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 apar**ents. 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

This is such a special hotel, designed thoughtfully and maintained very well. The spa is absolutely lovely, with a beautiful view of the mountains, great amenities and a huge menu of services. The breakfast buffet was better than the 5 star hotel where we stayed in Munich. Our room was very quiet and had a beautiful view, despite being on the ground floor. We had originally wanted to stay at other wellness hotels that are much more isolated (not walkable to restaurants etc), and I'm so happy we ended up here instead. We walked to dinner each night, and walked to a hike during the day as well. While you probably need a car to get there, you could certainly take the train as well, and my feeling is that you do not need a car once you arrive, unless you want to drive to ski areas that are too far to walk. One recommendation, is to leave a pair of slippers for guests in the room vs. only in the spa. Another recommendation, they should allow the full menu or a modified mini-menu across the entire bar/lounge area. We had some drinks in the lounge but were unable to order a snack with them, which I found very strange. That said, all around, this was a perfect stay, and we hope to be back again!

We spent 4 lovely nights at Werdenfelserei and are already longing to plan a trip back. We ate at the restaurant each night as it was absolutely delicious and the pool was also a treat. The staff were all lovely, the welcome drink a nice surprise and drink recommendations at the bar all excellent. We day tripped to Zugspitze and frozen Eibsee on the most spectacular day which we will always remember. We found the hotel very comfortable and well located. Our stay exceeded all expectations and may have even topped our stay in the Swiss alps! Thanks to all the staff for a wonderful stay.

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.

This Hotel is absolutely remarkable. We can’t wait to go back! Where do you start with describing this gem. Spa like setting for everything. Food is excellent and free Breakfast included - which is phenomenal. Free parking underground and everything is in Walking distance. Wonderful hotel

After we experienced the lovely front desk service, an excellent late lunch and a lovely breakfast, very well appointed room with lovely views, walkability to the main ***** in Garmisch, all we can think of is our one night stay was too short. Did I mention the lovely views from the rooftop pool?

Beautiful views of the alps. Very friendly staff. Great meals. Fun pool and spa.

Everything was excellent apart from 1 thing. No air conditioning when it was 32 degrees in the day and 22 at night. Air conditioning is only turned on in the winter for heating rooms. Bit hard to justify no air conditioning when you are paying over Eur400 a night

This hotel has gorgeous views of the mountain range, easy walking paths to downtown, and its light-filled, wooden structure adds to the lovely ambiance. The spa trea**ents from Heidi and Eva were fantastic, from massages (the pine wood was especially unique) to facials. The food from breakfast to dinner is consistently fantastic. Our favorite new breakfast dish is Kaiserschmarrn. We had some lovely soups and small dishes at lunch, and the dinners, although a bit pricey for the area, featured a diverse mix of local ingredients. The cocktails and wine list had something for every palate (Rosemary and Apple Spritzes were nice twists on the classic Aperol), and we really enjoyed exploring German and Austrian red and white wines. They also had a nice selection by the glass. Tumay at the Front Desk was wonderful and an excellent resource for sightseeing. Service challenges in other aspects of the hotel, however, left us feeling that this property has an unfulfilled potential. For a family-run, 5 star hotel, we would have expected more personal service and premium amenities. We hope they make some adjus**ents in the future. There is no bellhop and no one offered to help us with our bags, a small thing but something most 5 and many 4 star hotels offer elsewhere in Germany and certainly elsewhere in EU. When I tried to hint to the front desk person on duty that we could use some assistance by asking if there was a trolley, she pointed me to a trolley in the corner of the lobby, indicating that guests are expected to be their own bellhop. The rooftop pool has only an honor bar with a few chilled bottles of beer and prosecco. At a 5 star hotel, I would expect bar service at the pool and maybe a few bites available. Even when the pool area was full, no waiter in sight. The ground floor restaurant has bartenders and waiters all day, and a nice snack menu in the afternoon, so there is no excuse for them not sending a waiter even once every 30-45 minutes to take orders from noon to 6pm. While the room overall had a lovely ambiance, there was no ceiling light and it could get a bit too dim at night. The hotel, in an attempt to be environmentally friendly, offers small bars of soap for washing and combined shampoo/conditioner rather than offering liquid shampoo and conditioner. I am all for reducing plastic use, but these products were not a quality substitute. The "shampoo/conditioner" bar did not lather well, and was not appropriate for detangling long or curly hair. It did not moisturize at all so we had to buy shampoo and conditioner from a grocery store. I wonder if locals who have finer hair have less trouble. The other hotel we stayed at in the area, Das Graseck, used refillable bottles of premium French shampoo and conditioner to reduce plastic use, and that is a 4 star hotel. A 5 star hotel like Werdenfelserei should be expected to offer premium products even if they are natural. The bathroom trash is tiny and lacks a foot pedal. A regular one wi