Alpenhof Murnau

Alpenhof Murnau, nestled in the picturesque town of Murnau am Staffelsee, Germany, is a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property offering a luxurious retreat amidst the stunning Bavarian landscape. Guests consistently praise the hotel for its exceptional service, extensive wellness facilities, and gourmet dining, making it a highly-rated destination for relaxation and indulgence.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Alpenhof Murnau is overwhelmingly positive, with ratings consistently in the "Excellent" or "Very Good" range. It boasts an average "Very satisfied" score of 92% across numerous review platforms, based on over 8,500 reviews. The hotel is recognized as a 5-star property and is listed among the "101 best hotels in Germany," placing 4th in the luxury hideaways category. Guests frequently describe their stays as comfortable, relaxing, and memorable, highlighting the hotel's blend of luxury, hospitality, and natural beauty.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Alpenhof Murnau for its:

• Expansive Wellness & Spa Area: A 2,000 m² wellness area features an indoor pool with a whirlpool (30°C), a heated outdoor pool (26°C), a hot pool (34°C), multiple outdoor saunas, an indoor sauna, two steam baths, and various relaxation zones. The spa and wellness facilities are a major draw, offering a wide range of treatments and an included adventure program with yoga and meditation.
• Breathtaking Location and Views: Situated directly adjacent to the Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve, the hotel offers stunning panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps, including the Zugspitze, Herzogstand-Heimgartenmassiv, and Wettersteingebirge. The tranquil setting provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
• Exceptional Culinary Experience: The dining options receive stellar reviews, particularly the gourmet dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the "legendary" breakfast buffet.
• Outstanding Service: The staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and professionalism are frequently highlighted as a key aspect of the guest experience.
• Modern Amenities and Comfort: Rooms are impeccably maintained with modern amenities, and guests appreciate inclusions like a complimentary minibar (one refill per day).

3. Room Quality

The 106 "feel-good rooms" at Alpenhof Murnau are designed with modern aesthetics and natural materials, emphasizing peace and relaxation. They are consistently described as impeccably maintained, comfortable, and spacious. Rooms are adorned with premium, hypo-allergenic bedding, plush down comforters, and blackout drapes for a restful sleep. Many rooms feature balconies offering garden, pool, or magnificent mountain views. Bathroom products by L'Occitane are provided. While most rooms are suitable for allergy sufferers, Panorama rooms specifically feature parquet flooring. Some guest feedback notes certain bathrooms might appear "outdated" but are still in very good condition.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Alpenhof Murnau is a significant highlight, receiving a stellar rating of 9.3 for food and dining options. The hotel's menu, particularly at the "Murnauer Reiter" restaurant, showcases a "new Bavarian cuisine" with exquisite gourmet dishes prepared using fresh, regional, and seasonal ingredients. The breakfast buffet is highly praised (guest review score: 9.5), described as rich, extensive, and featuring organic and vital products, fresh juices, an excellent bread selection, vegan options, local cheeses, cold cuts, homemade jams, and even salmon and sparkling wine. Dinner is often elevated into a celebration with exceptional service, and the bar offers a variety of fine wines and refreshing cocktails. During winter nights, guests can enjoy complimentary gluhwein. Dining areas, including the terrace, offer beautiful views of the surroundings.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Alpenhof Murnau are consistently rated as outstanding, with a staff performance rating of 9.1-9.2. Guests frequently commend the team for being "lovely," "very nice," "kind and caring," and "extremely courteous, competent and great employees". The hotel's management fosters a culture of humanity, freedom, and openness, ensuring that guest wishes are met with joy and enthusiasm, guaranteeing a high standard of service. The reception operates 24 hours a day, and a complimentary transfer service to/from Murnau train station is available upon request.

6. Location & Accessibility

Alpenhof Murnau enjoys an excellent location, with ratings from 8.0 to 9.4. It is strategically positioned on the outskirts of Murnau am Staffelsee, directly adjacent to the breathtaking Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve, providing immediate access to walking and hiking trails. The hotel offers stunning views of the Bavarian Alps. The charming town of Murnau am Staffelsee itself offers various activities, including swimming, sailing, fishing, and cultural attractions like the Kandinsky House.

For accessibility, Murnau Ort Train Station is about 1.14 km away, and the main Murnau Train Station is 1.54 km away, with a free shuttle service offered by the hotel. Munich Airport is approximately an hour's drive, with private shuttle services available for a fee (around €325 for 1-6 persons). The hotel provides covered self-parking and valet parking for €15 per night, and electric vehicle charging stations are also available for €15 per charge.

7. Value & Pricing

The value for money at Alpenhof Murnau receives ratings between 7.5 and 8.0. While many guests consider it a "good price/performance ratio" given the luxury offerings, some recent reviews suggest that certain areas of the hotel are "getting old" and "renovation is urgently needed to justify the price level". Room rates vary depending on the season and occupancy. The hotel offers special rates such as an "early bird rate" which provides a 10% discount for a minimum 2-night stay, though these bookings are non-cancellable and non-changeable. Children aged 0-2 stay free, while those aged 3-11 are charged €55 per night, and those 12 and above are €70 per night for an extra bed. A seasonal visitor's tax applies, ranging from €2.60 to €3.00 for adults per night.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Aging Infrastructure: Some guests have noted that certain parts of the hotel's exterior appear to be "in need of renovation" and that the hotel is "getting old," suggesting updates are needed to maintain its luxury status and justify pricing.
• Wellness Area Layout/Condition: The internal wellness area has been described by some as "outdated" or that its facilities are "quite far apart," which can be inconvenient, especially during colder or rainy weather. However, the outdoor sauna landscape is generally well-regarded despite minor defects.
• Minor Room Amenities: A few guests have mentioned missing a coffee machine in their rooms.

Sources

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