Maximilian

Hotel Maximilian in Oberammergau, a distinguished One Michelin Key property, consistently earns high praise from guests for its unique blend of traditional Bavarian charm, modern amenities, and exceptional service. It is recognized by Michelin as "a very special stay" for its character, personality, and service that goes the extra mile.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Hotel Maximilian is overwhelmingly positive, with an average guest rating of 9.3 out of 10, often described as "wonderful" or "superb". Guests frequently refer to it as a "gem" and an enchanting hotel.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel for several key aspects:

• Design & Ambiance: The decor is noted as unique, tastefully done, and exuding a "top-notch flair" with an Alpine-style design.
• Spa & Wellness: The "incredible" spa area is a major highlight, offering a Finnish sauna, steam room, whirlpool, hay bath, and various beauty and massage treatments, providing a perfect tonic after a day of exploring or skiing.
• Dining & Brewery: The on-site restaurants, particularly the Ammergauer Maxbräu with its own brewed craft beer, receive excellent feedback.
• Location: Its central location in Oberammergau is highly appreciated, allowing easy walking access to attractions.
• Service: The staff is consistently described as warm, wonderful, friendly, smiling, and accommodating.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Hotel Maximilian are bright, spacious, and feature a traditional Bavarian design, combining natural elements with luxury. They are described as spotless, very clean, and offering a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. Each room typically includes free internet, a seating area, and a private bathroom. Some rooms also boast balconies with mountain views. Amenities often include a flatscreen TV (with Sky-TV), a design CD-radio, a minibar, and a safe with an integrated power outlet. Deluxe rooms may also include a DVD player. Room sizes vary, with Comfort Double Rooms at 26 sqm, Superior Double Rooms at 31 sqm, Deluxe Double Rooms at 38 sqm, and Suites up to 60 sqm, including a Honeymoon Suite.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience is a significant draw, with guests praising both the quality and variety. The hotel features two restaurants: Benedikt's, offering Mediterranean cuisine, and Ammergauer Maxbräu, a traditional Bavarian-style lounge and on-site brewery serving Bavarian specialties and its own craft beer.

• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is consistently rated as "outstanding" and "superb," featuring fresh seasonal produce, regional delicacies, and traditional Bavarian specialties. Some guests particularly appreciate the crispy bacon.
• Dinner: The restaurant for dinner is also highly regarded for its delicious, authentic German food and lively atmosphere.
• Beer Garden: In the summer, guests can enjoy drinks in the shaded beer garden, which offers views across the Ammergau Alps.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel Maximilian receive excellent feedback, contributing significantly to the positive guest experience. They are frequently described as warm, wonderful, friendly, and accommodating. Many guests note the staff's professionalism and genuine hospitality, making them feel welcome. The concierge service is also available to assist guests with their inquiries and activity planning.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Maximilian is centrally located in Oberammergau, just 700 meters (2297 feet) from the Passion Theater. This allows guests to walk to most attractions within the village. Situated at the foot of the Ammergau Alps, it serves as a cozy retreat within Bavaria's largest nature reserve. The surrounding Upper Bavarian countryside is ideal for outdoor activities like skiing, with Garmisch-Partenkirchen about a 20-minute drive away. The hotel offers parking, with self-service parking possibly incurring charges, and valet parking is also available. For accessibility, Munich Airport (MUC) is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours away by train, while Innsbruck Airport (INN) is about 1.5 to 2 hours by taxi or private transfer. The hotel also offers an airport shuttle service.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a higher-end property due to its Michelin Key status and amenities, the hotel generally offers a good balance of comfort, elegance, and affordability. Average prices per night can range from approximately $210 to $363, depending on the room type and travel dates. However, rates can also be found from around €181 to €193. Children up to 6 years old stay free, while extra beds for children aged 7-12 are €35 per night, and for those 13 and over, it's €65 per person per night.

8. Common Complaints

While overall reviews are highly positive, one recurring criticism mentions that the breakfast buffet, while generally good, sometimes has limited selection, particularly with cold cuts that needed refilling upon request. There was also feedback regarding frozen butter and self-service coffee from a machine. Additionally, one review mentioned some staff at the reception being perceived as "Bavarian-direct" to the point of unfriendliness, which contrasted with the generally warm feedback on staff. Some guests felt the price-performance ratio was not always adequate, especially given expectations for a 5-star hotel, although it's officially a 4-star property with a Michelin Key.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. michelin.com
3. booking.com
4. momondo.com
5. agoda.com
6. michelin.com
7. booking.com
8. holidaycheck.de
9. dasmaximilian.com
10. maximilian-oberammergau.de
11. h-rez.com
12. directhotels.com
13. agoda.com
14. com-bavaria.com