Berghotel Bastei

We are leaving the hotel one day before because of a forest fire under 20 km away. The state has closed the forest all th way around us. There is smoke and there are firefighters and police outside of the hotel. We were in no danger but we couldn't do any of what we booked the reservation for and are stuck at the hotel. But when we checked out at 9 o'clock (well before latest check out time) they wanted us to pay for both nights. They said that because there was no danger and they couldn't afford to do that with all of the rooms. But we checked in the day before, and at that time, they knew about all being closed down and they didn't tell us. We even asked them one time before arrival, and two times after - and they said nothing so we found the information ourselves on the state website.... and then they confirmed it. We told them that we didn't wanted to pay because of misinformation, but the manager of the reception said that it was just bad luck like with corona... really terrible costumer service.

We have come to the area for hiking. If you choose to stay in this hotel, maybe at least get the room with the view to the rocks. The inner yard facing ones are rather sad - on the main tourist route and overlooking a patched restaurant wall (+ some construction). The only place to buy water is the overpriced restaurant (7 eur for a bottle). The hotel bar serves 0 snacks/food, so again your only option for food here (without driving/much walking) is the overpriced restaurant. And there is kind of nothing to do here other than see the Bastei and start trails. Did not try sauna. Breakfast is good. We definitely recommend staying in one of the towns around to have more options for sights and food (and equally good starting points for hikes).