Classic and elegant. This best describes the beautiful hotel Fuerstenhof in Leipzig where we are staying for three nights. No doubt this is a hotel with 5-star service. When we enter at the large and lounge area, the staff welcome us with smiles and greetings; a nice start of our holiday in this beautiful hotel and city. The historic building houses 90 elegant rooms and suites, with interiors characterized by myrtle wood and luxurious fabrics. High ceilings, marble and large windows give the hotel the character of a classical patrician palace, making it one of the most exclusive buildings in all of Germany.
History in and around Hotel Fürstenhof
The hotel location cannot be more central with many trams within 75 meters. At arrival we are a bit afraid our nights would be disturbed by these trams coming by, but all of us slept excellent. Probably this also has to do with the supremely comfortable beds, both in terms of the mattress and the bedding. Still if you are a light sleeper, it might be wise to book a room at the back with view on the courtyard.
That having said we are happy with our room at the front and sunset over the city. These rooms have been renovated in a modern way and are relatively large and well appointed. Our room has two large windows that we open to let in cold air, much to our delights. Two extra beds are brought up for our daughters and luckily the room has plenty of room. Also, the bathroom is massive. The green marble floor is always heated and the bathroom is full of amenities which are conveniently labelled with their special properties. If you prefer more space or the latest design: try to book one of the freshly new designed suites: a truly different design that is meant to be all over the place in due time. And we are in good company as the hotel is always the first choice for Bill Clinton, Angela Merkel, Bruce Springsteen, Mariah Carey and other regular national and international guests during their stay in Leipzig.
One of the rooms at the backyard
We enjoy breakfast in the beautiful, historic dining room each day. And here the service of Hotel Fuerstenhof proves its very best: even after one day the staff remember our preferences and we are lucky enough to have “our” own great window-side table each morning. Try to book a room with breakfast inclusive, so you won’t be surprised by its additional fee which is quite steep. But we have to say: it’s truly superb. Cereals, pastries, fruit, eggs, yogurt, cheese, cured meats and fish, all excellent quality. And do try to eat in their main restaurant, it has a very promising menu. People tend to dress nice here, so be prepared and pack something fancy. Also, there is a very cute and welcoming small wine bar right inside the lobby door. Considering the plates on the wall a lot of famous guests enjoyed a glass here once before; we soon discover the signature of the famous Dutch singer Caro Emerald.
Yeah, more Dutchies went here
The pool, spa and sauna in the basement are absolute amazing and although the pool is a bit cold, our kids love the large area. It is calming, clean and has a gorgeous bright blue pool, just like the pictures on the website, which is kept at a constant 82 degrees. The spa has an inviting steam room and the ceiling is dotted with very pretty, sparkly lights that change colors over time.
Like swimming in a tropical lake
From the moment we arrive until our departure three days later we are treated like family with a kind of intimate feeling. Excellent management, discreet but not the usual saccharine hotel formality. We know we can expect a high standard and we aren’t disappointed. From the front desk to the bar to the restaurant to housekeeping, service is friendly, helpful, efficient and comfortable. Also, the valet car service is an excellent service, but you can also choose to park your car in the west car park at the (historic) railway station close by.
It is only a very short distance to the city center, so we find that we did not need the car, how nice for a change. The location is excellent for shopping, train station (5 min. walk) and restaurants. One of our days in Leipzig we visit the fun, very well-planned, and very well-visited, Leipzig zoo. It’s a leisurely walk from the hotel and with a family sort of a must to see. If you prefer something else we recommend taking a self-guided walking tour and see all sorts of great sights. History lovers might know that events in Leipzig in 1989 played a significant role in precipitating the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe, mainly through demonstrations starting from St. Nicolas Church.
Leipzig can also look back on an exceptional musical tradition; it was once one of the major European centers of learning and culture in fields such as music and publishing and this is still reflected in the center. The hotel is within walking distance of the Oper Leipzig which has become one of the most prominent opera houses in Germany. Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann and Clara Schumann all worked here. Richard Wagner, who was born in Leipzig, underwent his musical training in the city. Also close by you’ll find the city’s main concert hall, the old city hall (now a museum) and the new and very interesting city hall, the historic train station, the historic St Thomas church where Bach once served as Music Director.
Culture in Leipzig
WOW
# It will not surprise you we are having a wonderful time in Leipzig, using hotel Fuerstenhof as an excellent, central base to come home to after a long day of explore enchanting Leipzig.
# The giant pool area is the best area if you would ask our kids.
# The hotel is warm, welcoming and wonderful. It would be great staying here again, also to see the make-over in future in line with the new well-designed suites. And we feel extremely pleased here.
