12 Best Hotels in The Black Forest, Germany

The building dates to 1561, and the Schüssler family, now in its fourth generation as hoteliers, know how to make visitors feel welcome; you could spend an entire afternoon and evening here sampling the food and enjoying the serene atmosphere even if you don't stay overnight in the comfortable guest rooms. Choose between the terrace or the dining room, trying the wines and enjoying, say, a fillet of wild salmon in a horseradish crust, a boar's roast, or some lighter asparagus creation (in season).

Guests have been welcomed here for more than 350 years, but the comforts inside the inn's old walls are contemporary, if simple. Each renovated room includes hiking backpacks and poles for guests to use during their stay; there's also a private sauna that can be reserved. The kitchen creates splendid trout specialties and plays up seasonal dishes, such as asparagus in May and June and mushrooms from the valley in autumn. The terrace is a favorite for hikers passing through, as are the various snacks.

Between the main square and the train station, this hotel is comprised of two buildings: one modern with glass features and one historic section, each with comfortable, affordable rooms. While the older-style rooms are carpeted, the modern rooms have wood floors, large bright-colored bathrooms, and balconies. The restaurant provides a hearty meal with local dishes, including the Alsatian tart, Flammkuchen, a thin flatbread topped with cream, bacon, and onions.

This handy hotel, with a waterfall and a statue of a "friendly dragon" in the lobby, is just across the road from the entrance to Europa-Park; the newest rooms, while simple, are contemporary and inviting and come in a range of sizes, including a family room with bunk beds. It's also only 300 yards from a nature preserve and swimming area, and guests can park there free. Though there are no formal restaurants on-site, the Street Food Market offers food and drinks all day long.

A model of comfort and gracious hospitality, this historical hotel in Hirsau, just a quick drive or bus ride 3 km (2 miles) from Calw, has charming rooms, a commendable restaurant, an indoor pool, and proximity to lovely Black Forest walks. The restaurant serves such regional specialties as Schwäbischer Rostbraten (pan-fried beefsteak topped with sautéed onions).

Rooms at this characterful hotel are very comfortable, and some have balconies overlooking the famous waterfall. The old post-and-beam restaurant, with its blue-tile Kachelöfen, attracts people of all types with its affordable regional specialties. Try the fresh Forelle (trout), either steamed or "Gasthof-style" (in the pan), garnished with mushrooms.

This hotel's pleasantly modern rooms are on the sunny side of the cobblestone cathedral square and marketplace, and some rooms have beautiful views of the cathedral's flying buttresses. An older building has been renovated in a sustainable manner, with airy rooms in neutral colors with bursts of metallic wallpaper. The kitchen serves typical Badische cuisine, including fresh game and fish and a few vegetarian options; tables are set out in the square in summer.

Located in a former mint in the Old Town's pedestrian zone, this family-run hotel has contemporary-style rooms with dark-wood floors and cool white walls and bed linens, and there's a two-room family suite in the attic with a balcony overlooking the Münster and Old Town. Despite its thin walls, it's a charming choice close to both a parking garage and public transportation. It also has a well-regarded contemporary restaurant, Jacobi.

A small, family-run hotel in the city center features helpful service and delicate touches that lend the modern place warmth. Renovated (though carpeted) rooms are simple and tasteful, with a woodsy orange-and-brown color scheme and spacious bathrooms.

This century-old building near the train station has seen a lot of writers come through its historic doors, and editions signed by visiting authors—including Teju Cole, children's illustrator Janosch, and Alice Schwarzer—line the halls. During redecorations, management dedicated a room to each of the authors, with copies of their books inside and a poem hung on the wall. A copper dome and stone balconies overlooking a park contribute to the comfortable feel.

This large mansion, which dominates the town center, has a wisteria-covered facade, steep eaves, and individually furnished, wood-accented rooms. The hotel offers some pleasant touches such as fresh flowers, and there are a spa, pool, and fitness facility on-site. The Ochsenstube serves dishes such as duck breast with three types of noodles and a sauce of oranges, pears, and truffles; the Alte Schmiede tends toward specialties from Baden, such as trout.