We have returned to this hotel many times, as it never fails to deliver. We are usually the only English guests, the core business seems to be locals enjoying the excellent food, or business travelers. Christmas time is wonderful, Germany does the festive season extremely well, and the hotel is festooned with decorations and trees, all delightful, and roaring log fire, which is in one of the three dining areas. It is without doubt very German, rather like a hunting lodge, with twists of very up to the minute design.
The food is excellent, we usually opt for the 4 day country stay, which includes breakfast (a buffet which seems to offer all imaginable treats) and 4 course set menu for dinner. This is good value for money, not cheap, but absolutely worth every penny. Arriving on a Sunday and leaving on a Thursday gives a 10% reduction, a good option, as travelling on these days is preferable traffic wise.
The hotel is family run, I believe that the same family have owned it for many years, and,as can be expected, this means that there is excellent service from friendly staff.
Munster is approximately 5 miles away. This is a university town, lively and vibrant, with bicycles absolutely everywhere. Beware, as they certainly seem to take precedence over every other road user! The town has been sensitively restored following the war, and has a splendid cathedral with astrological clock. The shops are a joy, many independent retailers, I particularly like Schnitzler for clothes, though save up for a visit.
Our trips to Munster are usually for Christmas shopping, though it is lovely all the year round. There are markets besides the cathedral on Wednesdays and Saturdays (fabulous) and also a Christmas market with wooden toys etc and food from stalls which even I would eat.
The hotel rooms are all very individual, we have stayed in The Woodman's House, The Fisherman's House, spa suites, and the tower house. The 2 houses are about 30 yards from the hotel, on the banks of the River Werse, and a little more private, quite small, but imaginatively decorated. Both have sitting out areas, and The Fisherman's House has a sauna. The spa suites are in the main hotel, and spacious with contemporary decor.
We are returning to The Hof zur Linde again at the end of November. A bit more Christmas shopping!
Thoroughly recommend.
