Der Brabander

The ski lifts are right in front of the hotel, making it easy to ski and visit town. It’s a cozy, clean place with tasty food, good service, and kids’ areas for the whole family, so it worked really well for a family winter holiday. One concern: downstairs, the children’s play area has a strange marble staircase along the side. It seems to serve no purpose and could be dangerous for small children. Someone should deal with it before there’s an accident.

Our camping trip ended early because of engine trouble, so we tried Der Brander after reading about it. We were hoping to slow down together, walk in the woods, let my husband gravel bike, and give me time in the sauna. Adding half pension, with breakfast and dinner, made it a much-needed, worry-free break. We chose dinner each morning, and every meal was very nice. It was low season, so we also added the sauna package and relaxed there for a few hours each day. There was something fun on every evening, including Pub Quiz, music, and Bingo. What stayed with me most was how kindly and attentively the staff treated every guest, young or old, mobile or less mobile. Everyone was so caring and nice. It really restored my faith in humanity ❤️ Please keep that spirit, it was refreshing to see ❤️❤️❤️ One tip I’d seen in the reviews: our room didn’t have air conditioning, so bringing a small fan is a good idea.

The location is top notch and the dinners were great. It’s kid friendly, though the kids’ club felt very small and outdated and could use some improvement. The rooms are a bit small too. The kids’ buffet could be better as well. It was chicken and fries every day, and could do with pasta, beef, carrots, and other options. Just be aware this is a Dutch place :) I can recommend it, especially for families with kids and anyone who skis.

Dinner was the standout for us: the 3-4 course meals were fantastic, though the bar menu is limited. There’s a good choice of gin. Staff were friendly and gave us lots of ideas for things to do around the hotel and nearby towns. The bracelet system is handy. You use one band to open your room and charge meals, drinks, souvenirs, or spa time, so there’s no need to carry much cash. It’s comfortable to wear and holds up to water and sweat. The wellness area was really relaxing, with quiet music, saunas at different temperatures, steam rooms, a heated pool, water bed massages, and chairs where we could sit and talk. The hotel is also well placed for walking to Winterberg’s shops, ski lifts, Rodelbahn, and trails, or driving to nearby places for swimming, mini-golf, and boating. Our room was cramped with the twin beds, desk, two chairs, and wardrobe. It did the job for sleeping, but choose carefully. I think the damp smell came from shower doors that wouldn’t close fully, so water got onto the floor. Breakfast was a typical buffet. Even with the shower issue, we had a memorable stay and hope to return soon, perhaps with more family and an apartment instead of two rooms. I’d give it 9.75 out of 10.