Zur schönen Aussicht

The location was peaceful and beautiful, and with some TLC and DIY from the owner this could be a nice place to stay. But our rooms were grubby, with old, worn sheets and pillows. I had booked two rooms for me and a friend. Mine wasn't great, and my friend's was worse, with a makeshift repair on the door where the lock had been kicked in. We stayed because it was late and already paid for. At check-in in the bar area, the guy asked me to pay again even though I'd paid already. We sorted that out, but the stay was still disappointing. The listing said the nearby old Roman bridge was a ten-minute walk. Believe me, you wouldn't walk down that steep hill and back up in ten minutes. I've traveled enough to expect some rooms not to look like the photos, but this one really didn't.

Our server was very attentive, and I really enjoyed the beef roulade with red cabbage and roasted potatoes. The restaurant was busy with locals watching Germany play Sweden in the World Cup, but our party got a table in a quieter room with a beautiful view of the hills and woods. Good food and a lively atmosphere.

We stopped on our drive south to north through Europe, only about ten minutes from the busy highway, and it was well worth it. We could bring our two small dogs, and parking was free. The family-run hotel was clean, and even the regular double room had a magnificent view. There was lots of space in the large outdoor restaurant, with the same view. The food was homemade with fresh vegetables and priced like McDonald's. The regional wine and beer were good too. The hotel is very nice and average rather than luxurious, which is why I'd give the room four stars instead of five.

Our room was small, but the mountain view was mesmerizing with all the autumn colors. Breakfast was made according to our list, and we liked it better than a buffet. We really enjoyed our stay.