Bootshaus Amberg

The breakfast alone won us over in a few ways. We left full after a small menu and attentive service, and the gluten-free bread with local jam and creamy butter was such a treat. We couldn’t find that bread anywhere else on our trip. The breakfast was included in our room rate, though we hadn’t been given details about what it would include beforehand. The water was another surprise, honestly the best tasting water we had in Germany and Switzerland. Bring a refillable bottle if you want to take some along. Bootshaus Amberg now joins the very short list of hotels we’d return to without hesitation after years of travel across continents and cultures. It stood out during our three weeks in Germany for the spotless, cozy rooms and warm service, and it felt like a home away from home. We’d come back in a heartbeat, toddlers and all. What kid wouldn’t enjoy a place that feels like being on a boat? Once we’d parked, everything we needed was close by, though finding the hotel at first was a bit of a challenge. There was street parking nearby and we never had to look for long. The neighborhood was easy to explore on foot, and felt safe for us and the toddlers day or night. We could cross the bridge to the charming “Spectacle Bridge” and a quiet garden, or head the other way to Marktplatz, where we kept coming across cafés and places to eat. The hotel sits along the Vils River in the heart of Amberg, and the drive from Grafenwöhr took about 40 minutes. It was straightforward and well worth it. If you’re considering booking, do it while a room is still available.

Lots of choices for anyone avoiding gluten or dairy. This is a lovely riverside restaurant with some of the best food in Amberg, and it’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We had a fantastic holiday and would love to return. We stayed for four days and three nights, and the hotel’s location is perfect in a beautiful town. The staff are friendly, and it’s a great fit if you like design hotels. We also had fun taking the kayaks out for a paddle down the river one day. Guests can use them for free.

I’ve stayed here twice, in both the largest room and a standard one, and enjoyed both visits. The rooms are very clean, with modern showers and a cozy farmhouse feel. I’d happily recommend the hotel, and I’m already looking forward to coming back. Breakfast costs extra, but I’d say it’s worth trying, especially the house-made cream cheese with scallions. The hotel can also arrange early check-in if you coordinate ahead, which made my travel plans easier. The entrance is easy to miss, so looking up the location on Google beforehand should make arrival smoother. Parking in a small town like this can be tricky, so plan ahead.