Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
Two Michelin Keys
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Hotel Details
Location
Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden · Berchtesgaden, Germany
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Key Highlights
- ✓Water Pressure: One guest noted that the walk-in shower's handheld and rainforest shower heads did not have "amazing water pressure."
Expert Review: Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
The Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden, a distinguished Michelin Two-Keys property, offers an exceptional luxury retreat nestled amidst the breathtaking Bavarian Alps. Guests consistently praise its stunning location, impeccable service, and comprehensive amenities, contributing to an overwhelmingly positive sentiment.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "perfect," "fabulous," and "one of the nicest hotels" they have ever stayed at. Reviewers often express a strong desire to return, highlighting an exceptional overall experience that exceeds expectations. The hotel boasts high ratings for its location (9.7), cleanliness (9.6), facilities (9.5), and comfort (9.6).
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently love the hotel's:
- Location & Views: Situated 1000m up on Eckerbichl, the hotel offers "absolutely stunning location with exceptional views" of the Bavarian Alps, including the Untersberg massif and Kneifelspitze, and even glimpses of Salzburg on a clear day. The architectural design subtly blends into the natural grandeur, almost appearing hidden within a mountain lair.
- Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "extremely friendly," "courteous and attentive but relaxed," "helpful," and "amazing." The hotel prides itself on legendary Bavarian hospitality with a personal touch.
- Amenities: Highlights include an award-winning spa with indoor and outdoor pools (the outdoor pool is heated and offers mountain views, even in falling snow), a well-equipped gym, a kids' club, and even a helipad. There's also a golf course, one of Germany's highest, available in the summer.
- Design: The interior features harmonious chic and modern design using top-notch materials, with a focus on natural light. The "wood and stone" design concept is prevalent throughout.
3. Room Quality
The elegant rooms and suites are stylishly furnished, spacious, and designed for comfort and luxury. They offer complimentary Wi-Fi and a mini-bar. Many rooms feature private balconies or terraces with stunning alpine and garden views. Bathrooms are generously sized, often equipped with large Villeroy & Boch fittings, double sinks, a walk-in shower, and a deep bathtub, along with luxurious toiletries like Elemental Herbology and Diptyque. Thoughtful touches include comfortable bathrobes and Bavarian rubber ducks. Some rooms also boast adjustable remotely operated log fires.
4. Dining Experience
The hotel offers diverse culinary experiences. The Restaurant Johann Grill provides a delightful setting with wooden finishes and ample natural light, serving an "amazing" and "incredible" Alpine buffet breakfast. This lavish spread includes complimentary champagne, fresh local produce like wurst, speck, hams, organic eggs, smoked trout, a variety of yogurts, granola, artisan breads, smoothies, and an extensive selection of herbal teas. Guests can also order made-to-order egg dishes and enjoy fresh juices and a coffee cart. Special requests, like gluten-free bread, are readily accommodated. For an upscale experience, there is also the 2-Michelin-starred Gourmet Restaurant PUR. Additionally, guests can enjoy the Lobby Lounge and Kamin Bar, with the latter recommended for its Eckerbichl-Torte.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff are consistently lauded as a major strength of the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden. Guests experience a warm welcome, often met by a Bavarian doorman and offered non-alcoholic fruit schnapps upon arrival. Staff are described as friendly, helpful, polite, and attentive, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere. The hotel aims to "surprise and delight" guests and "create unique guest experiences with local Bavarian flair." A unique feature mentioned is the "Lady in Red" concierge service, a woman in a striking ruby-red dress who is easily identifiable.
6. Location & Accessibility
The hotel's secluded mountain location on Obersalzberg, 1000 meters above sea level, is a significant draw, offering unparalleled panoramic views. While nestled in a pristine wilderness of lakes and mountains, it remains accessible. It is approximately 25 kilometers from Salzburg and just over an hour and a half drive from Munich. The hotel is about 4 km from the town of Berchtesgaden itself, with a local bus (line 838) providing direct service from Dokumentation Obersalzberg (a short walk from the hotel) to Berchtesgaden in about 8-15 minutes. Taxis offer a faster 5-minute journey. The location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with 230 km of hiking trails in the Berchtesgaden National Park, proximity to Königsee (6 km), and attractions like the Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus).
7. Value & Pricing
As a 5-star ultra-luxurious property, the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden comes at a premium price. Average room rates start from $500+, significantly higher than the typical $201-$250 for other hotels in Berchtesgaden. However, guests generally consider it worth the cost for the "unparalleled experience characterized by opulence, exceptional service, and breathtaking views." Many perceive the investment as elevating their experience, providing exclusive amenities and unmatched alpine vistas. During low season, rates have been observed as low as HK$1,600, suggesting potential opportunities for more value.
8. Common Complaints
While reviews are largely positive, a few minor points have been raised:
- Water Pressure: One guest noted that the walk-in shower's handheld and rainforest shower heads did not have "amazing water pressure."
- Gym Equipment: The gym machines were described as having "weights completely different to what I was used to," requiring an adjustment period.
- Lounge Furnishing: A general lounge area was found to be "sparsely furnished" and lacking value as a place to spend time, despite the hotel not having a designated club lounge.
- WiFi Cost: While "standard" WiFi is free, "premium" WiFi costs 9 EUR per night.
- Event Disruptions: Occasionally, special events like car displays on-site might temporarily affect accessibility to the entryway.
- Booking Issues (general Kempinski feedback): While not specific to Berchtesgaden, a few reviews for Kempinski Hotels in general mentioned issues with being double-debited for rooms or missed reservations not being honored when booked through third parties. This highlights the importance of direct booking or careful verification when using external platforms.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •Lounge Furnishing: A general lounge area was found to be "sparsely furnished" and lacking value as a place to spend time, despite the hotel not having a designated club lounge.
Google Reviews
2,622 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Tommy Garcia-Figueras
My girlfriend and I had an incredibly pleasant stay here. From the moment we arrived, the staff were exceptionally friendly and proactive, always looking for ways to enhance our experience. The rooms were amazing, and the spa facilities were a particular highlight—everything was pristine and relaxing. The only minor disappointment was that three out of the five restaurants were closed during our v...
Response from the owner
Dear Mr. Garcia-Figueras, <br><br>Thanks for your glowing review! I am so happy you enjoyed your stay to the fullest in the Bavarian Alps. Our team loved having you both here. <br>I regret to read abo...
William Warburton
Visited this wonderful hotel whilst on a day trip from Austria. I have been here before and wanted to show my fiancée this amazing hotel and it’s beautiful surroundings, with a view to staying here in the future. We stayed for lunch which we had in the sitting area near the bar. The food was excellent and good value. My better half had the veggie burger and said that it was the best veggie burger ...
Response from the owner
Dear Mr. Warburton, <br><br>Thank you so much for your review. It was a delight to welcome you back to our hotel. We are so pleased that you enjoyed lunch near the bar and that our staff contributed t...
HH Chang
I understand that we are a Taiwanese tour group and were seated off to the side so as not to disturb other guests. I respect local cultural etiquette, but is it really that difficult to ask the breakfast or coffee counter staff for a latte? The female staff member said, “You already have coffee on your table.” What I wanted to say was: who would want to drink a cup of cold black coffee? P.S. The ...
Response from the owner
Dear HH Chang,<br>greetings from the Bavarian Alps!<br><br>Thank you for sharing your valued feedback and for your kind words regarding our scenery. Please accept my sincere apologies for your experie...
Paul Frankel
Absolutely stunning hotel with breathtaking mountain views. The service is warm and professional, the rooms are elegant and comfortable, and the spa is perfect for relaxing. A peaceful luxury escape in a beautiful setting.
Response from the owner
Dear Paul, Thank you for your stay at the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden and for sharing your great experience with us. We are delighted that our team made such a positive impression on you. We look fo...
Ash
If I was told to get my affairs in order because I may be passing on, going back to this Kempinski Hotel would be one of my top priorities. I’m in love with peace and the beauty of nature, and the Kempinski Berchtesgaden does it right. It’s such a gorgeous area with stunning alps, crystal clear lakes looking like free flowing streams of Evian, peaceful clean community and air, trails through the ...
Response from the owner
Dear Ash, thank you very much for your recent stay, your wonderful detailed feedback and your kind words. I am very delighted to know that you enjoyed vaacation in the Bavarian Alps. Our greatest moti...
Adriana Macontre
I've traveled to almost 30 countries and countless cities across the world, and the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden is by far one of the best hotels. First, the location is absolutely breathtaking — you get stunning views from every angle; however, ideally, you need a car since it's isolated. Two, the hotel and its facilities are spotlessly clean and beautifully designed — if you appreciate great ae...
Response from the owner
Dear Adriana, <br><br>We are so pleased that we were able to offer you such an unforgettable stay in all areas. Thank you very much for your sweet compliments and strong recommendation and assurance t...
About Two Michelin Keys
Two Michelin Keys recognize hotels that provide an excellent stay experience. These properties stand out for their remarkable quality, distinctive character, and superior service that goes above and beyond expectations.
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