Grand Hotel Sauerhof zu Rauhenstein

Frommer's Review

Although the history of this estate dates back to 1583, it became famous in 1757 when a sulfur-enriched spring bubbled up after a cataclysmic earthquake in faraway Portugal. The present building was constructed in 1810 on the site of that spring, which continues to supply water to its spa facilities today. During the 19th century, visitors included Beethoven (who wrote his Wellington Sieg here and enjoyed a dinner with Karl Maria von Weber) and Mozart's archrival, Antonio Salieri. Since then, the property has served as an army rehabilitation center, a sanatorium during the two world wars, and headquarters for the Russian army. In 1978, after extravagant renovations, the Sauerhof reopened as one of the region's most upscale spa hotels.

Today the neoclassical building with a steep slate roof rambles across a wide lawn. Few of the original furnishings remain, although the management has collected a handful of vintage Biedermeier sofas and chairs to fill the elegant but somewhat underfurnished public rooms. A covered courtyard, styled on ancient Rome, has a vaulted ceiling supported by chiseled stone columns. The generous bedrooms contain beautifully kept bathrooms with tub/shower combinations and are outfitted in contemporary decor.

There's a collection of Russian icons and a series of medieval halberds in the richly decorated, farmer-style restaurant, which serves some of the best food in town.

Facilities:
2 restaurants; bar; indoor heated pool; 2 tennis courts; fitness center; spa; sauna; salon; room service (7am-10pm); laundry service; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; solarium

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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