Genießer - & Romantikhotel DAS SCHIFF

Genießer - & Romantikhotel DAS SCHIFF in Vorarlberg, Austria, a Michelin One-Key property, consistently receives high praise for its blend of tradition and modernity, exceptional culinary offerings, and heartfelt hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Genießer - & Romantikhotel DAS SCHIFF is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as exceptional and memorable. The hotel boasts an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google based on 344 reviews, a perfect 5 out of 5 on Romantik Hotel's own ratings based on guest comments, and an exceptional 10 out of 10 on Booking.com, though based on a single review. The Michelin Key itself signifies a "very special stay" and an outstanding experience, a testament to its quality across various criteria including design, architecture, service, and personality.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel's successful fusion of tradition and modernity, achieved through innovative Vorarlberg architecture and local craftsmanship. Key highlights include:

• Gourmet Cuisine: Recognized as "one of the best kitchens in the country" by various gourmet guides, the dining experience is a major draw.
• Wellness & Relaxation: The extensive wellness area with year-round heated indoor and outdoor pools, multiple saunas (Finnish, bio, garden), a brine steam bath, and an infrared cabin is highly appreciated for relaxation.
• Hospitality & Charm: The Metzler family, who have run the hotel since 1840, are praised for their authentic and warm hospitality, creating a "house with a soul."
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's ability to breathe history while telling new stories through sensitive innovations and additions gives it a unique character and charm.
• Sustainability Focus: The hotel emphasizes respect for nature and the conscious use of resources and materials.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at DAS SCHIFF are described as spacious, individually furnished, and designed for the finest living comfort. Guests appreciate the modern yet cozy ambiance, often featuring high-quality wooden furniture crafted by local Bregenzerwald artisans. Many rooms are south-facing towards the quiet garden, and some even include floor-to-ceiling windows and free-standing bathtubs, offering a tranquil retreat. Available room types range from double rooms (26-32m²) to various suites (50-55m²).

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Genießer - & Romantikhotel DAS SCHIFF is a standout feature, earning multiple accolades. The hotel's cuisine, once shaped by the self-taught chef Erna Metzler (the first woman in Vorarlberg to receive a Gault Millau toque in 1993), continues its legacy under current head chef Benjamin Wolter. The kitchen masterfully combines regional Vorarlberg ingredients with modern and international influences. Guests can enjoy fine dining in the historic "Wälder Stube 1840" or a more regional, casual experience in "Ernele," a bistro and shop designed in modern Bregenzerwald timber architecture. The breakfast buffet is highlighted as a "declaration of love to the region," featuring fresh bread, Bregenzerwald cheese, and homemade delicacies. An afternoon snack ("Teestunde") of fine quality is also often included.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff receive consistent praise for their heartfelt hospitality and attentiveness. The Metzler family, as hosts, are central to the hotel's warm atmosphere. Many guests note the presence of long-term employees, which contributes to a familiar and comfortable environment where guests feel valued and welcomed from the moment they arrive. This dedicated team ensures that "quality is offered at the highest level on all levels."

6. Location & Accessibility

Nestled in Hittisau, in the picturesque Bregenzerwald region of Vorarlberg, the hotel offers a quiet location with far-reaching views of the surrounding mountains. It's an ideal base for exploring the region, with numerous hiking trails starting directly from the doorstep. In winter, cross-country ski trails are also easily accessible. While offering a tranquil escape, it remains relatively accessible, situated 26 km from Dornbirn Exhibition Centre and 28 km from Casino Bregenz. The nearest major airports are Zurich (140 km) and Munich (220 km).

7. Value & Pricing

Genießer - & Romantikhotel DAS SCHIFF is positioned as a luxury experience, reflected in its pricing. Rates are quoted per room per day and typically include half-board. Starting prices for a double room are around €360 per night, while suites begin at approximately €480 per night. While specific mentions of "value for money" are limited, the overall sentiment suggests that guests find the comprehensive offerings, including gourmet dining, extensive wellness facilities, and exceptional service, to be commensurate with the cost, providing a truly worthwhile "special stay" as indicated by its Michelin Key status.

8. Common Complaints

Finding recurring negative feedback for Genießer - & Romantikhotel DAS SCHIFF is challenging, as the overwhelming majority of reviews are highly positive. One Booking.com review did rate facilities at 7.5 out of 10, but this was within an overall "exceptional" rating of 10, suggesting it's not a significant detractor. The Relax Guide notes that the hotel is "unsuitable for children," which might be a consideration for families traveling with young ones, indicating a more adult-focused ambiance.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. romantikhotels.com
3. google.com
4. michelin.com
5. michelinmedia.com
6. vorarlberg.travel
7. schiff-hittisau.com
8. romantikhotels.com
9. bregenzerwald.at
10. bregenzerwald.at
11. relax-guide.com
12. schiff-hittisau.com
13. michelin.com
14. booking.com
15. schiff-hittisau.com
16. geniesserhotels.com
17. booking.com
18. schiff-hittisau.com