Schiff am See

We stayed in a spacious, comfortable double room with a balcony overlooking the lake and marina. The sunrise across the water was almost otherworldly. The hotel is in a quiet harbor on the Bodensee, a short bus ride from Konstanz train station. The restaurant was a highlight, with excellent local fish and other dishes, and we also really enjoyed breakfast. At the front desk, the staff were very helpful and lent us e-bikes and gave directions for the area, including nearby Mainau Island, a nature preserve well worth seeing.

We’d never been to Germany before and had no real plan, but the staff gave us useful suggestions for things to see nearby. The lake is just steps from the hotel, with a great view. We’d definitely come back.

The hotel’s location makes getting around easy. Ferry docks are right next door, with the main bus stops there too. The #1 goes from the ferry to the train station (bahnhof), and the trip to historic waterfront and old town Konstanz takes about 20 minutes. Mainau island is easy as well: take the #1 one stop, then cross to catch the 4/13. Coming back, take the 13/4 to Pennnymarkt, cross the street, and get the #1 back to the ferry station, just one stop away. A local also told us there’s a lovely tree-covered bike path to downtown on the far side of the harbor. The hotel rents bikes and ebikes, and the front desk can help with directions. Our stay has been a pleasant surprise for a budget-priced place, and the value is great. The historic hotel’s Jr. Suite is large and lovely, with lots of windows in our end unit and a beautiful balcony over the water. The air conditioning was a treat in the hot weather. Check-in went smoothly, and the manager was there to help us park and gave us a bus pass. It offers some discounts around Konstanz, but free public transport was the best part. Parking is limited and a bit tricky; staff helped us maneuver, and we found a hotel space the morning after check-in. We left the car there after that. Breakfast was good, with a fair but somewhat limited selection, as you’d expect from a small hotel. There were still extras that some other small hotels in Germany don’t offer. Coffee from the cappacino/latte/machiatto machine was good, and I was surprised to see full-size plates and cups. The front desk team were friendly and helpful, especially the manager, who was wonderful. I wouldn’t recommend dinner at the hotel. It was somewhat expensive, though other waterfront dinners we tried were similarly priced, and the staff weren’t very Foreigner friendly. That stood out because the hotel itself feels perfectly metropolitan, and the manager spoke perfect English. There’s a lot of history here, and the waterfront was fairly quiet compared with the busy downtown during peak season.

It’s quiet, comfortable, and clean, with free wifi in the room, and the breakfast is very good. The people are kind and explain whatever you need. The lakefront location is great, close to the ferry and the bus into the center, about ten minutes to downtown. Just don’t expect luxury.