I’m trying to finalize part of a summer trip, and there’s one portion of it that I’ve been stuck on for a few weeks now, as I’m struggling to make a decision. So I’m curious if any OMAAT readers have ideas or suggestions. Let me explain what we’re trying to do, and what I’ve already found…
In this post:
We’re taking both of our kids to Europe this summer
Our travel situation has changed significantly in recent years. Our older son, Miles is now nearly four years old, while our younger son, Jet, is about to turn one. While we’ve traveled long haul with Miles several times (and he’s finally getting to an age where it’s relatively easy and also enjoyable), this will be our first long haul trip with Jet.
We’re taking things slow (as is needed when you’re traveling with little ones while also trying to work, and while maintaining your sanity). We’ve rented a house in Greece for a week, and then we’ve rented a place in Sylt for a week.
Greece is of course always awesome in terms of the climate, food, people, etc. For the past couple of trips we’ve done to Greece, we’ve rented a home ina less popular place, rather than staying at a hotel in the few hotspots that most people visit. Meanwhile Sylt is an island in northern Germany that’s special to us — my mom absolutely loved it, and with her recent passing, we thought it would be nice to take our kids there.
The thing is, between those two stays, we have a little over a week. We’d like to spend that time in Germany or Austria. There are a few reasons for that:
- We’d like to expose our kids to the culture more, in general
- Ford is basically now fluent in German (he’s really good at learning languages), and wants to actually spend more time there
- We’re going to see relatives, since basically my entire family lives there
Anyway, we’ll have around a week to kind of do whatever. Initially we were just going to visit cities, but the more we thought about it, the more we decided it might be nicer to just go to more of a rural, outdoor-focused area. After all, if the weather is nice and our kids can just run around, that honestly sounds more relaxing and fun than dragging two little kids through cities.
One of my fondest travel memories from when I was young was when I did a road trip through the Alps with my parents. We didn’t know where we were going to stay each night, but instead, we’d just drive, and then end up in a really cute bed & breakfast. It was just such a special memory, and I can remember one of the inns in such vivid detail that it feels like it was only a week ago. How time flies.
So as I think of the concept of this, I think something in the area around the Alps, like a road trip from Munich, Salzburg, or Innsbruck, sounds like it could be prettiest. It would just be nice for them to have space to enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s in the mountains, on a lake, or whatever The thing is, I’m trying to figure out what’s best, which brings me to my question…
Any creative Germany or Austria hotel ideas?
I’d like to think I have a reasonably good grasp on the hotel market in Germany and Austria, challenging and scattered as it may be. The issue is that Germany doesn’t see much inbound international tourism, so the traditional ways you might find good hotels (like through Virtuoso) don’t necessarily work in the area. Furthermore, most of the best properties are actually tiny, boutique ones, and those aren’t necessarily as widely known.
So, what’s my thought process here? On the one hand, one easy option would be to just fly into Frankfurt, and then go to the nearby Marriott Autograph Collection properties, like the Falkenstein Grand Koenigstein, and/or the Villa Rothschild Koenigstein. However, I just visited those, and I feel like we could do better than that in terms of scenery.
Another great Marriott Autograph Collection option is Roomers Baden-Baden, and I quite like the area, as it’s right at the base of the Black Forest. However, the immediate area around the hotel feels like a busy town, so it’s maybe not necessarily ideal for kids.
Going back to my Munich area concept above, here are a few thoughts:
- The Kempinski Berchtesgaden (formerly the InterContinental Berchtesgaden — shoutout to any OMAAT readers who were around back in the day when I constantly talked about this hotel) is a beautiful property in an area that perfectly fits the bill in terms of nature, but I’d still like something that’s ideally even smaller scale (though I do like the angle of being able to use GHA Discovery, given the elite status match)
- I’d love to stay at the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, as I stayed there back when it was a Marriott Autograph Collection property; however, given that we’re looking to stay somewhere for around a week, it’s more than I’d ideally like to spend, especially since we may be joined by other family, and need multiple rooms
- Hilton Honors and Small Luxury Hotels of the World have a partnership, and there’s an interesting hotel portfolio in Austria, like Hotel Schloss Seefels and Grossarler Hof
- Marriott Bonvoy and Design Hotels have a partnership, and there are also a couple of cool Austria properties, like the Stieg’nhaus in Mühlbach am Hochkönig (which looks absurdly charming), and the Cōmodo in Bad Gastein (which looks cute, and is very reasonably priced)
- The Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof in Kitzbühel belongs to Virtuoso, and has half board rates that are entirely reasonable
- From a points perspective, the Caro & Selig Tegernsee, Marriott Autograph Collection, is reasonably priced and seems to have a good location, but I’m not sure about the hotel as such, and ideally we’d like to go for something a bit smaller
- Or I guess to go a completely different direction, we could stay at the Conrad Hamburg, as Hamburg is a beautiful city with lots of parks and cool activities for kids, cities have lots of food options, and the hotel actually looks nice
I’m sure there are many other properties I’m missing, so if anyone has any thoughts on the above properties, or ideas for other hotels, I’d love to hear them. If I could create my dream hotel, it would be a small inn in the Alps with a dozen rooms, nice design, and not a whole lot else around, while still being kids friendly. Of course we’re flexible, though. 😉
Bottom line
We’re going to visit Germany in several weeks, and while most of our trip is planned, I still have a week or so in Germany where we need to decide where to stay. We’re also open to Austria, and the more we talk about it, the more we think something charming in the Alps would be the ideal option, rather than spending too much time in a city.
However, aside from my own experiences, I can’t say that I’ve heard a whole lot about specific properties that are worth seeking out. So if anyone has any ideas, I’d be very grateful (and then I’ll of course report back with my experience).
I highly recommend Hotel "Egerner Höfe" or "Bachmair Weissach" (both close to Tegernsee), both with excellent Spa Outlets and great food.
"Werdenfelserei" (Garmisch area) is still on my bucket list. None of them is bookable with points though.
Can I recommend the RESIDENZ HEINZ WINKLER in Aschau im Chiemgau, a small Alpine town in southeastern Bavaria, about 50 miles (80 km) east-southeast of Munich, near the Austrian border.
The region is known for mountains, lakes, hiking, and traditional Bavarian villages. The town sits at the foot of the Kampenwand mountain and is famous for the fairy-tale-looking Schloss Hohenaschau castle.
Lots to do, great scenery, and some great restaurants.
Two beautiful places in Kaernten/Austria: Mountain Resort Feuerberg, www,feuerberg.at;
Gipfelhaus Magdalensberg, www.hotel-magdalensberg.at
This hotel sits on top of an ancient Roman City, near the Woerthersee
Feuerberg is awesome for kids and adults alike, and the hosts have found a great balance of luxury and homeyness.
They have a lot of options to be active, a great relaxation area - and best of all for parents: a free all day kids club that my kids (English/German bilingual) beg to go to every day.
On your way up to Sylt - try Gut Immenhof. https://www.gut-immenhof.de/
The northern German antidote to the lakeside hotels of Bayern and loads to do for the kids. Also +1 to the Tortue in Hamburg recommendation.
@Lucky
Check out Relais & Chateaux
not miles and points but generally very good
Brauereigasthof Aying. A real jewel with all modern cons. Credit cards welcome, elevator, Bavarian country style. The restaurant is truly notable. The atmosphere? Onion dome church, May Pole, lovely hills and fields around the village. Kid friendly.
Not far south of Munich.
There are so many great Family Hotels in Austria. You should check some of them out. I do like a point Hotel, but for our summer holiday on the way back we always enjoy a couple of days in a nice Familyhotel (last two years Alpenhotel Kindl, familienhotel huber) or in the winter we always stay at the Laderhof. The kids love staying in those hotels.
what about Schloss Lieser, Autograph Collection. just stayed there and it's charming andwith very nice suroundings. good location, parking underground. stayed there a few times. to be honest the last time (2weeks ago) they were building something in front of the hotel. I believe it will be for conferences and meetings.
so ask for an room/suite in the castle
Outside of Salzburg, and awesome for kids: https://www.dachsteinkoenig.at/en/
We go skiing in Lech, Austria every season. It's also beautiful in summer. Charming, classy, tons of good food. Royals and celebrities go there in both winter and summer, and people seem to leave them alone. We stay at Hotel Sandhof. They treat you like family, and guests come back year after year. Hotel Arlberg is a 5-star resort in town. It's where Princess Diana used to stay with her boys. Great spa, lovely outdoor...
We go skiing in Lech, Austria every season. It's also beautiful in summer. Charming, classy, tons of good food. Royals and celebrities go there in both winter and summer, and people seem to leave them alone. We stay at Hotel Sandhof. They treat you like family, and guests come back year after year. Hotel Arlberg is a 5-star resort in town. It's where Princess Diana used to stay with her boys. Great spa, lovely outdoor eating area. Over in Lichtenstein, Park Hotel Sonnenhof is an excellent choice. It is a Relaix property. Great views, excellent restaurant, has a small, family run feel.
If u want luxury u covered the places, if u want the kids to have fun, look at Familux Oberjoch, spent time with grandkids on multiple trips when first kids turned 4 and then did it few after including remaining grandkids as aged to about 8.
They have everything u need, no need to bring anything. Sceneries are great, location is that u can hike in about 20 minutes to Austria, Tannheimer Tal is...
If u want luxury u covered the places, if u want the kids to have fun, look at Familux Oberjoch, spent time with grandkids on multiple trips when first kids turned 4 and then did it few after including remaining grandkids as aged to about 8.
They have everything u need, no need to bring anything. Sceneries are great, location is that u can hike in about 20 minutes to Austria, Tannheimer Tal is close, Füssen, Castles, Ravensburger Playland within 1.15, think Sendung mit der Maus. Alpsee Summer Rodelbahn. Look it it up, would not regret it.
Nestled between Innsbruck Austria, Lichtenstein, and Strasburg Germany is the Bad Ragaz spa and resort https://www.lhw.com/hotel/Grand-Resort-Bad-Ragaz-Bad-Ragaz-Switzerlandrt, with a history going back to the 13th century: https://www.resortragaz.ch/en/. See also https://www.lhw.com/hotel/Grand-Resort-Bad-Ragaz-Bad-Ragaz-Switzerland
How about Louis C Jakob in Hamburg - used to be very nice when it was independent a few years back at least. It is in a very green part of town, right on the river with views of large ships and the Airbus factory which Mike's might enjoy while also giving you access to the city of Hamburg which is indeed great with kids. Plus, you are also quite close to Sylt already and can just go up there by train.
and you can go on an airbus factory tour, the boat to airbus leaves from close by the Jakob
Innsbruck is vesutuful itself, surrounded as it is by amazing mountain scenery and home to castles, museums, an alpine zoo, etc. But just 30 minutes up onto the plateau lies beautiful Seefeld, with its lake and amazing walks. Shun 5 star and go for 4.5 at the Alpenpark, a hotel virtually designed around young kids with play areas and a kids club that let the adults relax too.
i don't know if 4* is too low for you, if not, you might want to have a look at Waldhotel Stuttgart
www.waldhotel-stuttgart.de
Gut Panker with Hotel Ole Liese close the Baltic Sea
www.ole-liese.de
Das Kranzbach, in der Nähe von Schloss Elmar
www.daskranzbach.de
By the way, if you're going to be flying from Athens, Aegean offer a ridiculous amount of German destinations, and I'm sure there's a few more on the low cost airlines, so you're definitely not limited to FRA and MUC.
Hi, forget about the big chains. Two hotels I can really recommend are the Alter Meyerhof in Glücksburg and the Fürstenhof in Celle.Say Uta in the north and Marion in Celle hello from me.
Bensberg close to Cologne is also very nice
Based on what you are looking for (amenities, location, premium standard) please to do not book any Marriott/Hilton affiliated properties.
Please have a look at the following hotels (some where already mentioned):
- Stanglwirt
- Hotel Forstguthof
Schloss Elmau is nice but not as great for kids as the other two.
The most interesting GHA hotel in Germany arguably is the Althof Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg in NRW. It's in the countryside yet really close to numerous important cities.
In the countryside? It’s in the heart of Bensberg, a few minutes outside of Cologne. It’s a city hotel and nothing else.
Bensberg is only a small town, and the hotel definitely doesn't look like a typical city hotel. They actively advertise it as being in the 'countryside' although I haven't been there (been toying with the idea but never pressed the button) so I don't have a view on the credibility of such a claim.
Make it easy on yourself and take the Brightline to Orlando and stay at the Four Seasons. The kids will love it.
Weissenhaus Private Nature Luxury Resort is worth considering. Conrad Hamburg is just a generic property in a mall. Rather try The Fonetenay, with great views of the Außenalster. Or the Vier Jahreszeiten for a very traditional Grand Hotel.
Would have suggested Weissenhaus as well. Really nice property - don’t know how the property is for young kids though
I like the Alpin Resort Sacher in Seefeld, Austria a lot!
Would it be that it it were me, I'd probably want to choose somewhere near Frankfurt airport. Hochheim am Main would be the choice. It has a strong wine history, lots of half timbered houses, family restaurants, playgrounds for kids and endless vineyards with views to the horizon for walks and cycling. Easy transport to Mainz, Wiesbaden, Frankfurt and the airport.
Naturhotel Forsforthgut - beautiful 5* star hotel that caters to children also. They have a little farm and a gorgeous kids swimming pool area. Plus of course an adults area too if you need a break!
Alpenrose Hotel on the main walking street of Mittenwald Bavaria. Killer mountain views and great hiking paths for day exploring.
Schloss Elmau is the answer.
Grand Hotel Zell am See - Austria
Hotel Hallstatt - Hallstatt, Austria
https://www.schloss-elmau.de/en/
The Roomers Baden-Baden is a great hotel with a few caveats.
1. It definitely caters to a more adult clientele. The art on the walls is charmingly odd, but if you don’t want your kids stumbling on a hardbound Playboy corpus, make sure you scan the room for it first.
2. The area is not in a busy city. It’s a resort town and has been very sleepy when I’ve been there.
...
The Roomers Baden-Baden is a great hotel with a few caveats.
1. It definitely caters to a more adult clientele. The art on the walls is charmingly odd, but if you don’t want your kids stumbling on a hardbound Playboy corpus, make sure you scan the room for it first.
2. The area is not in a busy city. It’s a resort town and has been very sleepy when I’ve been there.
3. They’re going to love the jars of gummy candy at check in. My kids went ape, and the hotel happily encouraged it.
We spent a week last summer in the Franconian Switzerland area northeast of Nuremburg and absolutely loved it. It was a beautiful area with lots of activities, but much more laid back and low key than the Alps. (Despite the name the mountains are lower and tree covered, not at all like the Alps.) We stayed in a VRBO near Gößweinstein so I don't have a hotel recommendation, but the vacation rentals were very cheap and seemed like the way to go.
Leopoldhof.at
Their website describes their many offerings much better than I can in a brief statement. This piece of Paradise in Austria is just west of St. Wolfgang on Wolfgansee about one hour east of Salzburg.
Hi Lucky, we go to Austria every summer with our kids as part of our annual European vacation. We have stayed at Tennerhof - it's mostly older folks, nice place but not super kids friendly. I heard a lot of good things about Stanglwirt and we have visited the place but not stayed there. Our personal favorite is a place called Kaiserlodge, you can even get a lake side apartment with direct access to the...
Hi Lucky, we go to Austria every summer with our kids as part of our annual European vacation. We have stayed at Tennerhof - it's mostly older folks, nice place but not super kids friendly. I heard a lot of good things about Stanglwirt and we have visited the place but not stayed there. Our personal favorite is a place called Kaiserlodge, you can even get a lake side apartment with direct access to the lake. Check out their website: www.kaiserlodge.at Overall Austria is better for kids compared to Germany - more playgrounds and kids facilities up on the mountains. Forget staying at chain-associated hotels.
We’ve been to Hotel Richard Lowenhertz in Durnstein in the forest outside Vienna. Lovely old converted castle right on the Danube, great on site restaurant, wonderful staff, swimming pool in a lovely garden. Stayed. Twice and both times wonderful. Very relaxing
Hotel Tennerhof in Kitzbuhel, Austria.
Stanglwirt, near kitzbuhel, in Austria. These places are great. Not chains. Thank god. Stanglwirt especially good for kids
Well, sorry... tennerhof is part of relapse and chateaux. It's a great property. But with kids, I'd say the Stanglwirt. Great resort tons of activities, high end.
Tegernsee Caro&Seliger . . . cheap to get on points, location, so so, rooms on the smaller side and if not a decent room booked or you don't get an upgrade as Ambassador, you look the neighbors into the kitchen window! Rooftop Bar was still closed last year (June 10th). Parking a car expensive and worst of it all, Breakfast! Inside and outside sitting area, but the "Buffet" very limited and worst of it all,...
Tegernsee Caro&Seliger . . . cheap to get on points, location, so so, rooms on the smaller side and if not a decent room booked or you don't get an upgrade as Ambassador, you look the neighbors into the kitchen window! Rooftop Bar was still closed last year (June 10th). Parking a car expensive and worst of it all, Breakfast! Inside and outside sitting area, but the "Buffet" very limited and worst of it all, some staff did not even speak German (Bayrisch, ok . . . not expected, but basic German in Germany should be a given!). I would NOT return again, luckily weather was nice and room good, but sooo disappointed by the Breakfast offered! Think about it twice, if you go closer to Salzburg, stay at the IC Berchtesgaden! . . . Austria . . . save your $$$ by NOT staying at the Schloss Fuschl. Unbelievably expensive for 1/2 way decent service and Restaurants as well as entire Buildings, just quickly fixed after Rosewood took over! If Rosewood cont. that way, this property will soon be out of their portfolio, it's run down, Service super unprofessional and chaotic, interior and outside areas, lake sun terrace, Restaurant . . . more like a 4* Doubletree! Very disappointing for such a high priced property!
Hotel Schloss Durnstein…beautifully situated on the Danube in Wachau area. Top-notch service and dining with plenty to see in the area on a leisurely schedule.
Ben,
For Salzburg - we stayed at Hotel Goldgasse (an SLH property also affiliated with Hilton) during the Christmas Markets last December - and I highly recommend it. It’s in a historic building down a cute alley right in the heart of Old Town. Only like 7 or 8 rooms, fantastic service and with a one-star Michelin restaurant (and very reasonably priced in its bottom floor). Read the Reviews on TripAdvisor but book way ahead!
...Ben,
For Salzburg - we stayed at Hotel Goldgasse (an SLH property also affiliated with Hilton) during the Christmas Markets last December - and I highly recommend it. It’s in a historic building down a cute alley right in the heart of Old Town. Only like 7 or 8 rooms, fantastic service and with a one-star Michelin restaurant (and very reasonably priced in its bottom floor). Read the Reviews on TripAdvisor but book way ahead!
For Hamburg - I used to work there for a few months out of the year and stayed next door to where the Conrad now is. The Conrad used to be the Hyatt and it’s in a historic building where all sorts of dignitaries used to stay. That location is RIGHT WHERE YOU WANT TO BE for sightseeing, within 15 mins walk of the harbor and Reeperbahn, right next to the main square, and lots of great restaurants nearby. Public (underground) transportation is right around the corner from the hotel, and it’s also
5 mins walk to the inner and outer alter (small
And big lakes) where they have activities going on almost every evening in the summer. Hamburg is an underrated city and not many Americans visit. The Conrad is a highly desirable location
The rooftop terrace suite at Hotel Goldgasse is lovely, and our stay was as close to a “perfect” as I’ve ever experienced. The breakfast is also excellent. Highly recommended.
We stayed at Schloss Lieser, a Marriott property. It’s an awesome place, a majestic home converted to a beautiful hotel. It’s right on the Mosel river and close to the great town of Bernkastel-Kues.
In Munich the Kinder Munchen. To die for deco or botique hotel in the heart of old town. And a Hyatt/Mr& Mrs Smith. Gorgeous! One of the most exquisite hotels I’ve stayed anywhere in the world.
You didn't say when in summer, but Salzburg in August is very expensive due to the music festival.
Schloss Elmau - check it out! It's wonderful with kids!
Most U.S. guests do not approve of the adults only FKK spa facilities. Likewise, they seldom travel with a DJ or suitable evening frock. These are essential for those special evening concerts, dinners, etc.
As for ’ankle biters’, there is an highly recommended adults only hotel building too. Available if one wishes to escape from the little darlings. The suites are most spacious, comfortable and the views are spectacular. A one week stay is the...
Most U.S. guests do not approve of the adults only FKK spa facilities. Likewise, they seldom travel with a DJ or suitable evening frock. These are essential for those special evening concerts, dinners, etc.
As for ’ankle biters’, there is an highly recommended adults only hotel building too. Available if one wishes to escape from the little darlings. The suites are most spacious, comfortable and the views are spectacular. A one week stay is the absolute minimum for a fully relaxing experience.
Please do not spoil it folks …. :-)
Tennerhof in Kitzbühel is great! As an alternative in Kitzbühel, you could try Kitzhof or the Schlosshotel.
I don‘t know if that is an option for you but there are two really good options you could squeeze in to split up the ride from Frankfurt to Munich:
-Wald und Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe
-Mawell Resort
And in general I would also reccomend to not only look at the Munich Alps but to also consider the Allgäu and Lake Constanze regions which are especially beautiful in summer.
Planning on trying the Falkensteiner Family Hotel Montafon next year with the family. Admittedly going for the skiing, but looks like they have a nice summer program as well, and the family rooms look great. Possible to use Citi points for LHW hotels I suppose.
Amazing Hotel. We've been there twice with our 2 Kids and absolutely loved it.
Directly in the Austrian Alps, on the foot of Golm Ski area. Perfect Spot for light hikes around the Golm and nice little Austrian mountain villages.
It's full Board, with breakfast, lunch and Dinner. Nice Pool area with water slides and extensive activites for Kids.
Can really recommend it.
Awesome, thanks for the highlights! Really looking forward. Feels like one of those places to try both in the winter and the summer.
The Aficionados do a fantastic edit of special and unique small hotels across Europe, but with a focus on these two countries. From one of the Design Hotels founders, great taste and unique places: https://theaficionados.com/travel
Check Tablet. Lots of non chain local boutique hotels.
https://www.tablethotels.com/
We stayed at Rote Wond in Lech, Austria last summer using 50k free night certs. Great base camp for hiking, pool sauna and lounging with Mountain View’s after.
Forget points hotels. Try Sattlerhof in Styria for example. Or Bootshaus on Traunsee. Or if you you must do the Rosemont Vienna. Feel free to ping me if you want to meet up for a drink in or around Vienna. :-)
Surprised you didn't mention Eriro (a few commenters have). After all, it was your post about it last year that first caught my attention. I didn't see any kids when I stayed, but it was all inclusive and excellent all around.
My wife and I stayed at the Blaue Gans in Salzburg- lovely independent hotel in the middle of the Altstadt (around since 1350 according to the website!!). Also highly recommend Freiburg if you find yourself in the Schwarzwald- but no specific hotel recommendations since I lived there a short time!
Conrad Hamburg is very nice and the elite recognition is good.
Look up the Familux chain - several properties in Austria and at least one in central Germany (on the way north to Sylt) - not much good from a miles and points perspective but everything else about them is fabulous for travel with kids - the whole hotel is designed with kids in mind, free flow kids club, bouncy castle park, games rooms, ice cream station - and for the adults excellent cocktail bars, food, super spa, great wine list
If you like Schloss Fuschl, how about the much more affordable Arabella Jagdhof Resort am Fuschlsee?
"Ford is basically now fluent in German (he’s really good at learning languages), and wants to actually spend more time there"
Can you ask Ford to write a post on his language-learning strategies?
"It would be a small inn in the Alps with a dozen rooms, nice design, and not a whole lot else around, while still being kids friendly".
A friend of mine stayed at Eriro (SLH, Austria) over Christmas. While not cheap (neither with cash nor points), it matches perfectly this definition :-)
Traube Tonbach or Schloss Elmau
Might be a bit out of your way but makes a nice break combined with a few days in Vienna:
https://www.blumau.com/
Go to Munich first and stay either at the Mandarin Oriental, the Rosewood, or the Kempinski Vier Jahreszeiten.
Than take a car and drive to Berchtesgaden for some days at Kempinski Berchtesgaden.
At the end spend a couple of nights in Vienna, either at the new Mandarin or the still great Park Hyatt.
Viel Spaß!
Schloss Elmau. Rated #1 hotel in Germany. Similar to Kepinski but much nicer and more of a retreat. Also great for kids! Hiking, mountain biking, Spa, and lots of live music from famous German musicians.
And the hotel staff will tell you every five minutes that they are the #1 rated hotel in Germany. And the most expensive. The place and its staff are so smug it hurts. Beautiful but not worth it.
Henry, please consider yourself removed from my Christmas Card List. Some things one is best advised not to publicise so widely. Let’s keep to ourselves lest the proletariat decide to turn up too …. :-(
The best “off the path” hotels and inns in Germany/Austria aren’t in the travel blogs, and you can’t use credit card points to book them, and you don’t get a free Gary Leff breakfast on the Fiesta Terrace.
In other words, Benjamin: The best experiences are the ones you won’t be able to write about on this site. And maybe for your family, just this once, that’s the way it should be. :)
Agreed!
Did you really just make two accounts just to like your own sanctimonious speech and make it seem like it's anything more than self-aggrandizing? Have you read the blog, Tamar?
Correction: “Gary Leff breakfast trough.”
He’s a thought leader, Y’know!
I would recommend the Interalpen Hotel in Tirol. Amazing scenery, top notch food, small easy hikes, great kids programme, and spa, pool etc galore! Near Innsbruck and Munich so easy access.
Try South Tyrol in Italy - it's German speaking (used to be parrt of Austria) and has fabulous hotels. I've stayed in the Schgaguler Hotel in Kastelruth (part of Design Hotels) and it's honestly one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in (and family friendly).
Stayed in this beautiful, small town, but not this particular hotel. I think this place would match what you are looking for perfectly: https://www.brennseehof.com/en
Go to the Italian Dolomites (Sud Tyrol). Mostly German speaking with Italian food and excellent hotels. Germans don’t believe in air conditioning so summer there will be miserable. Germany and Austria are a shadow of their former glory.
Eriro
There are a number of kinderhotels in the Northern Italy / Western Austria region including Moar Gut, Falkensteiner Lido, Sonnwies that are highly recommended by families with younger kids. I would look into those!
Not in Germany but Stoos Lodge (in the town of Stoos) in Switzerland (ca 1hr drive from zrh with direct flights to GWT) is great with kids. Large indoor playground, many easy hikes. And it's a car free village which makes it special. And you go up there in the steepest funicular of the world. I was there recently with my 3 & 5 yr old and they loved it. No hacks with miles and points though.
We used Hilton points to stay at Hubertus Mountain Refugio Allgau with a 1.5 year old last year. Amazing location, kid friendly but not a lot of kid amenities. The baby loved all the cows in the area
I still can't believe you stayed at Roomers Baden Baden when you could have stayed at the Brenners Park Hotel & Spa which is one of the top hotels in Germany. They also allow you to rent a variety of charming old cars such as a seventies VW convertible super beetle which would be fun to explore the area.
Staudacherhof or Obermuehle in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Tons of hiking, biking and cable cars in that area. Check out Near from Home on YT for things to do there or overall in Germany/Austria.
Sackmann (among several others) in Baiersbronn. They have several Michelin Star restaurants there and several wonderful huts like Wanderhütte Sattelei. It feels like strolling through the Black Forest in the medieval times and coming across a wonderful hut after a long day of travel....
Staudacherhof or Obermuehle in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Tons of hiking, biking and cable cars in that area. Check out Near from Home on YT for things to do there or overall in Germany/Austria.
Sackmann (among several others) in Baiersbronn. They have several Michelin Star restaurants there and several wonderful huts like Wanderhütte Sattelei. It feels like strolling through the Black Forest in the medieval times and coming across a wonderful hut after a long day of travel.
Schwitzers in Waldbronn is another favorite though very small ans limited amenities.
We’re extremely fond of the Goldener Hirsch in Salzburg. It’s a Marriott Luxury Collection hotel.
We are headed there tomorrow for a 3 night stay! Hopefully our train trip from Hallstatt goes smoothly, There's construction along the train route and we have not been notified about any changes by OBB, but I know there is. Our concierge at our hotel call OBB on our behalf and told us what to do.
Goldener Hirsch is amazing! I‘ve just stayed there last weekend.
Check out Tortue in Hamburg. Great location, breakfast, and service.
If you're looking for something charming, why don't you look at a place called Baiersbronn? It's a small city in the Black Forest, not too far from Baden-Baden, they have 15,000 people there and probably the highest Michelin-star-per-capita ratio in the world ;-) Although I personally haven't stayed there (and therefore can't tell you how kid friendly they are), they also have supposedly very nice hotels attached to these restaurants. It's not great from a...
If you're looking for something charming, why don't you look at a place called Baiersbronn? It's a small city in the Black Forest, not too far from Baden-Baden, they have 15,000 people there and probably the highest Michelin-star-per-capita ratio in the world ;-) Although I personally haven't stayed there (and therefore can't tell you how kid friendly they are), they also have supposedly very nice hotels attached to these restaurants. It's not great from a points perspective, I guess, but otherwise it sure is.
Viel Spaß :-)
I also immediately thought of Baiersbronn. "Traube Tonbach" is very child-friendly. They converted a former tennis hall with several courts into an indoor play area for children. For the adults, there is Germany’s best restaurant for >20 years, the "Schwarzwaldstube", as well as another Michelin-starred restaurant.
I also immediately thought of Baiersbronn. "Traube Tonbach" is very child-friendly. They converted a former tennis hall with several courts into an indoor play area for children.
For the adults, there is Germany’s best restaurant for over 20 years, the "Schwarzwaldstube", as well as another Michelin-starred restaurant.
I have stayed at Traube Tonbach and can recommended it very highly. Also Hotel Bareiss in the neighbouring village is highly recommended - though I can only rely on the reports from a relative has I haven't stayed there myself yet.
Check out this hotel in the Italian/Austrian border part of the Adler brand. Ford would get a commision if booked directly through them.
https://www.aki-plose.com/en/
I can highly recommend staying at Stanglwirt if you're heading towards Salzburg. Fantastic hotel and breathtaking scenery!
And sorry, those Adler hotels below are in the Dolomites right by the Austrian border near Innsbruck.
It is Italy, but check out the Adler Hotel and Spa brand. https://www.adler-resorts.com/en/adler-spa-resort-dolomiti/43-0.html
They also have a sister brand and property literally for families like yours that is spa but also very kid centric. https://www.aki-plose.com/en/
Not a points or part of a major consortium brand BUT Ford will get a commission as I do.
Check Dachsteinkonig in Austria. Really great with kids and close to Hallstatt and hiking spots.
How did ford learn german? Course? Book?
I had the same question!
Gruzi! I recommend the Gasthaus Hubertus in Ostallgau. https://www.hubertus-apfeltrang.de/restaurant
Chiemgauhof, on Lake Chiemsee, just outside of Munich.
Your 4 year old speaks 2 languages. Lucky kid! Just awesome. Sorry I am no help for you. It must be fun to visit a country where most people are intelligent.
I recently stayed at the Flesslers Lenggries, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, in Lenggries, Germany. It's definitely not a luxury property by any means, but they have a decent breakfast spread, a nice restaurant and rooftop bar, plus the 1 bedroom suite was reasonably priced and had lots of space.
In terms of location, it was conveniently on the train line from Munich. Lenggries was a small town, at the base of the mountains. There's...
I recently stayed at the Flesslers Lenggries, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, in Lenggries, Germany. It's definitely not a luxury property by any means, but they have a decent breakfast spread, a nice restaurant and rooftop bar, plus the 1 bedroom suite was reasonably priced and had lots of space.
In terms of location, it was conveniently on the train line from Munich. Lenggries was a small town, at the base of the mountains. There's lots of trails in the area, and a mountain that you can take the gondola up.
Otherwise, I think you can do some day road trip from there, into the alps. I'd probably return again, assuming rates are reasonable.
I’ve always had Stanglwirt on my list. Looks like they have kids activities (since there’s a ton for adults too).