One thing I’ve learned in my travels, chain hotels can be somewhat impersonal. Yes, they have impeccable service, and it’s nice knowing what to expect…. but sometimes you want something that doesn’t look like everything else. I love staying somewhere a little fun or historical. A building with quirky staircases or odd shaped spaces. And if you want to stay longer, there really is something special about moving in to a living space that is “yours”, at least for the duration of your stay. Vacation rentals give you that extra bit of space, and even a kitchen to make your own cup of coffee. And if your apartment happens to be in a real Castle?! or in a Houseboat?! FABULOUS!! There are a lot of unique, fun and cool places to stay in Germany that will make your visit that much more special. These make great Home Bases to explore the local area. Let me share some with you…
Cool Places to Stay in Germany
Vacation in a Castle!
Saar Castle
Have you ever dreamed of living in a Castle? Well, here’s your chance! There are a number of Castles in Germany who allow guests. Generally, you have an apartment within the castle with bedroom/s, bath, kitchen and living space. Many of the Castles have lovely gardens for you to enjoy, and are situated with fantastic views.
Saar Castle– Castle near a vineyard and the Saar River (south of Trier). The 7 bedroom Holiday rental is perfect for a family reunion, or you can rent one of the 2 queen size rooms if you need something cozier. The castle is surrounded by forests and nature… but also close to great food and wine!
Schloss Weichs zu RegensburgSchloss Weichs zu Regensburg -Booking.comSchloss HohendorfSchloss Hohendorf- Booking.com
Schloss Weichs zu Regensburg– Located on the Danube River near the center of Regensburg, this Castle even comes with its own Ghost! One or two bedroom, and Family suite accommodations available…
Schloss Hohendorf – Enjoy a restful vacation in Groß Mohrdorf in the Mecklenburg – Pomerania region. Bike, stroll the gardens, or just get away from it all in this beautiful castle. Rooms have been updated, and some even have kitchens! Parking is free.
Gosler Fortification!Goslar Fortification Apartment-VRBOFamily Friendly Castle near Friedland, south of BerlinFamily Friendly Castle near Friedland, south of Berlin- VRBO
Gosler Fortification!– Stay in a 500 year old Fortification tower 5 minutes from the Goslar Altstadt! You get your own apartment with sleeping area, kitchen, bath, and living area on the third floor. (Perfect for playing Rapunzel!)
Family Friendly Castle near Friedland, south of Berlin– With 11 Bedrooms (sleeps 22 people) this castle is the perfect spot for a big family reunion or gathering. You’ll find a spa, sauna, grills, and beautiful grounds to enjoy. Full kitchens means you can prepare meals. And the location near the Spreewald is perfect for outdoor activities.
Historic Places to Stay
Historic hotels and places to stay are fun because of the quirks… extra staircases, funky creaks in the night… but they also tend to be in the center of things. Plus, who doesn’t want to stay in a place that was built in the 1500s?
Gothikhotel Frenzelhof in Görlitz
Gothikhotel Frenzelhof in Görlitz– The building, right on the Untermarkt in Görlitz, was constructed by a wealthy fabric dealer in the 1500s. Today, this historic Hallenhaus offers a few rooms to guest. The views from the rooms over the marktplatz are fabulous. The owner offers the most incredible hospitality… as well as an unmatched breakfast experience. Don’t miss the chance to tour the in-house chapel.
Hotel TheophanoHotel Theophano- Booking.comZum Roten BärenZum Roten Bären- Booking.com
Hotel Theophano Quedlinburg– Situated in the heart of the Quedlinburg Altstadt, has the big beams, creaky floors, and low ceilings of a medieval structure. Still, the appointments are modern and comfortable. I loved the double windows that looked out onto the Marktplatz. Delicious breakfast and dinner!
Zum Roten Bären– You’ll find the OLDEST Guesthouse in Germany in Freiburg (in the Black Forest). Comfortable rooms, near a tram stop, and right in the heart of the city.
Lakeside Stays
Fischhaus am Kleinen Glubigsee
There is something peaceful about a vacation on a lake. That lapping sound as the water comes against the shore. Wouldn’t you like to come home to that comfort after a day of city sightseeing? There are plent of Lake Houses to rent for your German Vacation!
Fischhaus Am Kleinen Glubigsee- Charming and lovely. Staying at the Fischhaus is a calming experience… with great food. The hotel rooms are comfortable, the restaurant excellent, and there is plenty of hiking, biking, and paddling right outside the door. Or you can bike/drive to the nearby Scharmützelsee.
Hotel & Gästehaus Seehof MeersburgHotel & Gästehaus Seehof Meersburg- Booking.comFerienhof LöschebrandFerienhof Löschebrand- Booking.com
Hotel & Gästehaus Meersburg- Located right on the lakefront Promenade in Meersburg on Lake Constance (the Bodensee).
Ferienhof Löschebrand– This vacation home is situated on the edge of Lake Scharmützelsee in the health resort of Bad Saarow. Rustic and modern, with beautiful grounds. It’s the perfect place to recharge.
Sleep in a Wine Barrel
Are you a sommelier? A wine connoisseur? A fan of wine? How about spending the night in a wine barrel. The German winery Schlafen Im Weinfass is offering old 8000-liter wine barrels overlooking the spectacular vineyards of the region as small private hotel rooms. Named after different wine varieties, you can even sleep in a barrel named after your favorite wine. If you are a fan of Riesling, why not stay in the Rieslingplatz. More a Pinot Noir fan? Try the Burgunderplatz. Or would you rather sleep comfortably in your bed at home? Then have a look at this fantastic bed.
or Stay in a Winery
Ohhhh…. doesn’t that sound lovely… staying an arm’s reach from delightful German wines in an old winery. Historic and gemütlich!
Burg & Gästehaus by Schwarzenstein- This beautiful Castle Hotel is located in Giesenheim (approx. 50 km south of Frankfurt), surrounded by vineyards! Enjoy wine on the vine covered patio… or hike the hills surrounding the Burg after a delicious breakfast.
Weinhotel Pfeffer und Salz– Located above Gengenbach in the Black Forest, this welcoming hotel is the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation. Enjoy breakfast and dinner on the terrace overlooking the valley. And the modern tasting room is a fantastic place to enjoy the delicious wines. Rooms are comfortable and modern. And Gengenbach is longer stroll or very short drive down the hill. Highly recommend!
Hotel Tenner– The hotel is surrounded by vineyards! Well appointed rooms and a Mediterranean garden make this a perfect spot for a couple’s getaway!
Weinhotel Pfeffer und Salz- GengenbachWeinhotel Pfeffer & Salz- Booking.comHotel TennerHotel Tenner- Booking.com
Zur Alten Weinkelter – Not a winery anymore, but this sweet little apartment in a half-timbered building is smack in the middle of Ellenz-Poltersdorf, Rhineland-Palatinate, a Moselle wine village.
Neveu Josephsberg Vineyard– An apartment in a vineyard awaits you in the Black Forest! The vineyard is located in the quiet valley of Hespengrund in Durbach, with a direct view of Schloss Staufenberg. Sounds like a great getaway for two.
Zur Alten WeinkelterZur Alten Weinkelter- Booking.comNeveu Josephsberg VineyardNeveu Josephsberg Vineyard – VRBO
Houseboat Vacation Rentals
Houseboot with Roof Terrace Downtown Hamburg -Travelocity
Do you like being close to water on your vacation? How about being on the water? These House boats (Hausboots) are perfect for you then! And no, you don’t have to be a sailor… or set out to sea! These boats are tied up along the riverbank or harbor!
Houseboat with Roof Terrace Downtown Hamburg– How would you like to wake up in downtown Hamburg? Sip your coffee or glass of wine in a calm oasis in the middle of town.
Hausboot Resort Nordseeküste This light and modern floating house is located in the Hausboot Resort Nordseeküste, Wilhelmshaven, near Jever Schloss and Schloss Museum and the Kaiser Wilhelm Bridge.
Houseboat in the center of Hamburg- This adorable barge has been converted to an award winning Houseboat. Comfortable, cozy, and wonderful views! Don’t miss this one! Sleeps 8, so the whole family can enjoy it.
Hausboot Resort NordseeküsteHausboot Resort Nordseeküste- travelocityHouseboat in the center of HamburgHouseboat in the center of Hamburg- VRBO
Spreewald Stays
Hotelanlage Starick
The canals in the Spreewald harken back to an easier time. Stay along one of those canals, and watch the world just float by… or take a Kahnfahrt!
Hotelanlage Starick – In the heart of the Spreewald near Lübbenau. Although it fits in style perfectly with its surroundings, the interiors are equipped with modern amenities. Rent paddleboats, or ride bikes on trails through the Spreewald.
Stay on a Farm
B
Bauernhof Kroner
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and stay where it’s green? Why not choose to stay in a farmhouse? They are rustic, but comfortable… with loads of room to roam, and maybe even some animals! The kids will love it!
Bauernhof Kroner– With Pony rides and a play space in the hayloft for the kids, this working farm is the perfect vacation spot for families in Lower Bavaria. They even have Ski lockers for winter trips!
Hagerhof –You won’t have to fight to get the kids off the electronics and OUTSIDE here… There are Cows, loads of kid vehicles, a trampoline, and room to roam! The modern accommodations are in former Hay Lofts, and have a wonderful airy feel. Explore nearby Eggstaett, Upper Bavaria by bike or on foot.
Scheune de Lütt – Not a farm, but a stay in a converted Barn! Modern and comfortable… and best of all, surrounded by GREEN!
HagerhofHagerhof- Booking.comScheune de LüttScheune de Lütt- VRBO
Chrom Ranch Stay– Why go to Montana when you can visit a “Western Ranch” in Memmingen (in the Algau region of Swabia Bavaria)? Ride, Bar-b-Que and even visit a thermal spa.
Stay in a Monastery?
Quiet and relaxing … get away from the world by staying in a Monastery.
Gästehaus St. Georg – Weltenburger Klosterbetriebe – Stay at the world famous Weltenburger Kloster along the Danube. The Monastery is open to tourists by day to enjoy the famous beer and Asam Chapel, and in the evenings, you can enjoy the peace of the area.
Okonomiehof – Okonomiehof in Lichtenfels, Germany started out as a Cistercian monastery. Today there are pony rides, a petting zoo for kids, and a massage center for moms and dads.
Gästehaus St. Georg – Weltenburger Klosterbetriebe GmbHGästehaus St. Georg – Weltenburger Klosterbetriebe -Booking.comÖkonomiehofÖkonomiehof- Booking.com
Funky Groovy and Unique Places to Stay
Hüttenpalast Berlin
Looking for something less than ordinary? Maybe even off-beat or fun? And perfectly in keeping with your less than conservative lifestyle? Don’t worry… there are a few places to stay in Germany that you will really appreciate!
Club Lodges Berlin- Funky little cube shaped cottages in Berlin Mitte. There’s a ropes course on the property… and the Natural History Museum is 1,950 feet from CLUB Lodges Berlin Mitte, while the Berlin Wall Memorial is just 1,000 feet away
Huttenpalast –Stay in campers… INDOORS… This fun hotel is made up of little cottages and campers set up indoors!
