20 Best Hotels on Lake Constance

  Lake Constance, the third-largest lake in Central Europe, borders Austria, Germany and Switzerland, its waters framed by the alps. Obviously, watersports take centre stage here, with innumerable opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and romantic boat rides across the serene waters. But there's so much else. You'll see rolling vineyards on the foothills all around. Clifftop castles, like those of Altes Schloss and the Baroque Neues Schloss. Medieval towns like Uberlingen, and an 8th century church on the German shore at Wasserburg's castle. Plenty of people come for the annual summer music festival at Bregenz, the Festspielbuehne — a fabulous opera festival with a floating stage. Serene, enchanting and full of things to do, it's great for romantic breaks and family holidays. The best hotels on Lake Constance reflect this, ranging from spa hotels set in serene surroundings to luxury 400-year-old lakeside stays.

For a relaxing family holiday

• Landhotel Fischerhaus is a great option for families, s family run hotel set amidst gardens by Lake Constance. Families should book one of the poolside apartments. The property has pedalos to borrow, a heated swimming pool and wellness area with gym, sauna and hot tub. Lovely for all ages.
• Schloss Wartegg is a destination in its own right, a sort of local mecca for solo musicians and choirs who often come to perform. This old castle sits on the banks of Lake Constance on its Swiss side, with gorgeously renovated contemporary rooms and custom-designed family suites, and Michelin recommended restaurant, all set within a charming English landscaped park. Charming.

For relaxation

• Kressbronn am Bodensee's beach is just a 10-minute walk from Boutique Hotel Friesinger. Individually designerd rooms are modern, spacious and chic, many with balconies or private garden area. An excellent restaurant seals the deal.
• Romantik Hotel Residenz am See, a gorgeous hotel perfect for a stylish short break, is located in Meersburg on the banks of Lake Constance. Not only is there a pampering spa, two award-winning restaurants, and a fabulous wine cellar, but the lake and mountain views from the balconies are enchanting.
• Hotel Spiegel Garni is primed for relaxation, a charming family-run hotel in the heart of Lindau with traditional rooms. It's a simple stay, offering great value for money, and makes a lovely base from which to explore the charms of Lindau, from the market to the lighthouse.
• Hotel Montfort Schlossle is situated just outside Lindau and overlooks Lake Constance. It's a peaceful country house surrounded by trees with simple but stylish accommodation (including apartments which are perfect for families) pretty gardens and honesty bar. No restaurant, but plenty of recommendations from the owners!

For lakeside chic

• If you want something chic, check out Hotel City Krone in Friedrichshafen. It's a large modern property with minimalist rooms are only 50 metres from Lake Constance.
• Hotel Schwarzler in Bregenz is further away from Lake Constance than the other hotels on this list — roughly 25 minutes away on foot. But the draw of this stylish, contemporary hotel isn't its location: its everything else! The calming, minimalist rooms, the small but pampering spa, and the covered balconies, affording gorgeous views. If you're coming for the Festspielbuehne opera festival, you're in luck — the hotel offers a free shuttle to and from the festival.
• Hotel Gasthof Lamm is a great choice if you're coming to Lake Constance for the Bregenz Music Festival, as this stylish hotel is just a 15 minute walk away. The chic rooms and organic restaurant of this effortlessly cool hotel are just a 3 minute walk from Lake Constance.
• Grand Hotel Bregenz is another stylish option, particularly if you want to play at the Casino Bregenz, which it stands next to. Contemporary room offer floor-to-ceiling windows and bright pops of colour, plus there's a gym, sauna and good French restaurant.

For couples

• Villa Seeschau perches on a vine-covered hill in Meersburg overlooking Lake Constance, a charming adults-only boutique hotel with elegant rooms, a hot tub and a peaceful garden. An intimate and romantic choice.
• Hotel Adara is in the lovely old town of Lindau, on a quiet historic square. Couples will love the smart rooms' blend of period furnishings and contemporary comforts, and the restaurant — and, of course, the hot tub!
• If you want contemporary style in a working vineyard, look no further: Burgunderhof has everything you need. Chic boutique rooms, spectacular views of lake and mountains, in-room hot tubs and a gorgeous pool surrounded by the very vines you may well be drinking. Just 10 minutes from Lake Constance.
• Pension am Bodensee is on the shores of the lake, most of the rooms boasting lake views from their large balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. This adults-only getaway is right on the beach, with a palm-tree-lined garden, koi pool, and beach sauna. A little patch of heaven!

For gourmands

• Mammertsberg is a traditional country house overlooking the lake, set amidst rolling countryside. The restaurant is something of a local favourite, with its award-winning cuisine, and the suites are chic and modern.
• A hidden oasis on the banks of Lake Constance, Hotel Riva, in Konstanz, gives you some of the best lake views — not only from the elegant rooms, but from the pool, and the two Michelin-star restaurant. It's wonderfully placed for gently exploring the area, being just a 5-minute walk from Peterhausen Abbey. Seriously spoiling!
• Villino is fabulous, a beautiful hotel on a vine-covered ridge overlooking Lake Constance. Gourmands will love the infamously lavish wine cellar, the award-winning Michelin starred cuisine, and the cooking lessons.

For a historic property

• If you're looking for something historic, Hotel Messmer is the one for you. It's been running for the last 400 years! But don't let its traditional exterior fool you; the rooms are chic, and there's a wellness room perfect for rejuvenation. The bike hire makes exploring the area seamless, and the restaurant is fab.

For a Spa hotel

• Fritsch am Berg isn't just a four-star luxury hotel; it's an adults-only wellness retreat too. The views alone are restorative, whether you're drinking in the sights of the Rhine Valley, Allgäu or Lake Constance. Obviously, the spa takes centre stage here, alongside the mindfulness centre, but the chic, modern, glass-built rooms are equally spirit-replenishing.
• Oberwaid Hotel is another wellness retreat (a favourite of celebrities and footballers no less!), a sleek, contemporary hotel high in the hills above Lake Constance. Even the architecture promotes wellness, — it's inspired by the Tau symbol. Expect stunning panormas, a massive Hammam and Swedish sauna.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include ALL the best hotels on Lake Constance
• Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.