Schmied von Kochel

The hotel offers a distinctive, historic Bavarian ambiance, with its museum-like interior featuring beautiful ceiling paintings and centuries-old wooden structures, making it a truly memorable stay. Its culinary offerings are a significant highlight, consistently praised for their quality, wide variety, and regional authenticity. While the rooms are noted for their cleanliness and comfortable beds, guests should be aware of their traditional, somewhat dated decor, which contributes to the hotel's unique character. This establishment is particularly well-suited for leisure travelers, hikers, and cyclists exploring the scenic region, as well as families seeking a dog-friendly and authentic local experience. To make the most of your visit, embrace the hotel's unique, traditional charm, and be prepared for potentially longer waiting times in the popular restaurant during peak hours, as service can sometimes be stretched.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the practical amenities available, including ample free car parking which is a significant convenience, especially for those traveling by car in the region. The hotel also features a beer garden, which is a popular spot for guests to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere, though one guest found its setup somewhat uncomfortable. Inside, the hotel provides an elevator, making it accessible for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. While the hotel maintains a traditional charm, it ensures guests can stay connected, with Wi-Fi generally available throughout the premises. There is no mention of a fitness center, pool, or other extensive recreational facilities, aligning with its rustic, historic character. The focus is more on providing essential comforts and a welcoming environment rather than modern luxury amenities, catering to those who value authenticity over contemporary features.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently report that the rooms are clean and well-maintained, which is a significant positive despite their age. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most visitors. However, many reviews highlight that the rooms are old, tired, and in need of renovation, with decor from a past era, though some find this contributes to a cozy, authentic Bavarian feel. Some guests experienced issues such as a small bathroom where movement was restricted, or a thin blanket that necessitated extra warmth. A notable point is the lack of air conditioning, leading to hot rooms for some, especially during warmer periods. Despite these points, the rooms are generally found to be quiet, particularly those facing away from the main road, contributing to a peaceful stay.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant is a major draw, consistently receiving high praise for its delicious food and wide variety of regional Bavarian, Italian, and South Tyrolean-inspired dishes. Guests frequently commend the quality of ingredients and the exceptional preparation of meals, from soups and main courses to desserts. The breakfast buffet is also highly rated, described as plentiful, varied, and tasty, offering fresh rolls, cold cuts, cheese, yogurt, fruit salad, and hot beverages. While the food quality is generally excellent, some guests experienced long waiting times for ordering and receiving meals, especially during busy periods when staff appeared overwhelmed. There were also isolated instances of inconsistent food preparation, such as dishes not cooked to order or tasting burnt, and service inconsistencies affecting the overall dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location that is highly convenient for exploring the surrounding area, making it an ideal base for hikers and those visiting the Lake Constance-Königsee cycle path. It is situated on the main street of the town, offering easy access to local amenities and attractions. Guests appreciate the easy parking available on-site, which is a significant advantage in the region. The hotel's proximity to the lake and its beautiful landscape is frequently highlighted, allowing guests to reach these natural attractions on foot. While some reviews mention the hotel's immediate surroundings, its overall accessibility and convenience for regional exploration are consistently praised, providing a practical and well-situated option for travelers.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receives positive feedback for being friendly, helpful, and providing a warm welcome. Many guests highlight the attentive service and the willingness of the hosts to accommodate requests, contributing to a pleasant stay. However, there are recurring comments about inconsistent service, particularly in the restaurant, where some guests experienced long waiting times and felt staff were overwhelmed during peak hours. Instances of distracted or chaotic service were noted, leading to forgotten requests or delays in food delivery. While the overall sentiment towards the staff is positive, guests should be prepared for potential variations in service efficiency, especially when the hotel is busy. Additionally, some guests noted a language barrier, as not all staff members spoke English.

Additional Information
A notable and highly appreciated aspect of the hotel is its dog-friendly policy, making it an excellent choice for guests traveling with pets, a feature not commonly found in the area. The hotel's unique historic decor is a significant part of its charm, with guests often describing it as museum-like due to its frescoes and centuries-old wooden structures, offering a truly immersive traditional experience. While the hotel aims to cater to international guests, some reviews indicate a lack of English menus in the restaurant, which can pose a challenge for non-German speakers. Guests should also be aware that the beer garden can be a bit uncomfortable for some, and during summer, flies can be an issue due to a neighboring agricultural feature.