Werdenfelserei

We stayed at Hotel Werdenfelserei in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany) for 5 nights from July 30 to August 4, 2023. We had considered other nearby hotels, including some pretty, chalet-like places, but were worried about their lack of parking for our rental car and air-conditioning, which seemed like a good idea in high summer. Hotel Werdenfelserei provided both, and more. The hotel is not especially central, but it has direct access to a park next door (worth exploring on its own) which provides several convenient paths for walking right into town. The Werdenfelserei is a woodsy yet contemporary place whose appearance, inside and out, can be described as “modern alpine.” The street-side exterior along the Alleestrasse is quite striking. The park-side is less so, resembling a stack of apartments. But that side also faces a beautiful park and the hotel is separated from it by a flowing stream complete with waterwheel. A little bridge connects the hotel to the park, and the dining areas and lounges of the hotel are located on a covered terrace facing this leafy scene. Upon registering, we were offered a welcome drink and light snack on the terrace---what a great start. During our entire stay we found the English-speaking staff to be exceedingly friendly and helpful. There are 4 room categories: Studio “S” rooms are the smallest. Studio “L” rooms are larger and have decks that face the park. Studio “M” rooms are designed for families and face the street (Alleestrasse). Then there are Suites of various sizes and amenities: some have their own sauna, bathtub next to the bed, etc. We reserved a Studio “L” room and were given #113. As promised, the room included a deck overlooking the park. It had 2 chairs and a table (with ashtray---smoking outdoors is allowed). The park is gorgeous and on nice days is well-visited, so expect some noise during those days. Our deck also offered a side view of the mountains too, including the famous Zugspitze. Room #113 was spacious, with extra closet space and a modern (no door) bathroom with a fabulous rain shower. Toilet was in a separate cubicle with a door. The room had a desk/chair and sofa with pillows facing the TV, which could also be pivoted towards the bed. We could get BBC and CNN in English. There was a side counter with coffee supplies and a mini-fridge below. This counter also had a separate stone bowl supplying “Grander” water, which claims to restore water’s energy and vitality through a special filtration system. Although the Grander system has also been ridiculed as “new-age nonsense,” we liked having an alternative to bottled water and it certainly had to be better than tap water. Above the bed was a little cabinet which, when opened, revealed a welcome message (we think—it was in German). The Werdenfelserei takes pride in promoting health and relaxation. Using mostly neutral colors and natural fabrics, the overall decor seems designed to fill guests with peace and tranquility. The new-age vi

The best hotel, german excellence in detail and great staff, spa is great snd amazing food, breakfast is superb, all natural organic and so well presented. Fresh Juice machine waffle machine many types of great bread and gluten free options. We travel often and this is really one of best breakfasts and also dinner i had amazing food.

Staying at The Werdenfelserei is a "slam dunk" travel experience. My son and I are on-the-go travelers and typically spend little time in hotels. In our 2 weeks traveling all over Germany, this was our #1 hotel and thank goodness we had 4 nights there. I could have used one more just to relax and take full advantage of the amenities. While the dining choices seemed a bit confusing online; there is one main menu with multiple and varied seating areas to suit your party. Breakfast and dinner food choices are exceptional, sumptuous and magnificently presented-- a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach! Because we were not on the premises most days, we relied on the front desk staff to answer our questions and help us get where we needed to go. They were extremely well mannered and customer-oriented, with good command of the English language (still, we used Google Translate because not everything is in English). Last, but not least, sustainability is woven into the fabric of the hotel, right down to the restaurant menu with its cover of pressed hay. Being environmentally responsible should be the standard, not an "extra, and this owner sets the bar high. Make sure you understand tipping, check the daily "specials" board so you don't miss a fun event, budget time to wander around the beautifully and artfully designed facility, drink the water, chill out in any number of amazing, inviting spaces, and if it's summer, close the shades in the daytime and ask for a top sheet at night. That ought to do it!