Best Luxury Hotels in Germany
It boasts some of the coolest cities around, with creative street art, quirky flotation spas, unique brutalist architecture and risque nightlife. But it’s also home to chocolate-box villages, fairytale castles, Hansel and Gretel forests, classy seaside resorts and majestic mountain ranges. Germany’s Christmas markets and Alpine snowscapes make it a go-to winter break. Yet with warm (but not uncomfortably hot) temperatures, abundant alfresco culinary culture, sandy beaches and lake-swimming opportunities, it’s also a superb alternative summer holiday destination for travellers. And with convenient air and rail transport links, making a trip here is stress-free.
Sylt, List
A-ROSA Sylt
Found in the town of Lyst, A-Rosa is especially handy for those arriving by ferry. Close to the beach’s dunes, it features a sheltered outdoor pool surrounded by loungers with sea views for glamorous summer days. At SPA-ROSA, six different saunas are infused with individual aromas, there’s an indoor pool and a programme of fitness activities. The Fish Club is the property’s urban maritime eatery, specialising in fruits of the adjacent sea and there’s a buffet restaurant. Sip on nutrient-packed smoothies at Vitalbar, cappuccinos in Life-Style Bar and late-night fireside cocktails in the Library.
Germany, Gutleutviertel
Roomers Frankfurt Central, Autograph Collection
Roomers Frankfurt Legend, a member of Design Hotels, is a uniquely decorated haven in the city with 116 beds. Each of the stylish guestrooms and suites offer comfort and style with a unique, relaxing ambience and range from 19 to 70sqm to suit every need and desire. An unexpected fusion of international cuisines is the signature of the on-site Burbank Restaurant while the award-winning Roomers Bar is a cosy space for socialising and enjoying a taste of luxury. There is a fully equipped spa and gym facility which boasts a stunning view of the city while being a sanctuary away from the bustling metropolis. Roomers Frankfurt features five lavish event spaces for any occasion with the additional option of hosting private functions in the restaurant, bar, and suite. Be sure to keep an eye on the lavish specials and packages available to enhance your experience and make your stay memorable.
Nordrhein-Westfalen, Bergisch Gladbach
Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg
On a hillside offering impressive views across the city, this baroque castle is a truly grand setting for your stay. Several centuries old, it has period features as well as contemporary luxuries like in-suite jacuzzis. Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg boasts a two Michelin starred restaurant, Vendôme, by Chef Joachim Wissler, as well as the Mediterranean eatery Trattoria Enoteca and Restaurant Jan Wellem for your breakfast buffet. There’s also a 1,000-square-meter 4 Elements Spa, a swimming pool and a chapel (if you fancy tying the knot while you’re here). And there’s a 72-par golf club just minutes away.
North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf, Stadtmitte
Breidenbacher Hof Düsseldorf
Set in the heart of Dusseldorf’s downtown district, the Breidenbacher Hof Düsseldorf has established a strong reputation for being one of the best hotels in the whole of Europe. This elegant establishment boasts just 79 rooms and 16 spacious suites for guests to choose from, which helps to create an intimate yet very refined atmosphere. Lovers of fine dining can enjoy an excellent range of traditional German dishes at the onside restaurant, while the indoor swimming pool is the perfect place to unwind.
North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne, Altstadt-Nord
Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Standing right opposite the cathedral (and the station, making it handy for rail travellers), this five-storey 19th-century townhouse is a refined setting to relax after a day’s sightseeing. Unwind in the spa, or with a drink in the cigar lounge, to the sound of live piano music. Excelsior’s Michelin-starred restaurant Taku is a draw, serving an east Asian menu, plus you can sample French fine cuisine at Hanse Stube, take tea in the Winter Garden drawing room and dine al fresco in the courtyard. The hotel’s decor weaves together antique pieces with contemporary textiles, to a sophisticated effect.
Baden-Württemberg, Freudenstadt
Fritz Lauterbad
A lifestyle design hotel, the Fritz Lauterbad is oh so cool. An angular, modern and black wood-clad exterior with lots of glass for prime forest views, gives way to sleek modern studios. Although the approach to furniture is designer minimal, all of the cleverly arranged accommodations include comfy seating areas, workspaces, big luxe floating-style beds and balconies. Natural materials are used throughout, including the 1000 sqm wellness area, which offers clear views of the Swabian Alb. here you can take a yoga class, follow a health programme, or simply chill out and tuck into some fresh, regional cuisine.
Bavaria, Elmau
Schloss Elmau
A longtime haven for artists and writers, this castle (a National Monument) was erected in 1916. Since then it has hosted a G7 summit as well as 220 annual concerts and literary events. The food offer is Michelin-starred with French and Japanese dining courtesy of chef Christoph Rainer at Luce D’Oro and many other eateries dotted around the expansive site. Deep in the Elmau Valley, Schloss Elmau now includes a newer wing, accommodating many of the suites, a spa, a yoga pavilion and a library. There’s also a kids club and a huge bookshop.
Baden-Württemberg, Bad Peterstal-Griesbach
Hotel Dollenberg
This Relais and Chateaux property certainly ramps up the fairytale feel of the Black Forest. It’s like a picture postcard; a traditional mountain style chalet building, bursting with colourful floral window boxes. The food is simply divine – so much so, that it’s gained two Michelin stars – and is based on the Baden terroir with a focus on the elements. Chef Martin Herrmann is at the helm of the Gourmet Restaurant Le Pavillion and guests have the option to enjoy a unique and magical dining experience, served in a forest clearing. Classically decorated rooms with a regal air, have minibars, balconies and king-sized beds as standard.
Hessen, Königstein im Taunus
Falkenstein Grand, Autograph Collection
Opt for the Falkenstein Grand if you’re seeking a wellness break in an area that’s steeped in history. The holistic health resort offers treatments based on nature’s bounty in its Ascara Spa, such as wraps, scrubs and massages, with in-room options available. You’ll also be able to swim in the outdoor pool, take a sauna, join a fitness class and work out in the gym. Choose from one of 112 bedrooms including singles, or an apartment that’s perfect for longer stays. Suites include penthouses with views reaching to Frankfurt. Rustic and hearty homemade dishes are served up at Landgut Falkenstein.
Hansestadt Hamburg, Hamburg, Rothenbaum
The Fontenay
Boasting a stunning lakeside location, the Fontenay is likely to appeal to people who have a flair for the flamboyant. This elegant and uber-luxurious hotel showcases plenty of dramatic features that really makes it stand out from the crowd. Guests will want to ensure that they choose one of the suites that looks out over Lake Alster and the spacious balconies that adjoin these suites are the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the city. The Fonteray Spa is the ideal place to relax in style and guests will be able to make full use of the infinity pool, while this leading hotel is also famous for its excellent dining opportunities.
Lower-Saxony, Bremen, Walle
Steigenberger Hotel Bremen
Perched on the river bank in the new Weser district, the Steigenberger Hotel accommodates 137 bedrooms including two suites and two family rooms. A waterside terrace and the bistro are charming places to dine, although a short walk along the promenade will also give you an excellent choice of eateries. The hotel is close to the Coffee Quarter, the GOP Varieté-Theater and a 15-minute stroll to the Old Town. Its entire seventh floor is given over to the wellness centre, where you’ll find a steam bath, the bio sauna and a Finnish sauna with far-reaching views.
Baden-Württemberg, Baden-Baden
Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa
This is the flagship five-star property of the Oetker Collection, an enchanting riverside idyll in pastoral surroundings. Many come for the huge Villa Stéphanie Spa & Wellbeing, located within the grounds that offer medical, as well as therapeutic treatments. A large pool overlooks the garden and plush rooms – many with balconies and terraces, all with pillow and blanket menus – are decorated to reflect the building’s 19th-century heritage. The dining offer is also a major draw, with Brenners Restaurant boasting two Michelin stars, Rive Gauche located in the park and The Wintergarten serving local cuisine.