This hotel is a great example of a small "mom and pop" place. The building was the former customs house for the neighboring castle, Schloss Gottorf, 250 years ago. Now it houses 10 guest rooms and a restaurant. The proprietors are a husband-wife team. He hosts and she cooks fabulously. Their enthusiasm about their guests' enjoyment of Schleswig makes for a pleasant stay.

Our room #5 was very spacious, sunny, and decorated in shades of peach and yellow. It faced out the back toward the castle. There were two soft chairs, a desk, and a TV. The beds were comfortable with down pillows and duvets, but it was the first time we had slept on the terrycloth bed sheets sometimes found in northern Germany. The bathroom was reasonably large, and there was a shower without a bath.

The culinary restaurant has a diverse dinner menu with fish, duck, soups, etc. The recipes are German to continental. At breakfast (included with the rate), your place is set with diverse meats, cheeses, vegetables, bread, yoghurt, and an egg.

Schleswig is a long town, spread along the shore of the fjord. You can be close to the castle, or you can be close to St. Petri Dom. The walk between them is 20-25 minutes. If you are a museum hound, staying at the Zollhaus is an obvious choice. Both the archeological and the extensive, comprehensive art collections housed at the Schloss Gottorf are a short walk over a pedestrian bridge. A scenic walk east along the fjord takes you into the center of the town where you can visit the historical zones.

N.B. The owners take a break and close the restaurant for dinner on Sunday and Monday. There is no front desk, and they rest from about 3-6 in the afternoon. So if you plan to arrive during those hours, call ahead so they can meet you.