I needed a single room for two nights in October, 2011. Although this is towards the high end of Black Forest accommodations, the price of 150 Euros per night, including breakfast and internet, seemed like a bargain for a five-star property. That's the deluxe single, not the standard single here.

It paid off. I got the biggest, best single I've ever had anywhere. (I'm referring to genuine singles, which are mostly in Europe, dowdy, and badly located.) There was a wapped spicecake waiting in my room, after the bellman took my bag and led me to the free outdoor (paid-indoor optional) parking lot. It looks like the singles are all in the historic old building, but they're completely renovated, with spanking-new, glossy bathrooms. I had a sofa and two chairs on the opposite side of a huge, U-shaped room. I could have held a business meeting over there, although you could see the twin-size bed and flat-screen TV on the other side of the U.

My room was located over the less formal "regional" restaurant, but I never heard a sound. There were some floodlights where I faced the road, but the curtains were lightproof and the (openable, no screens) windows absolutely soundproof. The door opened with a contactless key fob. There are only a few rooms in this building, and they're on the second floor, so it was very private, for a hotel.

Alas, the welcome cocktail is non-alcoholic. But it involves a delicious local herbal tonic. The staff was charming and un-stuffy, speaking flawless English. The night staff (I checked in near dinner time) forgot to offer me my free Black Forest Tourism Card, which provides free trains and transit, and a few admissions. But when I went to the desk in the morning to ask about going to Freiburg, they immediately printed out a card for me. (This is available for a two-day stay at most hotels in the Southern Black Forest.) You want this card, because the mountain-road driving here (kind of like rural Vermont) is tiring. When I saw the night-man again, I joked that Black Forest Cake wasn't on the dinner menu. He said that they don't list it at night, but he would be happy to make sure I got a piece (no, not for free) at my second dinner - and he did! The breakfast was five-star, with multiple tables groaning with gourmet choices, and white tablecloths in a large, bright room.

After visiting Freiburg, I took the train an extra stop to the next town, Tittisee. Even off-season, this popular lakeside ( ..."see") resort was jammed with strollers from all countries. My plan was to walk back to the Parkhotel on the easiest forest trail, about an hour. (I'm healthy, but not an outdoorsman.) Without directions, I ended up on the medium trail, which was much harder work and took two hours.. But the descent into Hinterzarten had a beautiful view of the town, beside the ski jump that the Parkhotel gave to the public some years ago.

The hotel has a multi-acre private park, include a coffeehouse, two ponds (I saw real ducks and fake swans), and a deer enclosure, as well as a children’s playground. But walking in the Black Forest seems to be the main activity all around here, until the snow falls. Then you cross-country ski! I saw the huge, glassed-indoor pool, with a well-heated Jacuzzi outdoors just beside it. But I didn't go in. There's a substantial spa, which I didn't visit. I met many people in bathrobes and slippers, so I know it is popular.

Wonderful place, wonderful food and wonderful people. We felt so welcome and so at home. Included in the stay was a pass that gave us access to trains and busses which made it possible to hike the beautiful long trails through the valleys and take the bus back in time for a steam bath, a fantastic dinner and a good nights sleep. We hope that we are fortunate enough to come back some day.

Forget notions of German aloofness. The Adler has a warmth and charm of its own, with committed and very friendly staff. All the rooms have just been refurbished, so any earlier references to old fashioned no longer applies. Think marble bathrooms, rich fabrics and yet restrained good taste. Flat screens and ipod docking stations have arrived in the Black Forest! There are only 56 rooms and so this is an intimate place, but with a huge wellness centre. Usually there were 2-3 people using the 1200 square metre facility, so you can lounge in the outdoor jacuzzi with no interruptions or the wood burning sauna is your own. Add 10 acres of parkland, and you have the most exclusive haven. The restaurant remains as charming as its 17th century origins suggest, with antiques, candles, and lots of theatre. Basically the hotel has the perfect balance of luxury rooms and tradition. A very special place.

We spent six fantastic nights at this beautiful place. Unfortunately the weather was not nice, it was cloudy, cold and rainy which made hiking and walking around unpleasant. The staff was courteous, and check in was prompt. Our room was very nice in the building across from the reception.
We ordered room service which was good and quick. The daily cleaning of the room was also done in a satisfactory manner.
I used the gym which was ok, and also the wellness facility. This is where i will spend most of my praise. I had massages, facials, special treatments, etc and they were all fantastic! Make sure you look or ask for Yvonne at the Wellness Center! She was professional, and simply fantastic in providing the services requested. I specially recommend the hot stones massage and the La Prairie facial. Everything was top of the line!
The pool, and sauna were impecable and every other room of the center. They have all kinds of baths and therapies. If you want to relax this is the place! The food at the different restaurants was also excellent.
I must say again that all the staff from the cleaning ladies to the waiters/waitresses to the spa everybody was extremely professional and friendly. The breakfast buffet was perfect. Dont forget to try their daily juices.
Overall a fantastic stay. Notes to keep in mind: if you intend to use the spa and or gym as often as i did, make sure you ask for a room that connect to the spa directly. We were in room 16 which is located above the restaurant, so in order to ge to the Wellness center you have to cross through two restaurants, which might make you a bit self conscious (you are running around in a robe); also the celings of the restaurants and the tunnel that take you to the spa are very low, be aware! I am 5'9" and never wore high heels for dinnner!
I recommend this to couples looking for a romantic getaway of for relaxation, beauty purposes. Also, the place is expensive so be ready to indulge yourself!
Since we went in "summer" i can only guess that in winter with the snow, the place must be picture perfect.