Ambrosia Hüsli

The only thing I missed was a drying room, so I had to put my clothes back on the trip while they were still damp. Still, it was manageable, and I really enjoyed staying here even though I was the only guest. The rooms are lovely, and the lounge has good coffee. Cozy hostel, worth the price, and the family running it were very friendly.

Even with water damage in the breakfast room, the lovely hostess took us in without a reservation. We could choose our room and had the whole floor to ourselves, with breakfast served in the common room. The location is great, and they let us keep our bikes indoors and dry.

Breakfast was good, and we slept well, though not for long. It was Carnival Saturday, after all, not exactly a night for an early bedtime. The one drawback was having just one restroom on each floor. We were a group, and everyone got up at the same time, so that was tricky.

The musicians among our friends especially like staying at the original Tabak Huesli. They feel more at home there than at the Schiff, the larger five-star sister hotel across the pedestrian zone, where an overnight stay costs three times as much. We’ve had guests at both, but the Huesli is the one that leaves the warmest memories. Its name comes from the “pasture for frogs” on Backwasser island, where fishermen landed boats, repaired their elaborate fish traps, some still on view, and relaxed with a smoke. Now, right by the Rhine bridge, the artfully furnished B&B and attached café bring a lively feel to the pedestrian area. The curious name really does fit.