3 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.

A model of comfort and gracious hospitality, this historical hotel in Hirsau, 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 Maultaschen (meat-filled dumplings) and Schwäbischer Rostbraten (panfried beefsteak topped with sautéed onions).

Rooms at this hotel-restaurant 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.