Colombi Hotel

Colombi Hotel in Freiburg im Breisgau stands out as a luxurious, owner-managed 5-star superior property, consistently praised for its classic elegance, exceptional service, and prime location. As a Michelin Key Selected hotel and a member of "The Leading Hotels of the World," it upholds a high standard of hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Colombi Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 9.1 out of 10 from over 900 reviews, often described as "wonderful" and "exceptional." Guests frequently refer to it as a "truly a 5+ star hotel" and an "absolutely gorgeous hotel," highlighting its classic charm and elegant ambiance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Colombi Hotel. Its excellent location near the old city is a major draw. The hotel's staff receives high accolades for being "amazing," "attentive," and "professional". Other key highlights include the beautiful indoor swimming pool, the abundant and high-quality breakfast, and the hotel's classic decor and elegant design. The presence of Michelin-starred dining further enhances its appeal.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Colombi Hotel are generally described as "great," "beautiful," and "spacious," with comfortable beds and wonderful showers. Many appreciate the "classic decor & setup" as exceptional, noting the rooms are "very clean and well maintained." Each of the 110 non-smoking rooms and suites is individually furnished with "sensitivity, charm, and emotion." Amenities include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free wired internet, high-quality toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. Allergy-friendly rooms are also available. However, some guests have mentioned that the rooms "need some updating," particularly regarding the availability of electrical outlets.

4. Dining Experience

Colombi Hotel offers a diverse and highly-regarded dining experience across several venues. The fine dining restaurant, Zirbelstube, has held a Michelin star every year since 1983, specializing in French classics prepared with finesse. The Falkenstube offers traditional charm with regional gastronomy, while the cozy Hans-Thoma-Stube serves Black Forest cuisine in an ambiance paneled with antique spruce from a 1776 farmhouse. For lighter fare and pastries, guests can visit the Café & Bistro Graf Anton. The breakfast buffet is consistently rated as "excellent," "plentiful," and offering a "very wide selection." While breakfast is highly praised, some guests have noted it is "pricey" (around €28 for adults) and there have been minor, isolated issues such as overcooked poached eggs or incorrect tea orders.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Colombi Hotel is a standout feature, with guests frequently commending the staff as "amazing," "professional," "friendly," and "attentive to our needs." Reviewers often mention "nice little touches such as chocolate in the room, slippers, robes" as part of the thoughtful hospitality. The hotel prides itself on being privately owned and run, fostering a working atmosphere characterized by mutual respect, friendliness, and trust, which translates into warm guest experiences. Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few isolated comments mention staff appearing "a bit young for a receptionist" or calls to the front desk going unanswered at times.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "excellent location" in Freiburg's historic Old Town, "by the old city," and is described as "very convenient for everything." It is situated opposite Colombipark and the picturesque Colombischlössle. Key attractions like Freiburg Cathedral, the pedestrian zone, and shopping areas are just a short walk away, with the Freiburg Main Station also accessible within 5 minutes. The location serves as an ideal base for exploring the city or embarking on day trips to the Black Forest, Kaiserstuhl, Markgräflerland, or the nearby Alsace region. The hotel also offers accessibility features, including marked disabled parking spaces and wheelchair-friendly rooms.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury 5-star hotel, Colombi Hotel is positioned at a premium price point. While specific room rates vary, the overall sentiment indicates that the quality of the experience generally justifies the cost. However, guests consistently note that breakfast is "pricey" at approximately €28 for adults. On-site parking also incurs a fee of €26 per 24 hours. Despite high ratings in most categories, the "Value for money" score on some platforms is slightly lower (8.4/10), suggesting that while guests appreciate the luxury, they acknowledge the higher expenditure.

8. Common Complaints

While most feedback is positive, some recurring criticisms and issues include:

• Room condition: Some guests feel that rooms could benefit from updating, particularly concerning the availability of power outlets.
• Breakfast cost and minor issues: The breakfast is expensive, and there have been occasional minor culinary errors, such as overcooked poached eggs or incorrect tea served.
• Service inconsistencies: Isolated reports of unanswered calls to the front desk.
• Spa area: One guest noted that the relaxation room for the sauna is small, necessitating use of the pool area for relaxation.
• Smoking policy: Smoking is permitted in the bar area, which some guests might find undesirable.
• Noise in breakfast area: A few guests mentioned background noise from cooling units or a noisy juicer in the breakfast room.
• Pool closure: In at least one instance, the beautiful wellness pool was temporarily closed for repairs.

Sources

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9. freiburghotelsweb.com
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11. michelin.com
12. lhw.com
13. colombi.de
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