Historic and Period Hotels in Germany

See Also: Period Hotels in Germany Cities and Towns A - M | Cities and Towns N - Z

Hotel Torbrau. Munich

The hotel is rightly proud of its heritage and age – first opening its doors in 1490 as the Thaltor-Herberge, they are quick to point out that the place was welcoming guests even before Christopher Columbus discovered the new world. Its ancient history, though, is arguably eclipsed by the more recent. Indeed, the rise of Munich’s cultural scene in the mid to late 19th century meant that the hotel received iconic guests whose works are still performed and revered to this day: Franz Liszt, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, and, it is thought, Hans Christian Andersen.Tripadvisor | Superbreak | GTA Hotels

Gasthaus Goldener Hecht. Heidelberg

The name translates into English as ‘The Golden Pike’, and since 1717 the Goldener Hecht has been welcoming visitors to the historic town of Heidelberg.

Many of its rooms are named after literary figures and poets who have found inspiration in the town: Goethe, Turgeneyev and Mark Twain. Alas, we can’t ascertain if any of the above actually rested at the hotel, but legend has it that while Goethe dined here, he was unable to find any accommodation.

Others who did find a place to rest their heads include German writers Joseph Victor von Scheffel, Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff, Bettina von Arnim, and philosopher Franz Brentano.

Learn more about this extraordinary hotel with Tripadvisor | Expedia

Hotel Elephant. Weimar

Arguably the most historic hotel in Germany, The Elephant dates back to 1542. By the late 1600‘s it was regarded as being at the centre of social and cultural Weimar. Located on the old market square, the building temporarily close for extensive restoration in the early 1990‘s, ultimately reopening as a luxurious five-star hotel.

Goethe, Liszt, Bach and Leo Tolstoy are among the hotel’s famous artistic former guests, while it is also said to have played host to Adolf Hitler, Karl Marx and Nietzsche. Tripadvisor | Expedia | HotelClub

Hotel Gotisches Haus. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

A recently restored 13th century house now dispensing four-star hospitality to discerning travellers from around the world - The Hotel Gotisches-Haus is almost always rated by guests as one of the best places to stay in Germany, if not Europe.

Originally a bread house for Franciscan monks, the Hotel Gotisches-Haus went on to become a residence of crown princes. In 1474 Emperor Friedrich and four advisors visited, while Crown prince Maximilius of Austria would later make it his home. Facilities information and tariff can be found via Tripadvisor, HotelClub and Expedia. Alternatively, view a list of numerous historic places to stay in Rothenburg here.

Cecilienhof. Potsdam, Nr Berlin.

The Cecilienhof looks for all the world like a grand English country house of the Elizabethan era. The truth, however, is that it was built between 1914 and 1917 by Wilhelm II for his son and daughter-in-law, and is located just outside Berlin. Today it is a 41-room four-star.hotel with an extraordinary historical claim-to-fame.

It was here that in 1945 Churchill, Stalin and Truman met to discuss the future of Germany in the wake of World War II - the Potsdam Conference took place between the 17th of June and the 2nd of August that year. Tripadvisor | Expedia | HotelClub

Brenner’s Park. Baden Baden.

Built in 1834 and originally named Stephanienbad in honour of Princess Stephanie of Baden, the hotel has always attracted notable figures of the time. Writing in the guest book in 1930, Richard Strauss commented on the hotel’s legendary hospitality: "As long as I have been coming to Baden-Baden, and that is for many years since the days of the hospitable Mr. Brenner, I have always been wonderfully cared for here. As an international traveler, I can assure you that one feels more comfortable within these walls than anywhere else."

Prince Michael of Russia, Edward VII and the Maharaja of Kapurthala are just a handful of the many other historic guests.

Discover more about Brenner’s Park with Tripadvisor | Expedia | GTA Hotels | HotelClub

Schlosshotel Kronberg. Kronberg, Nr Frankfurt.

Constructed in 1889, Schlosshotel Kronberg certainly isn’t the oldest hotel in Germany. However, not only has it played host to many of Europe’s influential, but it has actually been home to one. Originally known as Castle Friedrichshof, the house was once the property of the Empress Friedrich - eldest child of Queen Victoria and mother to Kaiser Wilhelm II. Indeed, it was here that she passed away on August 5th, 1901.

Today this impressive country house, on the edge of the Taunus Forest north west of Frankfurt, offers five star accommodation. For more detailed information on facilities and tariff, try Expedia or GTA Hotels

Hotel Goldener Anker. Bayreuth, Bavaria.

How refreshing, in an age of corporate hotel chains, to highlight a place that has been owned and managed by the same family since the 16th century.

During those years, this Bavarian inn has welcomed some famous names: Tchaikovsky, Nietzsche, Mark Twain and Toscanini among them. Located close to the centre of the capital of Upper Franconia, the Goldener Anker (35 rooms) remains a pleasantly intimate hotel. For details we recommend visiting the hotel’s entry at TripAdvisor

Schwarzer Bock. Wiesbaden

Rebuilt in 1578 following a fire which engulfed much of Wiesbaden, this famous old hotel’s name translates, curiously, as ‘The Black Goat Hotel’.

Once patronised by the likes of Goethe and Dostojewski, the Schwarzer Bock’s heritage stretches even further back than one would assume at first glance. Indeed, within the cellars one can even find remnants of Roman foundations from the 3rd century A.D.

Practical traveller details and options for online booking can be found at the following: Tripadvisor | Expedia | GTA Hotels | HotelClub

Steigenburger Hotel Drei Mohren. Augsberg.

An illustrious historical guest list can be found at Hotel Drei Mohren. While their names may not be in the guest book, you’ll be staying where the likes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Wagner and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once did. And, it should be noted, it’s said that Giacomo Casanova was a patron at one time.

In what has been called Germany’s second oldest city, this hotel is renowned for its high level of hospitality - something which probably attracted so many high-profile guests through the centuries.

For secure online booking and further information, go straight to the hotel’s information pages at Expedia or HotelClub

Try our overview of period hotels throughout Germany...
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