Alte Poststation Goldener Hirsch

There’s a lot to look at here, with plenty of old and rare items around the hotel. The room was comfortable, and the owner was welcoming and very sociable. Shops are close by. The road nearby was the only drawback, though it didn’t bother me. I’d highly recommend staying here.

The rooms have a historic feel, but mine didn’t seem very clean. There was For Men 3-in-1 shower gel, though no shampoo, and I wasn’t given fresh towels or a new water bottle. The hot water failed during my 10-minute shower, so I had to wash in cold water. Breakfast also wasn’t included, despite being listed on booking.com. Getting there from Emskirchen train station on foot takes about 10 minutes. We’d arranged an early check-in, which was allowed, though the first phone calls were somewhat complicated. The innkeeper told me things about former guests without being asked, and complained that I hadn’t answered his first morning call and hadn’t let the return call ring long enough. We’d already explained we needed to get ready quickly for a wedding, but he gave us a tour and showed us a historical document when we arrived. For the first 20 minutes I couldn’t change, because he kept coming in and out to change the duvet and pillow, but not the sheets. I found him pushy. He also launched into unsolicited explanations of why taxis are called taxis and what the QR in QR code stands for. He doesn’t seem very good at reading the room.

Breakfast is just Hagebuddne, a type of bread roll. The hotel itself is actually good, although you can often hear an ogre roaring from his house, the Dragon's Lair, in the distance.

The restaurant is closed for now and breakfast isn’t offered, but there’s a well-equipped kitchen. Wi-Fi can be slow and unreliable despite the owner’s efforts, and the street-facing facade needs renovation, which is already planned. It’s a traditional inn with a lovely atmosphere, a very friendly welcome, and comfortable, clean rooms at a fair price. We’d happily come back. If you’re after a modern, sterile hotel, though, this probably isn’t the place for you.