We have booked this hotel mainly because of the excellent reviews on tripadvisor. We wanted to have a short spa-vacation, and didn't want to drive far. So blackwood forest seemed to be the best choice.
To tell the truth, we were pretty disappointed with the hotel. Generally, we got what we wanted, but I won't recommend this hotel to a friend, and we definitely won't stay there another time. That were the small things, that were sometimes annoying, and definitely not expected from family run 4 star hotel.
Some examples: the room was huge, actually there were two rooms, so probably very suitable for family with children. However, the room was just very functional, no personal touch at all. Not what I expect from a family run hotel in black wood forest. The same with the bathroom, it was definitely new renovated, everything was new and clean, but just bold and cold. No bathroom amenities, just a bigger bottle of liquid soap, like in 2 star airport hotels. Not a flower or something. The terrace was lovely however.
Breakfast: not really plentyful and not really healthy, and, very surprising, almost no regional products, which you can expect in this area. We only once got some blackforest ham for breakfast. Mostly you had eggs, but nor freshly made, just some cooked eggs and scrambled eggs made from the egg concentrate. Some fatty sausage, one sort of sliced cheese and the cheese plate, which was obviosly left from dinner the day before. Juices all ready-made, no freshly pressed, the same with jogurt. No fish. The only good thing was bread, which was always very fresh and tasty.
The dinner however was pretty good. Food not very inventive but good cooked and fresh.
The service: unequal. Some days we hade nice service, very freindly and quick. Some days, absolutely not appropriate. One example. I wanted to have a lunch snack on the hotel terrace, since it was a lovely day. The terrace was pretty occupied, no service lady in sight. After I was sitting for 15 minutes altready, the waitress came. I have ordered my drink, assuming I'll get it first, and some snack to eat. After another 20 minutes(I actually wanted to leave already) the lady came with my meal, but no drink. Since she had some other plates to carry I thought, the drinks were coming next. Well, I have finished my meal, still no drink. After the lady came to clean the table I have asked about my drink. She boldly answered she had forgotten it, and if I still want to have it. No word of excuse or something of the kind. And I was definitely not the only person experiencing such a service. I have seen another couple who has already finished their cake before the coffee came. Another day my husband has ordered a cocktail, which they had on a menu. But it seemed, that was really something special, since we had to wait for 20 minutes in an empty bar, till we got the drinks and the staff seemed somehow embarassed. Generally, we had an impression, this hotel is more suitable for older people ( most of the guests were on the 70th age range).
The only good thing about the hotel was the spa. Some rooms a little bit worn out, and not always very clean, but the treatments and facials were really nice. The spa staff very helpful.
- Reppert Hotel Hinterzarten
