Escape to Fairytale Germany: DAS KEHRS Hotel's Magical Erfurt Stay
Lost in the Magic (and Maybe Slightly Overwhelmed) at DAS KEHRS Hotel in Erfurt: A Fairytale That’s Mostly Real
Okay, friends, buckle up. Because I just got back from a trip to Erfurt, Germany, and HOLY SCHNITZEL, DAS KEHRS Hotel… well, it’s an experience. They call it "Escape to Fairytale Germany," and honestly, they're not wrong. But let's just say escaping also means having to deal with reality sometimes. This review is going to be less pristine travel brochure and more, well, me rambling about it, warts and all. Prepare for some tangents, because my brain just works that way.
First Impressions & Getting There (and the slight panic of accessibility):
Erfurt itself? Absolutely charming. Cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the smell of sausages wafting through the air – seriously, it's postcard perfect. Getting to the hotel, however, was a mild adventure. I'm always a little on edge about accessibility, and while the hotel says they're accessible, I needed to see it for myself. There's a car park which is free mind you, and a lot of parking. And blessedly, the entrance was ramped, and the elevators… well, they worked. Though, sometimes the elevator music was a bit…enthusiastic. Like, it was singing me into a fairytale and the elevator wanted me to have it.
Accessibility Rundown (Because I Know You Care):
- Wheelchair Accessible?: Yes! Mostly. Ramps, elevators, the works. Just, and this is a minor gripe, some hallways felt a touch narrow. But overall, solid. They definitely put in the work here, and it’s nice of them.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: They have them. I saw them. Didn't use them specifically, but the presence was reassuring.
- Things to Keep in Mind: While physically accessible, I didn't see braille signage. Maybe that needs to be improved? Small stuff, but important.
The Room (and my near-death experience with the blackout curtains):
Okay, the rooms themselves are… decorated. Let's put it that way. Think “romantic fairytale” with a healthy dose of “slightly over-the-top." My room was a perfectly suitable non-smoking room (a huge plus), and the bed was comfy. They had air conditioning, thank God, because Erfurt gets surprisingly warm in summer.
Okay, here's a true story: I almost died trying to figure out the blackout curtains. They were serious blackout curtains. Like, "could survive a nuclear winter" kind of blackout curtains. I pulled and tugged and finally managed to get them closed, plunging the room into a velvety darkness. Cool, right? WRONG. Getting them open again was a battle. I swear I spent a solid five minutes wrestling with them, fearing I was going to be trapped in a perpetual twilight. Victory was, however, mine after much struggle.
My Room's Nitty Gritty:
- Essentials: Air conditioning, alarm clock (thank you, because I, for whatever reason, still use one), bathroom phone (???), bathtub (yes!), hair dryer, mini-bar (always a gamble for me), in-room safe, safe, shower, internet access, Wi-Fi [free], reading light, desk, vanity mirror, window that opens!
- The Extras: I really appreciated the complimentary tea and the complimentary bottled water. They had extra-long beds which is a good addition for tall people.
Internet & Tech (Because, Let's Be Real, We're All Wired):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yes, please! And it actually worked! Solid, reliable, didn’t drop out during my important Instagram stalking. They also had Internet [LAN] access if you’re into that old-school thing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Holy Grail, or at Least, My Personal Paradise):
Now, this is where DAS KEHRS really shines, or at least attempts to shine.
- Breakfast Buffet, Buffet in the Restaurant, Breakfast Service: The breakfast buffet was…extensive. Like, seriously, extensive. They had everything. Bread, cheese, meats, eggs, granola, fresh fruit, pastries… it was a glorious, carb-laden wonderland. The buffet, in my opinion, was their best offering overall.
- Restaurants and Eating: The hotel boasts several restaurants, including a vegetarian restaurant! Always a win in my book. The German Cuisine restaurant was well-appointed and offered a solid range of dishes. I had a schnitzel that was pretty okay, if a bit… heavy. The salad was a delight though! International cuisine, it claims.
- The Poolside Bar: Okay, here’s the thing: You could get drinks by the pool, but the poolside bar was, let's say, not always attended. Found myself wandering over once, and then just gave up and went to the main bar. Disappointing.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: I can't definitively say because I didn't check the blueprints, but given the layout of the hotel, finding accessible dining options wouldn't be too hard, I think.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Because We All Need a Break From Reality, Even in Fairytale Germany):
- Spa, Sauna, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: Okay, the spa area looked amazing, but I was too busy, well, experiencing the rest of the hotel! I didn't have time to actually relax. This is my biggest regret. Next time, I'm going full-on spa day.
- Fitness Center, Gym/Fitness: They had a gym, which I didn't use. Judgment is best reserved for the gym goers, I feel.
- Pool with a View, Swimming Pool [outdoor], Swimming Pool: The outdoor pool looked lovely, but it was closed during my visit (seasonal, I guess). I bet in summer, it's heaven.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because Let's Face It, We're ALL Slightly Germophobic Now):
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options: They’re taking it seriously. I felt safe.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Staff was always masked.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Good
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Other Safety Features: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, First aid kit, Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Security [24-hour], Safe dining setup.
Services & Conveniences (The Stuff That Makes Life Easier):
- Concierge: Absolutely a must. Very helpful with directions and tips.
- Doorman: Always a welcome sight, though one time he seemed surprised that someone asked for help with their suitcases.
- Elevator: Crucial.
- Daily housekeeping: Everything was sparkling.
- Currency Exchange: Helpful for international travelers.
- Luggage storage: Much appreciated.
- Cash withdrawal: Very convenient – a cash machine.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: They had events going on.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: All there if you need them.
For the Kids (And the Young at Heart):
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Kids meal: They had options.
Getting Around (Because Erfurt Isn't A Tiny Room):
- Airport transfer: Provided, a big help!
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Always welcome.
- Taxi service: Available.
The Little Extras (The Details That Make a Difference):
- Room decorations: Charming, if a bit much for my minimalist tastes.
- Safe dining setup: Excellent.
- Bottle of water: Always a nice touch.
Final Verdict (The Honest Truth):
DAS KEHRS Hotel is a mixed bag. It’s a charming hotel with tons of facilities, and the staff is generally friendly and helpful. The emphasis on safety and cleanliness is very reassuring. It's great for families and anyone who wants a slightly whimsical experience. However, it’s by no means perfect. The service can be a bit uneven, the decor might be a touch overwhelming for some.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with some caveats. If you're looking for a unique experience, and are willing to embrace the fairytale, then go for it! Just be prepared to potentially wrestle with some blackout curtains. And maybe pack an extra snack for the times the poolside bar is unattended.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Gaomi Phoenix Street, Weifang!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your grandma's meticulously color-coded itinerary. This is… well, it’s me, trying to survive a long weekend at DAS KEHRS – Hotel auf dem Petersberg in Erfurt, Germany. Let's see if I even make it out alive, or at least with my sanity (and my camera) intact.
Day 1: The Arrival & The Cathedral (and My Questionable Sense of Direction)
- 14:00 – Landed in Erfurt. Okay, first hurdle cleared. Airplane vomit count: zero. Success! Now, finding the hotel… that's where things get interesting. My internal compass seems to be permanently stuck pointing towards "lost in translation."
- 14:30 – Taxi Ride of Doom. The taxi driver – bless his cotton socks – didn't speak much English, and my German is… well, let's just say "Ich bin ein Berliner" is about as good as it gets. A lot of frantic hand gestures and a vague understanding of "Petersberg" later, we're (hopefully) heading in the right direction.
- 15:00 – Checking In. DAS KEHRS. The name alone sounds fancy. The reception is… lovely. A bit intimidating, actually. I'm pretty sure I tripped over my own feet and mumbled something like, "Guten Tag… uh… room?" The receptionist gave me the most polite, yet slightly pitying look. Managed to get the key, though!
- 15:30 – The Room. Oh. My. GOD. The view from the room… it takes my breath away. Erfurt sprawls below, a patchwork of terracotta roofs and church spires. Seriously, I just stood there, gaping like a fish for about ten minutes. Okay, deep breath. Time to unpack and… where IS the iron? (Priorities, people, priorities.)
- 16:00 – Wandering the Petersberg Citadel. Right, sightseeing. The Citadel is magnificent! Honestly, I spent an hour just wandering around, taking photos of the ramparts, and feeling ridiculously small. I found myself particularly obsessed with a weathered stone gargoyle – it looked like it was judging my life choices. (Spoiler alert: it probably was.) The walk up to the top of the tower was killer, but the view from the top WAS EVERYTHING.
- 18:00 – Erfurt Cathedral Visit. Now, this is the main reason for staying in Germany. Erfurt Cathedral - its age… its magnitude, its detail… my brain is incapable of processing it all! The stained glass alone could keep me mesmerized for hours. I stumbled upon a service – I didn't understand a word (again!), but the atmosphere was unbelievably moving. Okay, I may or may not have teared up a little. Don't judge!
- 19:30 – Dinner at a "Traditional German" Restaurant. I'm starving. Found a place nearby that promised "authentic" German food. Ordered the… well, let's just say it was a meat-based experience. It was delicious, but I definitely overate. Feeling like a stuffed sausage myself now. The beer, however, was perfect.
- 21:00 – Attempting to Navigate Back to the Hotel. Okay, this is where the real fun begins. Armed with a vague map and my questionable sense of direction, I'm attempting the trek back up the Petersberg. Wish me luck. I’m pretty sure I just saw a ghost. Maybe it was just the beer… or maybe I'm getting lost again.
Day 2: Art, Beer Gardens, and an Existential Crisis (involving a Sausage)
- 09:00 – Breakfast at the Hotel. The breakfast buffet at DAS KEHRS is… impressive. So many breads! So many cheeses! So many sausages! (I sense a theme here.) The coffee, thankfully, is strong. I’m going to need it.
- 10:00 – Angermuseum Erfurt. Art time! I’m not a huge art buff, but the museum is beautiful and has a surprisingly interesting collection. I got completely lost in a room full of portraits – I swear, one of them looked like my grumpy uncle. I spent a good hour by the "Erfurt's treasure" hall.
- 12:00 – Lunch at a Beer Garden. Found a beer garden by the river. Heaven on earth. Ordered a massive pretzel and another beer. People-watching is a fine art. The conversations, the laughter, the sun on my face… pure bliss. Almost made me forget about the impending existential crisis.
- 14:00 – A Whirlwind Tour of the Krämerbrücke (Merchant's Bridge). This bridge is a stunner, all medieval buildings crammed together like a wonky jigsaw puzzle. The shops are cute, but I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. My credit card is sweating.
- 15:00 – The Sausage Incident. Okay, so. I bought a bratwurst from a street vendor. It looked amazing. It smelled amazing. I took a bite. And suddenly, I was questioning every life choice I'd ever made. Was this the peak of my existence, a moment of pure, unadulterated sausage bliss? Or was it just a sausage? The philosophical implications are still swirling in my head. Send help (and more mustard, please).
- 16:00 – Trying to Find the Other Side of the Bridge. My sense of direction strikes again. This time, the bridge itself has confused me: what goes up, must come down, but how does the bridge even move?
- 18:00 – Back to the Hotel (for a Nap, Obviously). I need to recharge. Everything hurts. Even the air.
- 19:00 – Dinner. I am eating a salad. I am eating it for a reason, not just because it tastes delicious. It's just some greens and some tomatoes, but I feel like I am in a spa retreat for both mind and body.
- 21:00 – Stargazing (Attempt). The hotel provides a wonderful rooftop. I stare into the stars above, contemplating existence, the sausage incident, and whether I should buy another, even more, sausage tomorrow.
Day 3: Farewell Erfurt (and a Possible Case of Sausage Withdrawal)
- 09:00 – Last Breakfast. Savoring it this time. Trying to convince myself I can fit in just one more sausage. Resist!
- 10:00 – Souvenir Hunting. Time to buy some gifts. My friend wants a cuckoo clock and so a cuckoo clock it is.
- 11:00 – Final Walk Around the Citadel. One last look at that gargoyle. I swear, it winked at me this time.
- 12:00 – Check Out. Saying goodbye to DAS KEHRS is bittersweet. This hotel is fantastic, even though the stairs are killing me.
- 13:00 – Airport Bound. Praying for a smooth journey. And maybe, just maybe, a sausage to go.
- 14:00 – Departure. Until next time, Erfurt. You were weird, wonderful, and full of sausage-related revelations. I'll be back. (And next time, I'm bringing my own iron.)
So there you have it. My very messy, very real, and hopefully, slightly amusing account of a trip to Erfurt. Remember, the best journeys are the ones where you let go of control and embrace the chaos (and the sausages).
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Dangtu County, Maanshan!
Escape to Fairytale Germany: DAS KEHRS Hotel's Magical Erfurt Stay – FAQs (Probably More Like Rants & Rambles)
Okay, so… Erfurt. Why Erfurt? And why THIS hotel? Was it actually magical?
The pictures showed… a lot. Did the hotel *really* live up to the hype? Was the reality anywhere near the Instagram?
About that breakfast buffet… You’ll have people dying to know! What was *really* good? Was it worth the hype?
The staff. Were they all charming and helpful? Or did the fairytale start to crumble?
Tell us about your 'fairytale moment'. What was it like?
Okay, so… any major gripes? What was the worst bit?
Would you go back? Would you recommend it to others?
