Das Kranzbach Hotel & Wellness Retreat

Das Kranzbach Hotel & Wellness Retreat, a distinguished Michelin Two-Keys property, is widely celebrated as an exceptional destination for tranquility, wellness, and culinary delights amidst the stunning Bavarian Alps. Guests consistently praise its unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury, making it a highly recommended retreat for those seeking to disconnect and rejuvenate.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Das Kranzbach is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests rating it as a "perfect hideaway" and "one of the best hotels" they have experienced. It's frequently described as a place offering "tranquility, beautiful scenery, fresh mountain air, delicious food and a wonderful wellness spa." The Michelin Two-Keys designation signifies an exceptional stay, a sentiment echoed by a high rate of returning guests who become "Kranzbach-addicted."

2. Key Highlights

• Spa & Wellness: The expansive spa facilities are undoubtedly the crown jewel of Das Kranzbach. It boasts five heated pools, including a saltwater pool and a Japanese onsen, along with eight saunas and steam rooms. A glass and wood meditation house nestled in the forest provides a unique space for reflection. The hotel offers a diverse activity program, encompassing yoga, fitness classes, pilates, and guided hiking and biking tours, catering to a holistic wellness experience. The resort is primarily adults-oriented, recommending stays for children aged 12 and above.
• Location & Scenery: Nestled in a secluded high mountain valley, the hotel is surrounded by dense forests and the majestic peaks of the Bavarian Alps, including views of the Zugspitze and Karwendel mountains. This pristine setting offers unparalleled peace and breathtaking natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
• Design & Atmosphere: Das Kranzbach presents a captivating architectural blend. The historic Mary Portman house, originally an English country house, retains an old-world charm with high-ceilinged lounges, original fireplaces, and eclectic furnishings. In contrast, the modern Garden Wing features a crisp wood-and-glass aesthetic, designed to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding nature, often with puristic Japanese design elements in areas like the meditation house. The overall ambiance is one of discreet elegance, focusing on guest comfort without stiffness.
• Dining: The hotel's gastronomy is frequently lauded for its high quality and generosity. Guests enjoy "never-ending" dining experiences, including a gourmet breakfast, a light lunch buffet, afternoon cake and coffee, and a sophisticated five-course dinner menu. The kitchen prioritizes fresh, local ingredients, often sourced from the hotel's own organic herb garden, offering healthy and creative interpretations of classic dishes.

3. Room Quality

Das Kranzbach offers a variety of room styles, catering to different preferences, split between the historic Mary Portman House and the modern Garden Wing.

• Mary Portman House rooms are individually furnished in an English country style, featuring oak flooring and often charming, bold decor with modern touches. Some rooms include chaise longues and particularly spacious bathrooms.
• Garden Wing rooms boast a contemporary wood-and-glass motif, with larch paneling and oak flooring. These rooms are known for their generous size, floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular mountain views, and spacious glass-fronted bathrooms, some with large tubs and unobstructed outlooks. Many also include south-facing balconies or terraces, with panorama double rooms featuring private rooftop terraces. Deluxe doubles offer cozy reading niches and extra-long beds.
• For a truly unique stay, guests can opt for Treehouses, elevated cabins nestled in the forest with views of the treetops, or the historic Gatehouses, offering multiple bedrooms, fireplaces, and private terraces.

Guests consistently report comfortable and quiet rooms, ensuring sound sleep thanks to the fresh mountain air.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Das Kranzbach is a significant highlight, offering an indulgent and continuous culinary journey throughout the day.

• Breakfast is a gourmet affair, featuring a rich buffet with a wide selection of baked goods from the in-house bakery, an array of teas, and even a dedicated room for fresh juicing. The long breakfast hours until 11:00 AM are appreciated by guests.
• A light lunch buffet is served, followed by afternoon cake and coffee, often enjoyed on the outdoor terrace with scenic views.
• Dinner is a refined five-course menu, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, complemented by a selection of international wines. Dishes are celebrated for being light, healthy, and innovative interpretations of traditional classics, with particular praise for perfectly cooked meats like lamb, and a superb selection of marinated vegetables and salads. An impressive cheese buffet and a choice of two desserts round off the evening meal.
• The dining rooms themselves are diverse in decor and all provide wonderful views, enhancing the mealtime ambiance.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Das Kranzbach is generally held in high regard, often described as friendly, courteous, attentive, and unobtrusive. Guests are frequently met with a warm greeting at reception, often including a welcome glass of sparkling wine and a guided tour to help them get acquainted with the property. The hotel's host, Klaus King, is noted for his charming presence and personal greetings to guests at dinner. While some older reviews mentioned occasional issues with reception efficiency or language barriers with some international staff, more recent feedback emphasizes the staff's dedication to guest well-being and a consistently high level of hospitality.

6. Location & Accessibility

Das Kranzbach is set in an exquisitely secluded location within a high mountain valley, enveloped by thick forests of the Bavarian Alps. This "undisturbed oasis" on a 130,000m² mountain meadow offers profound peace and connection with nature, making it ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.

• Proximity to Nature: Guests have direct access to countless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking (free bike rental available), walking, and winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Nearby Attractions: While secluded, the hotel is approximately an hour south of Munich and a short drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It serves as a convenient base for day trips to famous attractions like King Ludwig II's castles and picturesque Bavarian villages such as Mittenwald and Oberammergau.
• Transport: The hotel is accessed via a private toll road from the neighboring village of Krün, with the toll fee reimbursed by the hotel. Pick-up from the nearby Klais train station can be pre-arranged, and onsite parking is available for guests traveling by car.

7. Value & Pricing

Das Kranzbach is considered a luxury property, reflected in its pricing, with rates starting from approximately €700 per night. However, many guests find the cost to be justified by the comprehensive "Kranzbach indulgence services" included in the price. These typically encompass the extended half-board (gourmet breakfast, lunch buffet, afternoon tea/cakes, and a five-course dinner), access to all active and relaxation programs, full use of the extensive pool and sauna facilities, Wi-Fi, and garage parking. Additional charges apply for single occupancy (€100 per night) and for bringing dogs (€40 per day without food), with restrictions on dogs in spa and restaurant areas. A minimum stay of two nights is usually required.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms or minor issues have been noted by guests:

• Perceived Decline in Quality (older reviews): A few guests, particularly those who have visited since its early days, have expressed that the hotel's expansion led to a perception of the dining room feeling more crowded and the food quality, while still good, not reaching its previous "fantastic" standard.
• Reception Warmth: Some feedback suggests that the reception staff, while efficient, could sometimes be more personable or welcoming.
• Food Intolerances: In isolated cases, guests have reported that their specific food intolerances, despite being communicated, were not always fully accommodated, leading to discomfort.
• Wellness Area Size: Despite its extensive facilities, a few guests have felt that the wellness area could become "a little small" during peak times.
• Limited Sauna Infusions: Some noted the relatively low number of sauna infusions offered daily.
• Connectivity: Mobile internet and phone reception can be patchy in some areas, though Wi-Fi is generally available throughout most of the property.
• Modern vs. Historic Rooms: While rooms in the Garden Wing are celebrated for their modern design, some guests who prefer a more traditional aesthetic might find them to lack the "old-fashioned touch" of the main Mary Portman House.

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