Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa - An Oetker Collection Hotel

“A world class luxury hotel”

I first discovered the Brenners Park Hotel when the Lanesborough in London joined the Oetker Collection and I looked at other properties in the group. I then saw that the hotel was undergoing a major renovation, re-opening last year. I decided to take the plunge and try the hotel, whilst visiting f… more

I first discovered the Brenners Park Hotel when the Lanesborough in London joined the Oetker Collection and I looked at other properties in the group. I then saw that the hotel was undergoing a major renovation, re-opening last year. I decided to take the plunge and try the hotel, whilst visiting friends in Germany. I booked through a great travel agent, who was able to access Oetker Pearl rates - well worth doing. To cut to the chase - this is absolutely a world class hotel. I'm sure once Michelin has visited now the hotel has re-opened that it will be on track for one if not two Michelin Keys - it is surely at that level. * Location The hotel is perfectly situated in the charming town of Baden Baden. I was there for two nights and would have happily stayed longer. I'd revisit too. Brenners is centrally located overlooking a beautiful garden and river. The hotel has a private access to the garden and it's lovely to stroll through the garden into the town centre. The lots to see and do in Baden Baden - including the Merkur Funicular, which is well worth taking. * Interior design Post the renovation, the interior design is - in my opinion - exceptional. Everything is refined, high quality, comfortable, elegant and also distinct. The hotel made a big deal of not changing radically during the renovation. I didn't stay before, but this is a classically elegant hotel. It made me think of a phrase that I like: 'things of quality have no fear of time'. Brenners certainly has nothing to fear. This is not a 'trendy' hotel. It has enduring quality and charm. It is not, however, generic. There are many touches that feel special and particular. Lighting throughout is excellent and always feels thoughtful and well executed. The carpets in the hallways have a wonderful fern design I've not seen anywhere else. The hotel's signature green is deep, vibrant and distinctive. The lovely blue / green / grey used in the hallways is also charming. There's great art throughout - predominantly posters of exhibitions and attractions in Baden Baden. Fritz & Felix has a more contemporary edge, but again, it's not 'trendy' - it's more thoughtful and considered than that. The Wintergarten Restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere and is elegant, cosy and charming. * Room I was in a standard double room. The room itself was adequately sized, whilst the bathroom was very spacious indeed. The quality of interior design continues here. It's certainly traditional or classical in style - but it's not fussy. Lighting controls are simple, fabrics of the highest quality. The bathroom was a highlight - plenty of natural light, a very good shower, a washlet style toilet and a massive vanity. I had a couple of issues with my room that were dealt with in the most professional way possible. They were related to air conditioning and light in the room. I'm sure the hotel will consider my feedback - which was offered in the context of a quality hotel, operating at the highest standards. * Service I think this may be the most consistent service I can remember and across the board it was exemplary. The staff here really are operating at a true 5* level. They are gracious, efficient, personable and kind. That's across reception, Robert on the front door, in the Kaminhalle, the Wintergarten (I enjoyed talked with Jai from the Philippines - apologies if I have your name wrong), the spa reception team, Fritz & Felix... The lady who did turn down for me also exemplified the hotel's service - simply kind, thoughtful and professional. I decided to have a personal training session in the gym. Steven is the hotel's personal trainer. I wish he lived in the UK and I could continue to work with him! I've never met a personal trainer who blended expertise, encouragement, professionalism and kindness in the way he did. Another example of the intelligent but personal service the Brenners Park Hotel maintains. A note too on generosity. The hotel includes soft drinks and snacks in the mini-bar. I had a most generous welcome gift in my room, and a welcome drink on arrival. It makes such a difference those little touches and elevates the value proposition. On both nights, I thought turn down was rather early. It seemed to be pre 7pm. I'm used to it being a little later as that earlier slot coincides with getting ready for dinner. * Dining My first night I ate in the Wintergarten, and the second in the Kaminhalle. Both were really excellent. The Wintergarten is top quality - fine dining with both French and local touches. I had a delicious tableside prepared Beef Tartare, Weiner Schnitzel and then a cocoa mousse dessert which was the best I can remember eating in a good few years. The textures and tastes were just delicious! All credit to the pastry chef. The Kaminhalle was great too - an excellent burger and a traditional Black Forest Gateaux specially offered from the afternoon menu on my request. Apparently the recipe is the hotel's own and has been unchanged for over 20 years. A wonderful taste of the local region. Breakfast is offered with my favourite combination - a buffet for high quality breads, meats, fish, cheese and pastries and then hot items to order. The quality was clear with lovely breads, well laminated pastries, local honey and excellent Bircher Museli. I think the hotel could up its game on the quality of coffee - it was fine but not better. Sadly even top hotels seem to underinvest in the quality of coffee - not the beans, but how to actually make good coffee. Unfortunately Fritz & Felix wasn't open during the evening on my visit - so perhaps one for a future stay. * Spa and Fitness As the rest of the hotel - there's great facilities in good condition. The pool is a good length and large enough for proper exercise. The view to the park and the river is beautiful with massive glass windows and doors that open in good weather. There's comfortable loungers and water available. The sauna is also an excellent facility, in good condition with two separate saunas at different temperatures and a steam room. I'm pleased that there's no 'textile-free' requirement here as is often the case in Germany. I think the only downside of the sauna area is that it is entirely separate from the pool. It's a bit of a walk through some hotel corridors to get to the sauna area. The gym is spacious and well equipped. * Hotel Shop A tiny aside - the hotel's logo and graphic design is great. They have lovely crockery, robes, etc. The hotel has a little shop that I think could do much more with that excellent logo and graphic design. I liked the sweatshirt - but it didn't fit. It was also a cotton / polyester blend - which felt strange to me. Why not 100% cotton? I think the hotel could also extend the range just a little more too - a nice mug, a thoughtfully designed T shirt, an artistic drawing or painting of the hotel. * Concluding thoughts Overall, this is a truly excellent, world class hotel with service that would be a pleasure to receive in any major world city. It's a great advert for the Oetker Collection and I do think it represents good value for money. It was exactly as I hoped for in terms of professional, expert service - yet warmth and gracious too. It is German in the best way, but it's also appropriately international and is certainly accessible. I look forward to a return visit and discovering more of the Oetker collection too.

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