Sympathie Hotel Furstenhof

The staff at Hotel Fürstenhof were so helpful and kind. They even printed some important customs forms that had come to me by email, on proper A4 paper, and most of them spoke perfect English. There’s also a spa on the hotel’s ground floor, and guests get a 10% voucher for entry at either of the two nearby German thermal spas. I’ve been to both spas. Crucenia Therman is quite large, with an indoor and outdoor pool. On my summer visit, several water exercise classes were going on, and I understand there are limited textile-free areas. This afternoon I went to Baderhaus Therman Spa, which is right by the hotel. I had a much better experience there. I’ve reviewed it separately. The hotel itself is older, but sits in the middle of the historic district, near shops, sights, and good restaurants. I stayed twice this year. In December, the small Christmas market was only a 15-minute walk away. Breakfast was excellent for a hotel of this size.

I have a severe bee allergy, so opening the windows and doors to cool the room brought bees inside and left us choosing between the heat and being terrified of a sting. The front desk staff seemed to understand, but maintenance wouldn’t turn on the air-conditioning. The website says the rooms have it, and I emailed before our visit to check and was reassured that they did. Apparently the hotel, not the guest, decides when it can be switched on. I wouldn’t stay here in summer again.

The room was on the sunny side and became unbearably hot. We were told the AC apparently doesn’t come on until it’s been 24 degrees for a week, and it had only been 24 or above for two days. Staff couldn’t or wouldn’t help. We said we wanted to check out that day because sleeping in the sauna was impossible, but were still charged the full amount. Getting there was confusing, and it wasn’t clear where to park. We’d stayed in two- and three-star hotels through the trip and saved a four-star place for the end. It was the worst of the lot, which was a real disappointment. Reviews on Booking mentioned a beautiful river nearby, but what we saw was just a muddy pool. It was one of the least beautiful places we saw in Germany.

The breakfast room was a highlight, with a wide range of breakfast food. The hotel’s big, though it didn’t feel very busy when I visited in September. Some parts look dated, but the rooms are fairly modern. My single room was small, with the bathroom in the room, but comfortable enough for a short stay. The riverside location is good too, with town and some nice restaurants just a short walk away.