Well, that’s it then. The long awaited long weekend in a luxury spa & gourmet hotel. All over.
the hotel
It was a present for my last birthday. One with a “0” at the end.
I had my share of 5 star and luxury places during a decade of intensive business travel. Hilton, Intercontinental – the works. All very enjoyable, but the other inhabitants often left a lot to be desired.
So I was unsure how much I’d enjoy another luxury experience, especially in Germany where I’d found the atmosphere in top hotels to be pretty formal.
It turned out great. Very professional service from the staff, but relaxed and friendly with it… from reception, to the bar and restaurant.
Hofenstetten – the nearby village
The food was a real highlight. We had 3 dinners in the regular restaurant – superb. A big emphasis on top quality local produce. Pike, venison, zander, asparagus… I ate a few things for the first time – spined loach, for one. The ugliest fish ever?
Highlight of the highlights was the Eisvogel restaurant in the hotel – a Michelin star place. Just superb.
classy
I don’t think this marks a move upmarket by your blogger, but you never know…
Sadly, our visit coincided with the 5 days of rain which resulted in massive floods in Bavaria, north east Germany, the Czech Republic & Austria. We weren’t affected, apart from being disappointed by the weather.
Karlovy Vary in the rain
It’s a lovely part of Bavaria, so a good excuse to go back!
Schwanndorf
© iain taylor 2013