Willingen's BEST Hotel? Unbelievable Views at Sporthotel Zum Hohen Eimberg!
Willingen's BEST Hotel? Unbelievable Views at Sporthotel Zum Hohen Eimberg!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into my stay at Sporthotel Zum Hohen Eimberg in Willingen. This isn't your average hotel review, alright? This is… well, it's me trying to remember everything and trying to be brutally honest. So, let's go! And for SEO purposes… let's just get this out of the way. This is THE BEST hotel in Willingen. Unbelievable views. Seriously. #WillingenHotel #SporthotelZumHohenEimberg #HotelReview #GermanHotel #SpaHotel #MountainViews #BestHotelWillingen #SkiingHotel #AccessibilityWillingen #FamilyFriendlyHotel
Getting There & First Impressions (and rambling a bit… because, duh.)
The drive up was… scenic. Let's leave it at that. Okay, okay, it was gorgeous! Rolling hills, that crisp German air… you know the kind. Now, pulling up to the Sporthotel, you're immediately hit with the VIEW. Like, holy smokes views. This place is perched up there, overlooking everything. I mean, the marketing photos don't lie! The first thing that struck me was the accessibility. I have mobility issues (arthritis is a joy, let me tell you), and while I’m not fully wheelchair-bound, I do appreciate a good elevator and ramps. Well, the hotel has an elevator. SCORE. It's not massive, but it worked. There's also what looked like a ramp system which is good – but I didn't check it out as I got on the elevator!
Check-In – Contactless? Maybe, Kinda…
They advertised contactless check-in, which is fantastic in our current world. But… it wasn’t fully contactless. There was some paper involved, signing things. The front desk staff? Pleasant enough, a bit… efficient. Not a lot of chit-chat, but they were helpful. They pointed me in the direction of my room, and I was off. The lobby was clean and smelled of… well, not sanitiser, which was kinda a relief. Just… a normal hotel smell.
The Room – My Little Mountain Fortress
Okay, the room. My room. (and yes, I'm starting to ramble). I booked a regular room, and honestly, it was lovely. Clean. Spacious-ish. I didn’t feel like I was rattling around in a shoebox. The carpeting was soft, thankfully. It also had blackout curtains which are a must, I'm a light sleeper. A desk for my laptop (important – I had to get some work done), and an in-room safe box (always a good idea, even if I mostly keep my passport and money in my sock drawer… don’t judge!). The bed itself was a dream. Seriously. Huge, comfortable, and the linen felt luxurious. There was a reading light on each side, as well as a socket near the bed - genius.
It had all the essentials, a coffee/tea maker, a hair dryer, a refrigerator – all the things I needed. A separate shower/bathtub (bonus), with toiletries. Okay the toiletries weren’t the most luxurious brand, but they had those little bottles of shampoo and body wash which is good. And the towels were fluffy, white, and plentiful. The Wi-Fi [free] worked perfectly, although I did also see the option for Internet access – LAN if you are an old-schooler. Which is good if you're into that sort of thing, although I am not.
The room also had an air conditioning – although let's be honest, I barely used it, because it was so lovely and cool even during the day. Oh! And a window that opens! Wonderful for that fresh mountain air. They even had a scale. Because, you know, vacation and all that… And an alarm clock.
The View (I keep coming back to it… for a reason.)
Seriously. The VIEW. My room overlooked the mountains. I could just sit there forever, staring out the window. It was one of those views that just… soothes the soul. The hotel calls it "Unbelievable Views" for a reason. And it is! Even the most stressed-out person (me) would find themselves calmer after a few minutes of just gazing out there. Honestly, it was worth the price of admission alone.
Staying Safe & Cleanliness (Because, Y'know…)
Okay, here’s where the hotel really shone: Cleanliness and safety. They’re on top of it, which is what you want right now. I saw staff trained in safety protocol, lots of hand sanitizer everywhere, and the daily disinfection in common areas was very visible. I opted to have them not clean my room every day, for a bit of personal distance, because they did offer the room sanitization opt-out available. They use anti-viral cleaning products, and my room felt clean.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – A Mixed Bag
The Sporthotel has several dining options. First, the breakfast [buffet]. Ah, the buffet. It was AMAZING! Seriously a good breakfast. All the usual things you'd expect - Western breakfast - eggs, bacon, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt. They had Asian breakfast too, I spied some noodles one day. Delicious. I was worried about the buffet, but the staff were all attentive, and there were separate serving stations. The buffet was definitely a safe dining setup. They offered a breakfast takeaway service which you could get if you wanted to. The coffee/tea in restaurant was a great bonus (especially in the mornings).
The Restaurants themselves offer an a la carte in restaurant menu. I tried the restaurant, and they served international cuisine in restaurant as well as some Asian cuisine in restaurant. The food was pretty good, but not Michelin-star level. It was good solid food with a decent selection. I could get a salad in restaurant and there was soup in restaurant. I also visited the coffee shop for a quick coffee and it was delightful. There was a poolside bar, which was great for grabbing drinks while chilling.
The bar had a happy hour at a certain time of day, which was a nice touch. There were also desserts in restaurant and a snack bar. They also had a vegetarian restaurant option, which is nice if you like that! They even provide a bottle of water at the room. And finally, there was room service [24-hour] – which I didn’t use, because I’m not one for room service.
Relaxation, Recreation & (Almost) Getting Lost
The Spa and pool with view were the highlights here. Seriously. The pool overlooked the mountains. It was just… breathtaking. The sauna was a must! They also had a steamroom. I think I was a bit too relaxed. I wandered around the Spa/sauna area and I swear I got a little lost! But it was worth it. They had a fitness center, too. They even offered a body scrub. It’s a proper spa, with a bunch of treatments, including body wrap and massage – I didn’t get any (too busy relaxing, I guess!), but I saw other people having them.
Things to Do (Besides Breathing in Fresh Air)
Willingen itself is a great spot for outdoor activities. Hiking, mountain biking… you name it. The hotel has a lot of information about local activities. I didn’t do too much activity, though. I just wanted to chill!
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Yep.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Yep, and the hotel's used this function for meetings.
- Business facilities: They have this, including Meetings and also a Xerox/fax in business center.
- Cash withdrawal: You can – I think. I took cash.
- Concierge: Yes, helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out: Mostly – see above.
- Convenience store: I didn’t see one.
- Currency exchange: Unsure – didn't need it.
- Daily housekeeping: They are very good!
- Doorman: No doorman.
- Dry cleaning and laundry service: Excellent.
- Elevator: YES! Essential.
- Essential condiments: All there.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Looks good, as I said.
- Food delivery: No.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Yes
- Indoor venue for special events: Yes
- Invoice provided: Yes.
- Ironing service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes.
- Meeting stationery: Probably – didn’t look.
- **On-
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned brochure itinerary. We're going to the Sporthotel Zum Hohen Eimberg in Willingen (Upland), Germany, and it's gonna be… well, it's gonna be something. Let's dive headfirst into this glorious mess.
Day 1: Arrival and the Thrill (and Terror!) of the Ski Jump
Morning (or, let's be honest, late morning): Land in Frankfurt. Okay, let’s be real, the flight was a red-eye. I'm pretty sure I drooled on the window. Ugh. Anyway, rental car pickup: a silver Skoda, which already feels very German (and slightly underwhelming, I’m a sucker for a flashy car). The drive… was beautiful, if a bit slow. My GPS kept trying to send me down tiny, winding roads that looked suspiciously like they led to a farmer's field. Almost got lost and almost gave up on the whole thing. Made it.
Afternoon: Check-in at the Sporthotel. The lobby? Surprisingly modern, a little too… clean? It felt slightly disconcerting, as if I were entering a surgically scrubbed waiting room. But the staff! Bless 'em, they all spoke perfect English and weren't judging my rumpled travel clothes. Room itself? A little cramped, but with a balcony. Which is crucial for serious contemplation (and secretly checking your phone for a signal). The immediate view was, "meh," a snow-dusted field. But I was here!
Late Afternoon: The Ski Jump… Oh. My. God. Now, the whole reason I came to Willingen: the Mühlenkopfschanze ski jump. I'd seen photos, of course, of professional jumpers flying through the air like, I don't know, winged bears. Then I arrived. The ski jump is gigantic. Absolutely gigantic. I should also mention, I'm terrified of heights. Like, debilitating, palm-sweating, "I might faint" terrified. But I was also determined.
The elevator ride up… well, let’s just say the other people in the elevator probably could have heard my heartbeat. The view from the top… HOLY. CRAP. It's phenomenal, breathtaking, terrifying. The drop looked vertical, like a yawning maw ready to swallow skiers whole. I honestly felt a little sick. Stood there for, like, 20 minutes, just staring, trying to calculate how far down it was and trying not to pass out. Watched a few actual jumpers practicing, and I swear, my stomach did flip-flops. I seriously admire those people. They're, like, actual superheroes. I think I need a stiff drink.
Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Schnitzel. Obviously. It was… good. Solid. Hearty. German. I'm not sure I'd say it was the best schnitzel I've ever had,( maybe i’m just still shook from the ski jump) . Then again, I'm still trying to process being at the top of that thing. Took a walk to “digest” it all. Found several bars but decided to stay at the hotel. Watched some TV (German is a no-go, but I managed to find a rerun of a terrible American game show). Bedtime was early, out of sheer exhaustion.
Day 2: Hiking (or, Attempting to Hike), and a Slight Crisis of Identity
Morning: Breakfast: the German breakfast buffet. This is where the hotel really shines. Cheeses, meats, breads, fruit… everything designed to make you want to stuff your face. I, of course, completely failed to pace myself. Ate enough to feed a small army. Decided I needed to work it off, so… hiking!
Mid-Morning: The Hike (or, the "Stroll with a Slight Incline"). Okay, the hotel staff recommended a "gentle" hike. Gentle, they said. I should have known better. I chose a trail that supposedly led to a scenic viewpoint. The scenery was beautiful. But the 'gentle' incline quickly transformed into a 'slightly strenuous slog' that threatened to turn into a 'crawling uphill struggle'. I wasn't exactly dressed for this, my hiking boots were in the car. I was wearing sneakers. Let's just say I was passed by several groups of elderly Germans with walking sticks. The viewpoint? Lovely. Totally worth it. I'm considering a career change: professional hiker.
Afternoon: Spa Time? The Sporthotel has a spa. I figured I deserved some pampering after my heroic (and by "heroic," I mean "slightly panicked") hiking excursion. The sauna? Fantastic. The massage? Heavenly. I may or may not have dozed off while the masseuse was working on my back. Woke up feeling like a completely different person. It was glorious.
Evening: Dinner and a Crisis. Back in the restaurant. This time, I went for the sauerbraten. Hearty, yes, but… something was missing. Maybe it was the lack of adrenaline rush? My second course was a crisis: it was too soon and I was very, very full. Then it hit me. I spent the next hour contemplating my life choices, my direction, and the meaning of "gentle" in German. I decided I needed a drink. Another one.
Evening: Bars, Bar, and More Bars: After an hour of struggling to get out of bed, I finally did and wondered into the first bar and then another. I had a beer. Then another. I then discovered a local bar with a surprisingly lively atmosphere, met a few locals (who, miraculously, spoke some English) and had a few more beers. I really, really needed that chat. Finally, I got back to the hotel, ordered some room service and ended the night by ordering several more beers.
Day 3: Downhill Skiing and the Search for Meaning (and a Decent Beer)
- Morning: So. Hungover. Breakfast was a struggle. But I forced myself to eat something. I felt I needed to ski and clear my head, as I really was at a turning point in life. The hotel has a ski rental shop.
- Mid-morning: Downhill Skiing. I am a terrible skier. A truly atrocious skier. I spent most of the morning avoiding other people on the slopes and slowly sliding down hill. The instructors laughed (politely, I think). It was… exhausting.
- Afternoon: The pursuit of a decent beer. All day I thought where I wanted to go next. But the afternoon was consumed by the search for a decent beer.
- Evening: Departure. Leaving. Did I find meaning? Maybe not. Did I have a good time? Absolutely (mostly). Am I leaving a better person? Maybe. Hopefully. I'm still unsure. I'm sure I will be back.
Sporthotel Zum Hohen Eimberg: FAQs… Because You NEED to Know Before You Go (Trust Me)
Okay, so, the views. Seriously? Are they *really* as good as the pictures? Because, you know, Photoshop.
Alright, listen up. I went, okay? And I'm usually cynical. I’m the one who sniffs for the hidden camera and checks the fine print for "actual size" versus "artist's rendering." But the views? Oh. My. God. They're *better*. Seriously. Way better. The photos don't do it justice. It's like, you walk onto your balcony, take a deep breath, and your brain just… resets. It’s like all the digital garbage in your head, all the to-do lists, the endless notifications… poof! Gone. I literally just stood there, mouth agape, for about an hour the first afternoon. I almost tripped over a chair because I was too busy staring into the infinite distance. I’m picturing it now, and I'm getting… well, a little choked up remembering it. It’s that good. Just... go.
Is the food actually worth it? Hotel food can be… inconsistent.
Ugh, hotel food. The bane of every traveler's existence. I’ve eaten enough rubber chicken to build a small… poultry-based fortress. But here? Different story. Breakfast is a glorious, carb-fest of breads, cheeses, and meats. I piled my plate so high, I'm pretty sure I offended someone. And dinner? The first night, the roast pork was incredible. The second night? The schnitzel. The third night… well, let’s just say I had a *moment* with the Apfelstrudel. A truly, deeply, embarrassing moment. It involved noises. And tears (of joy, naturally). But, be warned: don't expect Michelin-star artistry. Expect hearty, delicious, honest-to-goodness German food. And yes, it's worth it. Absolutely. Just pace yourself. And maybe bring some elastic-waisted pants. Trust me on this. you'll want to have more space than you think you need.
The Room… what's the deal? Are they clean? Cozy? Or more of a "budget motel circa 1987" situation?
Okay, so the rooms. They're… charming. They're not ultra-modern minimalist chic. Think more… "traditional German guesthouse with a dusting of modern convenience." They are spotless, though. Seriously, I'm a germaphobe, and I didn't find a single rogue hair in the shower. (That's a win in my book.) The beds are comfy. The blankets are… well, they're German blankets, so they are probably designed to survive a nuclear winter BUT extremely cozy. And the balcony? Again, the view. I mean, let's be honest, you're not spending *that* much time in the room, are you? You're out there, gazing into the vastness, forgetting all your worries. However, one thing. The walls seem thin. I could hear the couple next door, which was slightly awkward. Let's just say I know more about Herr Schmidt's snoring than I ever needed to.
What about the spa? Is it worth the hype (and the extra money they charge)?
The spa...oh, the spa. Okay, I'm going to be completely honest here. I'm not a huge spa person. I do *love* a good massage, don't get me wrong. But I'm usually thinking about the cost per hour instead of zenning out. So, I wrestled with the decision. But, after a particularly grueling day of hiking (more on that later), I caved. And... it was amazing. The sauna was hot and steamy, the massage was sublime. And the view from the relaxation room? They strategically placed the windows to make it seem like you're floating. Worth. Every. Penny. Which is saying something, because I'm cheap. Also the pool! Seriously, after a hike? Heaven.
Is there anything to *do* besides stare out the window (as tempting as that sounds)?
Oh, *yes*. Hiking! The trails around Willingen are incredible. Properly marked, varying levels of difficulty. I'm not exactly Bear Grylls, but I managed. Be warned, though: the ascents are… well, they’re ascents. My calves were screaming by the end of the first day. I may have cursed under my breath a few times (okay, a lot). And that’s where the real fun started. They have skis and snowboard during the winter! And there are opportunities for mountain biking in the summer. Also, there's a charming, if slightly sleepy, little town. Go explore. And then come back and stare at the view. Because, you know… it's just that good.
I'm a picky eater/have dietary restrictions. Can I still eat here, or should I pack my own protein bars?
Okay, so, look. I’m not a vegan. I’m not gluten-free. I’m not even particularly health-conscious, really. However, they do have options. They accommodated dietary needs. I saw them offer gluten-free bread and salads. So communicate with the people, tell the nice staff! They will take care of you. But again, prepare for the hearty options. If you're on a strict diet of rabbit food... you might struggle a little.
What's parking like? Because nobody wants to circle the block for an hour.
Parking is perfectly acceptable. There's a whole lot of space, which is nice. However… on the weekends, during peak season, it might get a little crowded. But the parking lot isn’t the disaster zone you might expect at a hotel. You’ll be fine.. Unless you are like me and have a very large car. You'll find a spot.
Are there any deal breakers? What's the worst thing about Sporthotel Zum Hohen Eimberg?
Okay, okay, here's the gritty bit. The wifi is… patchy. Not great. It's like a grumpy teenager… sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. This is a *real* problem for some folks. I didn't care too much because I was busy escaping the digital prison of civilization, but that might not be the case for you. The service… it’s not the speed of light. Everyone is friendly, but it’s a little more… relaxed. Don't be in a massive rush. Oh, and the hill. ItDa Nang's Oceanfront Paradise: Private Pool & Daily Cleaning Awaits!
Post a Comment for "Willingen's BEST Hotel? Unbelievable Views at Sporthotel Zum Hohen Eimberg!"