We were staying in the newly renovated section of the Hotel, the other part is going to be renovated this year. Our room was absolutely spotless, an Austrian Twin (two single beds pushed together) with ample room to move. The Bathroom was again absolutely spotless, no bath, just a shower, with hairdryer. Double wardrobes for storage and shelves.
The hotel bar was lovely, as was the barman ! The Reception Staff were very friendly and helpful. The pool although slightly on the small side was perfect for a quick swim in the evening with towels available at Reception.
In the Restaurant you are allocated a table on arrival and use that for the duration of your stay. Staff again, were very nice. The Breakfast was fine, with a selection of juices, cereals, fruit, yoghurts, cheeses and meat, with lovey fresh bread. However, the dinner was edible but you wouldn't order it in a restaurant !! Soups were fine, salad buffet could have more of a selection, the main courses were a bit dodgy but as I say, still edible.
The Location was perfect, straight across the road from the Train Station and the Stubnerkogel Gondola. There is a walkway to get across the road from the Felsentherme Thermal Spa which is directly in front of the hotel and there is also a bus stop just 2 mins walk from the hotel on the main street.
There is a slight hill leading up to the Hotel but its fine to walk up.

The Barenhof has a 3 star rating, not sure how it managed such a lofty assessment. We were there as a family skiing for a week. The hotel is located reasonably conveniently for the slopes and town centre, though the uphill walk at the end of a days skiing is a bit of a nuisance.
The reception is often unmanned and when is the staff rather surly. The rooms are an OK size, they esp the bathrooms are tired and the cleaners only do a cursory tidy each day.
By far and away the worst aspect of the hotel is the food, which is appalling, I have only had food as bad once before and that was in Romania 25yrs ago. It is all reheated frozen convenience food. Little in the way of fresh fruit, no juice ( just squash ) at breakfast and poor choice. Often totally inedible. Even the bread rolls are frozen, rather than fresh each day!
There is a tiny pool. On a lower floor ie not connected to the pool area is a steam room and separate sauna, though they are tucked away in a cupboard with no changing area ( similarly no changing area for the pool.
The skiing in the Gastein valley is OK for intermediates, though only 2 of the 5 areas are linked, so you have to get a bus to the others. Do not go here if a total beginner. We booked through Crystal holidays and I have sent a major letter of complaint to them about the Barenhof.