Ettlingen, GermanyAltstadt
Hotel Erbprinz Ettlingen
Historic culinary posthouse
Altstadt Ettlingen, Germany
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Wellness ClassicOutside the door
Historic culinary posthouse
The historic coaching inn operates as a gourmet gathering place, where stays revolve around multi-course dinners, handmade pastries, and Baden wines.
What it’s good at
Notable
An 18th-century Thurn-und-Taxis post station standing directly opposite Ettlingen Castle.
Notable
A stagecoach inn since 1788, welcoming generations to its Michelin-starred dining room.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The place still has an air of old-world glamour, with several open-to-the-public venues … adding to the convivial, special-occasion atmosphere.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Ettlingen Castle sits right across the street, and the cobblestone lanes of the Altstadt lead down to the Alb river.
The rooms
Renovated rooms have wall-sized botanical murals and speckled marble bathrooms. Suites mix midcentury furniture with antiques.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
Mosaic pillars border the pool and built-in bubble loungers, and the gym is equipped with Life Fitness machines.
The saunas
An illuminated crystal steam bath and bio-sauna sit beside a cooling cabin dusted with fresh snow.
The spa
Loungers face an illuminated Himalayan salt wall, and treatment rooms offer HydraFacial and Reviderm skincare.
At the table
Weinstube Sibylla serves regional Baden dishes in wood-paneled alcoves, and Café Erbprinz slices house-made Black Forest gateau.
How it began
The Margrave of Baden granted postmaster Ignaz Stein a tavern license in 1788, turning the stagecoach stop into an inn.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.