On October 9, 2024, The MICHELIN Guide revealed the first One, Two, and Three distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in Germany. Earning One Key (80 hotels) or Two Keys (36 hotels) is difficult enough, but only six hotels in the country received Three Keys, The MICHELIN Guide’s highest hotel honor.
The Three Key hotels excel in all five criteria used to judge hotels by our Inspectors. Head here for everything you need to know about the new distinction. But in this series, we thought it fitting to focus on just one of those criteria — the most photogenic of the five — architecture and interior design.
Below, take a look at the interiors and exteriors of each of our six Three Key hotels in Germany.
See more:
Every Three Key Hotel in Paris
Every Three Key Hotel in Switzerland
Every Three Key Hotel in Spain
Hotel Bareiss
Baiersbronn, GermanyThe renowned Bareiss is a unique blend of Black Forest tradition and modern luxury. The architecture itself takes inspiration from the beautiful Black Forest landscape, with rustic wooden touches and the charming balconies typical of the region. Further integrating the hotel into the landscape are the magnificent gardens, while rooms are decorated in an exclusive yet homey style, sometimes leaning on country house charm, other times on baroque flair.
When creating the rooms, warm colors and high-quality materials (including tasteful fabrics and stylish furniture) were given just as much importance as the luxuries expected at a hotel of this quality.
Hotel Traube Tonbach
Baiersbronn, GermanySurrounded by a lush green countryside, ancient trees and expansive meadows, the Traube Tonbach, whose history dates back to 1789, is located in a a setting we can only describe as dreamy. Like at Hotel Bareiss, we see an architecture that reflects the region (those typical wooden balconies) along with more modern elements.
In the interiors, there’s a clear combination of both styles, with certain spaces exuding the charm of the Black Forest and in others the chic modernity of crisp lines and pops of color. For the best view of the stunning landscape, opt for a room with a balcony or terrace.
Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway
Elmau, GermanyLet's get one thing out of the way: this is anything but your average Alpine resort. Located about an hour south of Munich, Schloss Elmau earns the moniker “cultural hideaway” in its name. Rooms are split between the stylish historic castle and the newer-built Retreat, the latter slightly more discreet and intimate.
In both, rooms and suites are furnished with a keen sense of aesthetics and pure luxury. Expect: the finest materials, exquisite fabrics and warm colors, wooden floors, beautifully designed furniture, and, in some rooms, bathrooms in natural stone. And no matter where you look, you’re faced with that magnificent mountain backdrop.
Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Hamburg, GermanyThe magnificent building in a prestigious location on the banks of the Inner Alster is impossible to miss. This old-school grand hotel has a tradition going back over 120 years, one that’s wonderfully reflected in the style and elegance throughout the building.
The look is classic and true to the character of this 1897 building, but full too of subtle modern amenities to compliment it. The rooms and suites leave nothing to be desired, with highlights including the Bel Etage, Signature Suites and Celebrity Suites. Not to be forgotten are the magnificent views of the Inner Alster, the city or the garden.
Book Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten with The MICHELIN Guide →
The Fontenay
Hamburg, GermanyThe building is a concept by architect Jan Störmer, who skilfully integrated the hotel with its curved forms abetting the park and nearby river. The construction is wonderfully light thanks to the extensive use of glass, a design that’s both modern and sophisticated, combined with the restraint typical of the region. Take note of the high atrium lobby, a particularly impressive architectural feature.
Everything here is of the highest quality. Rooms are built for the contemporary traveler, with state-of-the-art technology and chic interior details to go with tasteful warm colors, beautiful parquet floors and floor-to-ceiling windows.. The luxurious look continues through all areas of the hotel.
Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt
Rottach-Egern, GermanyWith Lake Tegernsee and the magnificent Alpine backdrop on its doorstep, Althoff Seehotel Überfahr offers its modern luxury wrapped in stylish design. The sophisticated interiors feature natural materials and colors that tastefully and elegantly reflect the region, while balconies offer wonderful views of the lake or mountains.
A particular highlight: the three massive Tegernsee Suites. It goes without saying that the superlative spa matches the design and class of the rooms.
Illustration Image: Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Hamburg, Deutschland
