had a exceptional stay with you. From arrival to departure, highly enjoyed your hospitality! Very baby friendly. Looking forward to come back. Highly recommended!

From the moment we stepped out of the car, the Kempinski swept us up in their old world class and luxury. The hotel is impeccable, the service was impeccable, the venue was impeccable. The rooms were huge and luxurious with an incredible view of the lake and mountains. The service at the restaurant made us feel like kings and queens and the food was delightful. This was a truly nice experience in every respect and our only complaint was that we did not schedule enough time here to adequately enjoy the hotel or this wonderful location.