Best Boutique Hotels in Germany

If you’d rather be a little further out of the city, choose the Waldhotel. Located in the countryside surrounded by woods and forests, you can hear birds singing and have direct access to green space – the ample grounds include a tennis court and jogging track for breathing in the ozone. Or if you prefer to take it easy, there’s a relaxation area with a Finnish sauna and samarium. 94 comfy bedrooms cater for everyone; from single and business travellers to families needing larger shared spaces. There are three dining spaces; the sophisticated Restaurant Finch, a sun terrace flanked by manicured gardens and Hotel Bar No. 18.

Built at the turn of the 20th century, this lakefront property is ideal for those wishing to sail, hit the beach or play golf at the nearby Benniksgaard Club. Independently owned, it features individually designed rooms – some with balconies and water views. Dine on the terrace at sunset as you watch passing boats and tuck into French-style cuisine from chef patron Eicke Steinort (who previously worked under Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester). Guests can also feast on seven and eight-course tasting menus with Der Steinort, a culinary journey offered at its signature restaurant, The Stone Palace.

Book one of 60 bedrooms (all with balconies) at this oceanside, family-run residence. It has a nautical vibe; some spaces have porthole-style windows, the colour palette is evocative of sand and sea, and floors have been engineered to look like ships’ decks. Hotel Am Meer & Spa has a pool, a fitness centre, an infrared cabin, three saunas and treatments using Clarins and Ligne St Barth products. The bayside Meerbar restaurant has lovely views, as does the rooftop Blue Moon Lounge. And wherever you are in the building, you’re only ever steps from the beach, where you can recline on a hotel lounger.