Haus Saarland am Rennsteig

Kitchen close att 20.30 and at 21.00 all guests must leave the restaurant, after 21, there is no service, nothing to drink or eat. Guests that arrive late can try to find something in the village, but also most places there are closed after 21

We were hiking the Rennsteig, so arrived on foot, tired, in the rain. We were at first surprised to find the door locked and instructions to please go to a different nearby hotel to register. Not what I wanted to do on foot with no good map of town. Fortunately at that moment the desk person came out the end door, saw us, and let us in. Haus Saarland is a big old hotel. It has been updated some but still shows its age. The room was clean and comfortable and breakfast was great - a real nice buffet. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The location is in the southern part of town which made it closer for us, coming from the trail. It seemed like most of the tourist type action and most restaurants were a bit north, but it's an easy walk. The hotel is on the Fussgaenger area. The restaurant was closed the night we were there so we ate nearby at zur Post, a Bulgarian place. Excellent. All in all this was a nice stop for weary hikers.

Behind the slightly outdated façade and lobby of this hotel, hide very spacious and comfortable rooms. Same for the bathroom - very bright, large and tidy! Combine this with a super-friendly service, a proper breakfast buffet and the vicinity of a cosy town with plenty of good restaurants and you have found an excellent 'base' to take trips in the neighbourhood. The acme of price/quality ratio!