The best hotels in Germany

Modern Germany stands as Europe's economic powerhouse, seamlessly blending progressive culture with deep-rooted traditions. This remarkable nation captivates visitors with its striking contrasts: gleaming financial centres rise alongside medieval castles, cutting-edge museums neighbour striking cathedrals, and vast forests stretch beyond lively cities. From Berlin’s edgy cultural hotspots to the mountainous marvels of beautiful Bavaria, this is an endlessly fascinating country — and one offering a staggering array of accommodation options. The best places to stay in Germany reflect the country’s diversity, perfect for a whole host of tastes and budgets, from chic little B&Bs to five star luxury hotels and resorts.

Some of our Germany Collections:

• Top Castle Hotels in Germany
• Best Family Hotels in Germany
• Best Resort Hotels in Germany

Berlin is undoubtedly amongst the world’s most captivating capitals. Once divided, this marvellous metropolis now thrums with artistic energy and has long been one of the country's most popular destinations. Munich, on the other hand, charms visitors with is Bavarian warmth and buzzing beer gardens, whilst sophisticated Düsseldorf will delight art aficionados and keen shoppers. Hamburg, the country’s largest port, promises cosmopolitan style and a proud history of maritime trade, whilst Frankfurt’s glittering skyscrapers reflect its position as Germany’s commercial capital.

Beyond Germany’s cities lie a plethora of natural wonders. Hike and mountain bike through the enormous Black Forest, admire the vine-clad slopes of the Rhine Valley, or kick back in pretty spa towns with restorative thermal baths and hearty regional cuisine. Up in the mountains, you’ll find bird-spotting and hiking opportunities aplenty, as well as gorgeous lakes for summertime swimming, boat trips, fishing and kayaking. The country’s smaller cities and towns — like beautiful Cologne — are home to many of the best places to stay in Germany, and brilliant for arts and culture-focused long weekends.

The Best Places to Stay in Germany

For Old Town Charm

• Goldener Anker is a beautiful 18th-century townhouse in the heart of Bayreuth, with elegant en-suite bedrooms and an excellent gourmet restaurant. Sumptuous interiors feature patterned red and cream wallpapers and big wooden beds, some of which are four-posters. A great cafe and bicycle rental service add to the appeal. A charming traditional hotel.
• Hotel Anno 1216, tucked in a well-preserved 14th-century building in Lübeck, will delight romantics and heritage buffs. High ceilings — some with baroque frescoes — sash windows and parquet flooring enhance the sense of timeless elegance. There are just 11 guest rooms, and generous organic breakfasts are served each morning. An old town favourite.

For Romance

• Schlosshotel im Grunewald, a former courtier's palace transformed by Karl Lagerfeld into an opulent 53-room retreat, sits slightly out of Berlin. Expect a fusion of historic elements like marble fireplaces and mahogany panelling with contemporary fuchsia damask and monochrome art. An indoor pool, hot tubs, gym, spa, garden, and two excellent restaurants complete the romantic appeal.
• Libertine Lindenberg fuses sleek design features and a mellow palette of blush pinks and soft greys to create elegant and inviting pared-back rooms. With superb city views and a buzzy cocktail bar hidden behind a classical facade, this is a romantic base for a stylish trip to Frankfurt.
• Beyond by Geisel is a lavish boutique bolthole with just 19 indulgent rooms and suites in Munich. Atmospheric lighting and elegant modern furnishings create a wonderfully sophisticated sense of style, completed by en-suites with sink-into bathtubs. A romantic hotel with views of the grand town hall and private chefs ready to whip up delicious dinners.
• Heidelberg Suites, perched just across the famous Old Bridge from Heidelberg's old town and castle, is gorgeous. Think elegant modern interiors in a sleek cream and black palette, with big cosy beds, sink-into armchairs, black-framed mirrors and painted beams. The river views are sensational, as are the rooftop bar, superb spa and unusual gourmet restaurant, which sits on a boat. Hugely romantic.

For Foodies

• Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin's legendary luxury hotel, has 382 elegant, classical guest rooms. Foodies will be thrilled by the gourmet Lorenz Adlon restaurant, which is well worth booking in advance. The exceptional spa offers massages, saunas and steam baths, and the hotel's central setting is superb.
• Ratshotel is an elegant boutique bolthole in Haltern am See's old town, with simple yet comfortable contemporary guestrooms. The big draw is the Michelin-starred Ratsstuben restaurant, where Chef-owner Daniel Georgiev fuses top seasonal produce with international influences to create innovative set menus. There are over 300 labels on the wine list. A sensational foodie experience.
• Das Freiberg is simple and intimate, whilst also offering luxurious rooms and suites, many of which have private balconies with mesmerising views. The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant is a significant draw; it showcases innovative dishes using fresh Bavarian produce. A boutique favourite for foodies.
• Schwarzer Adler Hotel is a charming property with 14 inviting guest rooms set above a Michelin-starred restaurant in Vogtsburg. Foodies will delight in savouring exquisite French cuisine paired with wines from the hotel's own vineyard and further afield. Chef Christian Baur cooks up a storm in a classic setting — this family-owned gem has had a Michelin star since 1969.

For Five Star Urban Luxury

• Breidenbacher Hof is a sensational five-star hotel with a classic feel. Interiors fuse vintage and contemporary elements, and there's a serene spa with indoor pool as well as a gorgeous gourmet brasserie and elegant bar. A luxurious choice with panoramic views over Düsseldorf's old town. 
• Hotel Europäischer Hof is a five-star extravaganza of glittering chandeliers, opulent gold and cream textiles, and heavy curtains. The Panorama Spa is dazzling, and the gourmet restaurant is a foodie favourite. A lavish luxury hotel for a memorable city break to heavenly Heidelberg.

For a Rural Retreat

• Seehotel Überfahrt is a gorgeous lakeside gem in Rottach-Egern. Sophisticated rooms and suites are decorated in cream tones and come with private lake-view balconies. Two swimming pools, a spoiling spa, gourmet cuisine and a plethora of outdoor activities await. Modern alpine luxury for romantics.
• Relais Chalet Wilhelmy is a charming chalet surrounded by hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as the water sports of Lake Tegernsee. Recently restored guest rooms feature floral walls in soft pastel tones, and sink-into beds overlooking the gardens. With a swimming pool, delicious regional restaurant and verdant grounds, this is a lovely family-run base for couples, friends or families.
• Parkhotel Wasserburg Anholt sits within 42 hectares of landscaped grounds near Isselburg. An immensely impressive property with traditional guest rooms featuring antique furnishings, chintz wallpapers and exposed wooden beams, this is a top spot for heritage buffs. The smart, lake-facing restaurant specialises in regional cuisine. A brilliant rural hotel.
• Burgunderhof, in lovely Meersburg, promises brilliant views of the lake and mountains from chic guest rooms with four-poster beds and balconies, the best with in-room whirlpool tubs for two. A vibrant vineyard retreat, this romantic spot will delight keen foodies and contemporary art aficionados. The restaurant champions locally grown produce — and the estate's own wines.
• Schloss Eberstein is a stunning 13th-century castle with its own vineyards on a verdant hillside above the Murg Valley. A beautiful destination for romantics, this elegant hotel combines classic charm with all the mod-cons in rooms with big beds, dazzling views and smart bathrooms. Dine in style in the romantic Michelin-starred restaurant, host an unforgettable intimate wedding, or explore the vast landscapes of the Black Forest on foot or by bicycle.

For Families

• Hotel Landhaus an de Dün in St Peter Ording has the feel of a classic coastal hotel, with comfortable rooms and suites, an indoor pool and wellness centre, and a relaxed restaurant. With the beach just moments away and activities aplenty in the area, this is an easygoing family favourite.
• Schwabinger Wahrheit by Geisel, in Munich's beautiful, leafy Schwabinger, is a chic, contemporary hotel with 80 rooms and suites and a real sense of Scandi minimalism. The bunk rooms are very affordable, and great for groups of friends travelling together, whilst family suites make city breaks with kids comfortable and easy. There's an on-site sauna, shared terrace spaces and good breakfasts.
• Hotel Fuchsbau, just minutes from the beach in Timmendorfer Strand, has light, airy interiors with wooden floors and a sense of minimalist chic. Brilliant for families, the hotel has a big swimming pool, pampering spa and fantastic dining options. Activities abound.

For Great Value

• The Niu Tab is an affordable central hotel in Düsseldorf with pared-back modern interiors. Rooms are clad in grey and white, with industrial-style lighting and occasional pops of warm green or dusky pink. The bar is a sociable hub, with fabulous drinks and a hip urban vibe. 
• Hotel 1690, a simple, design-led B&B housed in a heritage property, is a wonderful base for exploring Rendsburg. Guest rooms and studios — some with kitchenettes — have polished wooden floors, cosy beds with crisp white linens and monochromatic interiors. Hearty breakfasts are available, and families are welcome. Also great value.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY HOUSE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Depending on your destination, fly to Berlin Tegel Airport, Munich Airport, Düsseldorf Airport, Frankfurt Airport, Cologne Bonn Airport or Stuttgart Airport. Most airports are well-connected by public transport to their respective cities and regions. Germany's railway network is also great, and you'll find it swift and simple to travel between hubs by train. 
• Rural Germany is also great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Germany is a year-round destination. The summer months are brilliant for open-air festivals, lake swims and long evenings in bustling beer gardens, though you'll find fewer crowds and great hotel deals in the spring and autumn. Hiking through forests of red, orange and yellow leaves is also very special! Travel in December for gorgeous Christmas Markets, complete with live music and moreish Glüwhein. 

Still not sure?

• Browse though our list of all the best places to stay in Berlin.
• Widen the net to look through our choices of the best places to stay in Switzerland or Austria.
• Alternatively, feel free to contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.