Our stay at the Goldener Anker Hotel in Bayreuth was the highlight of our travels in Germany. They served us Franconian white wine, chilled and crisp. Desserts included our favorite poppy seed struedel with elegant coffee service. It is no wonder that film director Wes Anderson is among the long list of fans of this spot, right next to one of the oldest opera houses in Europe. The entire place is a gem, not to be missed if you're a lover of truly authentic historical experiences. The owner is charming and the staff is friendly, multi lingual and hospitable. There's even free parking.
We went to Bayreuth for the Ring Cycle at the Festspielhaus and Hotel Goldener Hirsch proved to be the perfect place to stay. It is a comparatively small (40 rooms) family-run (five generations) hotel within 20 minutes walk of the Festspielhaus and just two minutes from the station and buses. The welcome is warm. You soon feel part of the family. The staff have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the area: transport, places to visit and restaurants. Every year, the hotel shuts for refurbishment and upgrading. The bedrooms are well-appointed with comfortable beds and well-equipped bathrooms. Everything is spotless. Breakfast is a feast: eggs to order and a handsome buffet including cold meat, cheese, fruit, cakes and delicious bread. The staff couldn’t do enough for us and really pulled out the stops when one of us needed medical attention. A room was found for the other guest without making any fuss. We shall visit again next year. Where else would we stay?