Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten - Berchtesgaden, Germany     

We stayed at this truly wonderful hotel, owned by the Miller family, for the third time last week, staying 4 nights. We have previously stayed in July 2006 and March 2007, the seasonal climate has made all 3 trips to be very different but all equally fabulous! We took a taxi from Salzburg airport to the 'Rathaus' in the city, from there the 804 bus to Berchtesgaden Bahnhof, then a taxi to the door of the hotel (total cost for 2 = E22). We arrived early and, as usual the hotel were very accomodating and let us check-in early. The room was lovely; a seating area, huge bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and comfortable bed. The best thing about the room though was, without a doubt, the breathtaking mountain views. There are no words to describe it! The restaurant in the hotel serves the best food we have ever eaten! In fact it's worth coming to Berchtesgaden just to eat here! Mr Peter Miller plans the menu and takes great pride in the preparation of the dishes. The food is very inexpensive by comparison to English and most other European restaurants, as is the extensive wine list. Original paintings and hunting trophies, belonging to the Miller family festoon the walls of the restaurant making for a cosy, romantic and traditional Bavarian setting. 'Silver service' makes it special but is by no means intimidating; the service is excellent. The Stuberl, joined to the restaurant offers a less formal dining experience if you want something different. We were celebrating our first wedding anniversary on the last night and the staff made it very special for us. We stayed up late (rather too late) drinking and chatting with Mr Miller and the staff. We didn't have to ask for a late checkout the next morning - this was offered to us and Mr Miller cooked us breakfast, well after 'closing time' in the breakfast room. (It's probably worth mentioning that the hot and cold buffet breakfast is good too). We spent our Friday night in the Berchtesgaden Brauhaus (Brewery). There's nothing like this in the UK. The atmosphere is great, Bavarian dancing and traditional food and ales (order a knuckle of Pork to share!). Definatley worth a visit! You should also stop off at the village graveyard on the way back to the hotel; it's a magical place to see at night! We spent our days mountain walking, stopping off en route to sample the local fayre. You have to visit the 'Eagles Nest '(Hitler's hideout) - even if the history doesn't interest you, the views on a good day are amazing. Neighbouring towns and villages are all within walking distance. We have noticed there are a lot more beer gardens and mountain restaurants open in the summer months June - Sept than in the winter months, but don't let this deter you. The Golden Bear in the village centre is open all year round and the beer hall upstairs is like something from another time. You can also visit the Salt Mine, the Watzmanntherme and Salzburg, which is a 40 minute bus ride away. I don't know what else to say. We really love Berchtesgaden and this hotel. We can't understand why everyone isn't going there!