Slowing down is desired – time out at the Brenners Park Hotel

Baden-Baden is located just a stone’s throw from Zurich in a privileged location on the northeastern edge of the Black Forest. Even the Romans appreciated the hot thermal springs and built the first baths, which can still be visited today. Baden-Baden consolidated its reputation as a cultural metropolis and “summer capital” of Europe in the 19th century. With the largest festival hall in Germany, a casino, the famous Friedrichsbad, the Iffezheim racecourse and various art museums, the offer is still diverse today. So it was high time that we visited this city in the countryside.

We were welcomed by the Brenners Park Hotel and Spa, which has stood for remarkable grand hospitality and quality for 140 years. The hotel is located in a beautiful park with many old trees, separated only by the Oos, opposite the Lichtentaler Allee. The avenue itself is a 2.3 km long, tree-lined street within a park in the style of English garden art. Green as far as the eye can see.

I was curious to see what awaited me at the Brenners Park Hotel. The hotel regularly receives awards and is one of the international hotels in a class of its own. Before me, everyone who has rank and name has been a guest here. We were also warmly welcomed and escorted to our junior suite. Wow what a room! Impressive alcoves separate the sleeping area from the living area, the separate dressing area offers space for the large wardrobe (why did I limit myself to one piece of luggage?!) and the marble bathroom has a classic look. From the window and the balcony you can see the greenery of the Lichtentaler Allee. What more could you ask for? The rooms all exude the charm of the English country house style, which fits perfectly into the surroundings. Each of the approximately 100 rooms and suites is individually designed. There is something for every taste.

I particularly liked the attention to detail. In the bathroom, for example, the products from the company’s own care line were lined up. In the room itself, the wonderful lamps and fresh flowers were an absolute eye-catcher.

Elegance and tradition permeate the entire hotel. There are countless magnificent rooms that are used for conferences and private events. The fireplace hall and the cigar lounge also invite you to relax. We were then explicitly advised to take a deep breath and take time to relax. Of course, I don’t need to be told twice.

Out of your clothes, into your bathrobe. A 55-minute aromatic oil massage awaited me. After I was really kneaded and all my muscles loosened (“Do you work a lot on the computer?” I was asked…), we explored the saunarium and probably the most impressive hotel swimming pool I have ever seen. The pool opens onto the park and as a guest you can hope that time will stand still in summer on the sun loungers outside with the rustling of leaves, birdsong and stream murmurs.

In the first quarter of 2014, the completely new designed spa and medical spa will be opened in the adjacent Villa Stéphanie on more than 5,000^m2. We can be curious. The Brenners will certainly set new standards here.

The culinary offer is also excellent. In addition to the Brenners Park restaurant, which has been awarded a Michelin star and 17 Gault Millau points, you can also dine in the winter garden, which is open to the Lichtentaler Allee. We were given a beautiful outdoor seating area in the conservatory – perfect for a cozy summer evening. Piano sounds (played live, outside in the garden) and the chirping crickets accompany us through the evening. I was delighted not only by the delicious food, but also by the colorful mix of guests. Not stiff and old-fashioned at all, but children happily enjoying themselves in the park, parents relaxing on delicious food and younger and older couples enjoying togetherness.

My dinner was fabulous. The crowning glory was the “ice cream Stephanie” for dessert. This creation has been served for over 120 years. No wonder, it also tastes delicious.

But the best is yet to come. After a pleasant night’s sleep, the extensive breakfast buffet, which is served in the Salon Lichtental, awaited us. This space is to die for! I don’t have the words to describe it. The salon also has its own park terrace, which invites you to have breakfast outdoors. Is there a better way to start a day? Steep assist from the Brenners, will be difficult to top.

Winston Churchill used to say, “My tastes are simple. I am easily satisfied with the best”. Well, I can’t find better words to conclude. A not quite cheap but sensational place to slow down and recharge your batteries.

Note: I was invited to this stay by the Brenners Park-Hotel – thank you very much for this. As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm here.