Best Luxury Hotels in Germany

Immerse in nature when you stay at this Bavarian-style property, a former equestrian centre set among the Chiemgau Alps. While its midcentury exterior is traditional, the design-forward interiors of this hotel boast brushed wood finishings, soft leather furnishings, burnished brass hardware from a local blacksmith and pieces from B&B Italia. There are three restaurants; the White Stag, the Hubertushütte and the artful two Michelin-starred es:senz by Chef Edip Sigl. Das Achental hosts one of the Leading Golf Clubs of Germany and a 2,000 square-metre wellness area with reclaimed wood, slate stone and Austrian stone pine saunas, and a classic steam bath.

This five-star urban resort is found on the Sonwik waterfront with marina views. Its highlight is a gleaming 2,000 m² wellness retreat – SPA Five Senses – spread over three levels with an indoor pool and an outdoor rooftop infinity pool for adults only, four saunas and a separate junior spa area for kids. This, along with multiple bedded suites, childcare, a kids’ kitchen and a games room, makes it a hit with families. While couples love the many wining and dining options. Bedrooms have coffee machines, and cosmetics by Team Dr. med. Joseph, plush textiles, knitted throws, Scandi lighting and herringbone wooden floors, for a retro-modern effect.

Embedded into the medieval quarter of the city, this design hotel brings a blend of sleek modern lines and nods to times past. Owner Hans Georg Näder has brought his personal passions (art and travel) into the decor, with handpicked furnishings from across the globe and interiors by Anja Müller. The building’s original rustic timber beams and open fireplaces remain, creating a guest house feel, with 59 bedrooms, a restaurant, wine cellar and bar. Zum Löwen boasts one of the most inviting pools in the land with a naturalistic but dramatic lighting design. It’s part of the hotel’s spa, Bains Douches, along with a salt-lined room.

A hotel inspired by the bathing culture of the Orient, Vitalhotel Alter Meierhof is an indulgent and pampering experience. A huge heated indoor-outdoor pool provides views across to Denmark; there’s also a tepidarium, meditative sauna, aroma and steam baths, rasul and hammam ceremonies. The ambience and decor in the property are deeply elegant, with its 54 bedrooms created in a country house style. Breakfast in the gourmet brasserie, which also serves homemade patisserie in summer on the beach terrace. Grab a healthy lunch at the spa’s Vitalbar. Dine on modern French dishes at the two Michelin star Meierei Dirk Luther, or at the Spanish-themed Bodega, by night. And finish your day with a fireside nightcap in the lobby bar.

Arty and bohemian, this property is found in the Sartorius Quarter. A meeting place for creatives (by candlelight on Moorish-style floor couches), the former factory has been redesigned by Frank Kassner, in collaboration with Georg Rosentreter and Lina Freund. As such, industrial-chic reigns across the 123 bedrooms, with polished concrete, lattice windows, black steel and corrugated iron, offset by upcycled antiques, graffiti, burnt larch headboards, oiled oak floors, and original stone tiles from Italy. The East of Italy restaurant serves Mediterranean-meets-Levantine cuisine and the Weights & Measures bar provides beautifully presented signature beverages.

Dating back to 1876, this 303-bedroom hotel spread over six floors is somewhat of a grande dame in the city. A fountain outside and a gleaming lobby with chandeliers inside, greet arriving guests. The Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof’s Restaurant Francais is Michelin-starred, with a terrace open during warmer months, plus there’s Breeze by Lebua serving Pan-Asian food, a cigar lounge, a cocktail bar and a further restaurant, Hofgarten. The in-house spa at the five-star residence is huge, with a private suite for couples, a hammam and a fitness area. Its central location ensures all the major sites are walkable.

Foodies should book one of 50 rooms (each with adjustable mood-pad lighting) at La Maison, with its double Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Sebastian Sandor offers frequently changing menus crafted from organic and rare ingredients at Louis. There’s also Pastis in the winter garden for food, where guests can tuck into bistro fare beneath stylish artworks and copper pan light installations. The seductive French redesign of the period building was carried out by CBAG.studio, with two wings (each with its own personality) added to an original mansion house — the latter housing the hotel’s suites.

Found in the district of Zeil, JW Marriott’s location is ideal for those wishing to indulge in some retail therapy, as well as being under half a mile away from historic attractions. Its design has been inspired by the concept of mindfulness, encouraging a meditative ambience. Its restaurant, Max On One, has an open show kitchen, while its Ember Bar & Lounge is the place for a quick snack or some caffeine. Serene, modern bedrooms provide floor-to-ceiling views across the city’s skyline. And there’s a Fitness First gym and pool for those wishing to take some exercise (available to those aged 14 and over).

Stay just a little out of the city, in the standalone Germania Campus, a former brewery site, reimagined as a place to eat, drink and sleep. The Factory Hotel’s 128 56 metre square bedrooms and 16 suites are found in a new wing, providing peace and quiet away from the buzzier parts of the destination. Modern and minimalist with lots of concrete, polished steel and exposed brick walls, the warehouse architecture has been embraced. Guests can eat in the Dadi Brasserie or in the Spanish La Tapia bar, with breakfast taken in the Seaside, indoors or out.

Far enough from the centre to afford peace and quiet, yet near enough to walk into the town, the Grand Hotel is well set up for travellers seeking to unwind. Some of its 127 rooms and suites have balconies, all have forest or sea views, minibars and robes. Book Thai massages and Ayurvedic treatments (which use oils and herbal remedies from India), join a medically designed fasting programme, take a yoga class, swim against the current in the indoor pool, or take little ones for a dip in the children’s pool. The hotel offers dosha (Ayurvedic) and diet-friendly meals in the main restaurant to complement the wellness programmes.

Embracing the island’s traditional style, this Severins Resort boasts the longest continuous thatched roof in Europe. Perched right on the Wadden Sea in the town of Keitum, it’s popular with families; Severins has a kids’ club and welcomes pets, providing their own concierge, an outdoor pet shower, bowls and beds. The boutique hotel offers 10 bedroom categories, five apartment houses and two restaurants: Tipken’s and Hoog, as well as a bar, a Smoking Lounge and a Wine Cellar. A 2,000 m² spa comprises treatment suites, a fireside indoor pool, five themed saunas, a fitness suite and a cafe.

Part of the legendary and very luxurious Four Seasons portfolio, this sumptuous hotel does not disappoint. This historic hotel originally opened its doors in 1858 and was once one of the city’s most modern establishments as it boasted gas lighting and hot water. Although times and expectations from guests have moved on significantly, this hotel is still committed to being at the top of its class. The hotel is located at the Maximilianstrasse and there are 67 large and very luxurious suites for guests to choose from. Unwinding on the huge balcony and taking in the views of the cityscape is a great way to unwind, while the indoor swimming pool is an elegant place to splash around.