Hotel Klosterbräustuben

We found the hotel just with a Google search so really didn't know what to expect but my goodness, it exceeded what we could have hoped for. I was traveling with my daughter (12), and my friend and her two sons (11, 12) so we rented two apartments that shared a kitchen (rooms 400/401). The rooms were spacious, clean and well kept. Each apartment was able to be closed off from one another for privacy, and each family had their own bathrooms and balcony. The kitchen was spotless and had everything we needed as far as tools and equipment went. There is a grocery store just a few minutes drive up the road, so this was perfect. The second bed in the bigger apartment was a pull out sofa and could have been a bit softer but otherwise all beds were comfortable and clean. The hotel grounds were very well kept and the staff was friendly. We were there during a very hot time and we were given fans in our rooms. I do suggest you ask ahead of time if it is going to be a trip during warm months. The pool area was fantastic. The kids swam every day we were there. The restaurant was good, a bit pricey, but I would suggest going into the village for dinner anyway. The village center is a very quick and easy 5 minute walk away and brings you everything you want in a German village. Lovely bakeries, cafes, ice cream shops, stores... it was perfect. The hotel is located down in the valley so you have gorgeous, 360 degree views of the forrest. It was stunning. A short little walk up the street there were fruit trees and a small hill to get even better views of your surroundings. The location is perfect for day trips out to places like Triberg (for the water fall) and the hotel even has bus excursions you can take. We had a car so we didn't take advantage of that, so I cannot fairly comment on the quality of those. I am not somebody who looked forward to a forrest vacation but I have been converted. I actually would like to come back in the autumn when the leaves are turning. It was such a wonderful experience and location.

The hotel is unexpectedly located in a residential area just outside the town. It’s a family driven hotel, which seems to have expanded into a network of connected houses. Lovely service, pool and spa facilities brings up the overall experience. But my room oddly enough had a glass window on the main door, so the neighbor could see straight in and I could see straight into my neighbor’s room, which I found rather unpleasant.

We were disappointed with this hotel, where we stayed for one night during a hiking trip. It was overrun by bus tour groups and was not restful. For that reason we did not use the pool or spa. The dinner meal at the hotel restaurant was poor. The room was nice, but the hotel charged extra for everything, including water, robes, and even spa lockers.

We stayed in this hotel as part of a luggage transfer tour. Room was small and very basic. What struck me and annoyed me slightly was how everything seemed to be charged - from bathrobe rental to the lockers in the sauna. Sauna was great though - 2 different sauna rooms of 65 and 85 degrees, a steam room, a plunge pool, an ice bucket and an infrared room. Pool was okay but not heated. Staff were friendly and tried to be helpful, although not many spoke English. Wifi was free but spotty. Breakfast was basic.

Stayed for 2 nights. Very good hotel hidden in the town of Zell at the Gateway to the Black Forest. The room was spacious and very clean and the food in the restaurant was excellent. I can especially recommend the Argentinian rump steak, cooked medium with herb butter was to die for.