Hotel Gut Immenhof

Hotel Gut Immenhof, Malente: A Comprehensive Review of a One-Key Michelin Property

Hotel Gut Immenhof in Malente, Germany, a distinguished One-Key Michelin property, consistently receives high praise from guests for its unique charm, idyllic setting, and exceptional service. Nestled in the picturesque Wagria countryside, this lovingly restored historic estate on the lake offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking relaxation and a touch of German heritage.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Gut Immenhof is overwhelmingly positive. The hotel boasts an impressive overall rating of 9.1 on Agoda.com and a "Superb" rating of 9.4 based on 139 reviews on Booking.com. Guests frequently laud its warm atmosphere, attentive service, and beautiful surroundings. The Michelin Guide recognizes it as a "very special stay" with "One MICHELIN Key". Many describe their experience as perfect, combining "Immenhof-Fernsehfilm-Feeling, stylish British-Landhaus-Flair and perfect Gastgebertum".

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly fond of the hotel's charming rural atmosphere, excellent service, and friendly staff. The beautifully appointed rooms and lush natural surroundings are often highlighted as key attractions. The Spa, offering a unique lake view, along with its equestrian facilities and two cozy restaurants, are also significant drawcards. The entire complex is described as wonderfully maintained with great attention to detail.

3. Room Quality

Each of the hotel's rooms is designed with comfort and style in mind, and no two are identical, contributing to a unique character across the 12 renovated buildings. Rooms feature fresh color schemes and warm lighting, and are equipped with plush linens, soft towels, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries. For entertainment, a television with satellite and cable channels is provided. Guests can also enjoy tranquil views from a private balcony or terrace, and amenities like coffee/tea makers and complimentary bottled water enhance the stay. Some suites offer lake views, hypoallergenic bedding, and a dedicated work desk.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Hotel Gut Immenhof is celebrated as a sensory experience, with two cozy restaurants – Melkhus and Restaurant Rodesand – and Jantzens Bar.

• Breakfast: The breakfast receives high praise for being "great," "varied," and offering a wide selection where "nothing was missing". At Melkhus, guests can enjoy fresh coffee, homemade dips, regional cheese, and a variety of house-made items like jam and muesli, with organic eggs sourced from local partners.
• Lunch & Dinner: Melkhus offers regional classics from the farm kitchen, with a seasonal à la carte menu featuring dishes such as Holstein beef, fresh pasta with seasonal vegetables, and North German fish specialties. Restaurant Rodesand is committed to using regional, sustainable ingredients from local fisheries and vegetable farms. Its culinary approach incorporates modern techniques like dry-aging fish, Japanese charcoal grilling, and fermentation.
• Coffee & Cake: In the afternoons, Melkhus serves coffee and a delightful selection of cakes and tarts from its in-house patisserie, often enjoyed on the outdoor terrace with lake views during good weather.
• Bar: Jantzens Bar is noted for serving "exceptional cocktails".

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel Gut Immenhof consistently earn top marks. Guests commend the "attentive service," "warm hospitality," and "natural friendliness" of the team. The staff are frequently described as helpful, welcoming, and competent, making guests feel "very well looked after" from arrival to departure.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is beautifully situated in Malente, part of Germany's lush Wagria countryside, characterized by its numerous lakes and wildflowers. Its lakeside location is particularly appreciated by guests. The estate serves as a serene haven, offering a perfect blend of nature and relaxation.

Local attractions, such as the Malente Water Tower, are easily accessible by foot or bike, offering panoramic views and surrounded by parks and walking trails. For broader exploration, Bad Malente Gremsmuhlen Train Station provides convenient connections, reducing the need for a car. The hotel also offers complimentary on-site parking and bicycle hire. Lübeck Airport is approximately 53 km (33 miles) away, and other regional attractions like HANSA-PARK (26 km/16 miles) and Kiel Maritime Museum (40 km/25 miles) are within reach. The area is ideal for various activities, including hiking, cycling, non-motorized water sports like canoeing and fishing, and horse riding, with an Immenhof Museum also on the premises.

7. Value & Pricing

While Hotel Gut Immenhof is recognized as a premium property, many guests find the experience justifies the cost, with a "Value for money" rating of 8.7 on Booking.com. Reviewers often state it's "a hotel where everything is right" and "worth the higher price". Double rooms typically start from €179 per night, including breakfast. However, one perspective suggests that for those not specifically drawn by the "Immenhof films" historical connection, other options might offer more competitive wellness facilities at a lower price point.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• One guest mentioned that while service was friendly, "small things" they requested were occasionally overlooked, suggesting this should not happen at this price level.
• A specific critique highlighted the breakfast as "rather meager for such a chic hotel," citing a lack of cheese and vegan options, and issues with coffee orders. This contrasts with other reviews praising the breakfast selection.
• As mentioned under value, a recurring sentiment suggests that a significant portion of the hotel's appeal, particularly for its wellness offerings, is tied to its "Immenhof-Fernsehfilm-Feeling." For guests without this nostalgic connection, other venues might offer more extensive or better-priced wellness facilities.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. michelin.com
5. michelin.com
6. holidaycheck.de
7. gut-immenhof.de
8. gut-immenhof.de
9. booking.com
10. booking.com
11. gut-immenhof.de
12. youtube.com
13. holidaycheck.de