Hubertus Mountain Refugio Allgäu

The place has loads of charm, and the hospitality more than makes up for the less polished hardware you might find at other high-end properties. We loved it. Great host and location, too. We'll be back!

We found this to be a real island of calm, with a harmonious, family-friendly feel. During our stay it was clear that the owner puts heart and soul into running the hotel, and you can feel that in the way guests are welcomed. There are so many extras included that it took hours to read through the website, and we found that guests really are received in that spirit. The wellness area is cozy, with lots of comfortable places to rest, including beds, armchairs, hanging chairs and rocking beds. There's also an outdoor heated pool with experience features. The gym has special energy-efficient equipment and is open 24/7, which is a great idea. Free sports and harmony programs run every day as well. I also appreciated the hotel's efforts on environmental protection and energy efficiency, which are described in detail on its website.

The setting is beautiful, but we stopped with friends for a drink during a motorbike trip and the service put us off. The three of us had barely sat down before it seemed the waiter would rather we left. He was a gray-haired man with his hair in a bun, and he was so grumpy he came across as rude. We eventually got our drinks, then the bill arrived without us asking for it. The message was pretty clear. If you want friendly service, I wouldn't go here.

We stopped at Hubertus with our family to break up the long drive between Neuschwanstein and Grindelwald, and it turned into a surprising highlight. Karl, the owner, offered to take us along local bike trails and patiently helped our daughter learn to ride. He also showed us a local goat farm, where we met his friends and heard an impromptu singalong. The rooms were beautifully designed and comfortable, the spa was top notch, and the food was incredible. We also really enjoyed the tasting event. The staff were so welcoming and delighted to host Americans, which felt rare. It was one of the most inviting, stunning travel experiences I've had. We loved our stay and hope life brings us back to Balderschwang. Thanks to all the lovely people who made it such a joy.