Chiemgauhof

The two restaurants both served excellent food, from sushi to the main restaurant dishes, and the staff were incredibly attentive to every detail. Everyone was friendly while staying professional, and thoughtful touches made the stay feel special, from dog amenities to having the car vacuumed. Our suite was beautiful and spacious. Most rooms are junior suites or larger, around 40 m2, and many have a small terrace with a great lake view. Louis, the resident manager, looked after us wonderfully. The pool was heated just right, and I enjoyed every lap even with -5C outside. The saunas were great too, though I missed having a proper cold plunge or cooling pool afterward. You can always jump in the lake, which was about 5C. I imagine the lake makes the atmosphere even better in summer. We’re looking forward to returning. “Lakeside Retreat” really does describe the place.

The service felt unfriendly, and the food was overpriced. There was truffle in everything. Our bathtub wasn’t working properly, and when we mentioned it, they already knew it was a common issue with the suites. After checkout, we were asked to leave the area right away and weren’t even allowed to sit on the Terrasse and enjoy the sun. Disappointing service for such high prices.

We stayed in a garden suite with plenty of space, privacy, and a peaceful feel. Our dog loved it too, and this is one of the most dog-friendly hotels we’ve visited. The mix of hotel guests and outside visitors gives the place a lively energy, with plenty of laughter, interaction, and people-watching. The staff made a great impression from arrival, whether at valet, concierge, housekeeping, or food and beverage. Everyone was warm, friendly, and professional, and the younger and more experienced staff worked well together. Breakfast was among the best we’ve had, with homemade charcuterie, regional fish, fresh spreads, good bread, and excellent coffee and juices. We also loved the sushi, bouillabaisse, and asparagus with schnitzel. The wine and champagne choices were superb, and the cocktails were carefully made. We’ve also been to Forestis Dolomites and Waldhotel Bürgenstock, both in beautiful settings. They’re serene, but don’t have the warm, engaging atmosphere that Lakeside Chiemgauhof has. We can’t wait to return!

As of early March 2025, the Chiemgau Hof still had some construction underway, and the reception could use a little more warmth. At the moment, its charm leans too much toward a certain Eastern European efficiency. These seem like early growing pains that should be resolved soon. The rates are already firmly in the top tier, so guests will expect a flawless experience to match. If the hotel delivers on that, it could become a jewel of Lake Chiemsee hospitality. The hotel feels a little like a UFO on the shore of Lake Chiemsee, with sleek, modern luxury in a region shaped by tradition. It’s a new five-star retreat with exclusive amenities, aiming to reset expectations for high-end stays in Bavaria’s best-known lake district. The challenge will be summer, when the Chiemsee, especially this part of it, gets crowded with day-trippers, dogs, families, and all kinds of visitors. The private beach also opens to non-residents with reservations from noon, so it remains to be seen whether the intimate setting can stay peaceful at peak season. The experienced leadership gives it a good chance. General Manager Nikolai Bloyd and resident counterpart Louis Steinle bring relevant experience. Bloyd has worked at Schloss Elmau and currently has a dual role overseeing Das Achental, so his background seems well suited to the hotel's ambitions.