8 Best Hotels in The Black Forest, Germany

This stately and exclusive hotel on the Lichtentaler Allee is one of Germany's most celebrated and storied retreats—a favorite of royalty, from Queen Victoria to Czar Alexander II, and their contemporaries— that today features individually decorated rooms and suites with both modern and antique furnishings, good-sized balconies, and grand marble bathrooms. From a romantic escape (book a private spa suite) to a golf getaway, the hotel goes above and beyond to cater to the interests of its well-heeled guests. The Villa Stephanie comprises a five-story spa with saunas, plunge pool, gym, hammam, and treatment rooms overlooking the gardens; it offers various healthcare programs and medical treatments, including a detox retreat for those so inclined, plus rooms and suites for a complete wellness retreat. The Wintergarten restaurant offers German cuisine with a modern twist, while Fritz & Felix serves up eclectic global specialties.

In this charming property right on the lake and just a short drive from the busy town, guests can take a dip in the water from the private beach or relax in the sauna or steam room cleverly built inside wine barrels. Most of the Alpine-style wood-lined guest rooms with beamed ceilings have balconies overlooking the lake. Meals are served in the cozy restaurant downstairs with views onto the lake; dinner features specialties like duck breast with carrots, celery, and pomegranate. The hotel has a small pool inside plus the wine barrel areas outside.

Baden-Baden has plenty of grand and sometimes a tad old-fashioned places to lay your head, so this ultra-modern, design-focused property has updated the hotel game. Sleek rooms feature wood floors, white walls, and muted colors. Though the Superior rooms only have walk-in showers, the Deluxe category and up also include bath tubs. There’s also a well-equipped 24-hour gym, compact spa with hammam, steam bath, sauna, and whirlpool, and a small pool on the roof. Moriki restaurant serves Asian-fusion cuisine for lunch and dinner, and the rooftop bar affords lovely forest views.

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.

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.

An imposing cluster of white houses in the narrow Murg Valley north of Baiersbronn, this country-style hotel, partially renovated in 2021, has broad appeal: wellness-seekers can take advantage of the spa facilities, gourmands can try the Michelin-starred restaurant, and sightseers can use this as a base for exploring much of the Black Forest. Comfortable guest rooms and two restaurants under the leadership of one of Germany's finest chefs, Jörg Sackmann, and his son Nico, round off a luxurious program. Rates include breakfast, light lunch, and a six-course dinner.

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.