Ferien Hotel Südharz

“Wonderful hotel, but it does need more visitors!”

This is one of the nicest hotels I know. It is quirky in various ways - it is hidden in the woods, it has low staffing levels (though they are very helpful and friendly), and it won't suit the Ramada or Hilton jetsetters. But it suited me - I appreciate a good sized room, with a balcony overlook a … more

This is one of the nicest hotels I know. It is quirky in various ways - it is hidden in the woods, it has low staffing levels (though they are very helpful and friendly), and it won't suit the Ramada or Hilton jetsetters. But it suited me - I appreciate a good sized room, with a balcony overlook a bit of parkland, an excellent restaurant (but get there before 8pm!), and a well-stocked buffet style breakfast. The bedrooms have baths, which is not so common these days, and I like the impression that I have the hotel to myself. Suelzhayn was in East Germany, bang on the border, and this place was kept as a special retreat for high-ups who wouldn't leap over the fence. (Some of the first boundary fenceposts are still in the garden). other buildings in Suelzhayn were not so lucky and the village has a lot of abandoned buildings. The decor is modern and very little expense was spared - it is smart and clean. Yes - you might need to find the receptionist when you check in (walk straight on and call into the kitchen area), but so what? If you want to have someone permanently in reception, then that means an extra salary needs to be added to the bills. It is a great spot for visiting the Harz area, Nordhausen and Sondershausen - Leipzig is not so far off either for a day trip. Yes, the staffing levels are very low, but, sadly, so are the number of visitors. I stayed here for a year, on and off, and never had a single problem. I can honestly say that nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff - but do accept that they work long hours and want to get to bed! The top floor has a large conference facility, and the basement has a sauna (not always available). It is a very comfortable hotel in a beautiful spot, with a first class restaurant - come here if you have a romantic streak - stay well away if you want a Hilton clone.

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“"Grand Ellrich Hotel" with outworn charm”

When you drive past the huge empty houses and through the dark forest, you wonder whether you're on the right track and when driving up the lane towards this imposing, grand looking hotel you are grateful to have found some civilization in this part of former east Germany. However, the impression o… more

When you drive past the huge empty houses and through the dark forest, you wonder whether you're on the right track and when driving up the lane towards this imposing, grand looking hotel you are grateful to have found some civilization in this part of former east Germany. However, the impression only lasts until you step inside, and you realize that the charm faded a long time ago. It just got a new layer of paint. For the cost, I reckon the hotel to be OK. There are spacious rooms (with wifi if you're lucky), a great park outside and a really good breakfast buffet (with prosecco on Sundays). On the other hand, everything feels worn and outdated, the staff feels tired and the dinner plan is antiquated (choose between 2 meals and decide before 5 o'clock). There are good and bad things to say about this hotel but come and experience its "Grand Ellrich Hotel" charm and see for yourself!

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