My friend and I went to Seiffen in Saxony because we learned about the
woodcraft industry there and were enchanted by the many shops with beautiful
German handcrafts. The Hotel Buntes Haus is right in the center and is a
lovely charming inn with restaurant and bar included. The hallways and rooms
are straight out of a German fairytale with a different carving decorating each
entrance. The service was excellent and the staff friendly. Only one drawback.
The hotel also has a large party room on the first floor and one night there was
quite a celebration which went on til late. We were there in summer, but I am sure
that in winter near Christmas time it will be hard to find a room in Seiffen. So book early. Parking is limited out front, but we were lucky and had a great spot.

They say everything is about location, location, location - well the Hotel Erbgericht Buntes Haus has that down pat! This wonderful hotel is in the middle of town right next to the central intersection - the majority of the wood working stores are in walking distance. The breakfast spread was wonderful and the service great! We also enjoyed two excellent dinners there. And if you just want to have a beer and read a book - their outdoor seating is an great place. Limited parking in front of the hotel - most guest will have to park at the top of the hill and walk down. They also provide free use of a computer with internet so you can keep up with email.

Without a hotel reservation we ventured to Seiffen on July 4 2009 to buy a locally made Christmas Pyramide and other wood crafts. The town turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The hotel turned our to be the nicest we stayed in this trip.

At the hotel we enjoyed two adjacent rooms at a good price. Although the lovely receptionist did not speak English (nor did anyone else we met in town) the communication was not a problem. The hotels hallways were beautifully decorated in local wood crafts and the rooms were large, comfortable and immaculate. Nearby were good restaurants, bakeries and shops (and workshops) for the wood crafts. Parking was in front. Everything was in walking distance.

Seiffen is a small town clinging to its tradition of handmade fine woodcrafts (Pyramides, Nutcrackers etc.) We visited workshops where local craftsmen and women were displaying their talents which was very interesting.

Although off the beaten path Seiffen is a great place to visit and a good value to stay, eat drink and shop. The woodcrafts can be purchased here at large savings by buying direct from the makers.

We highly recommend a visit to Seiffen and a stay at the Hotel Erbgericht Buntes Haus for a local experience and to experience the tradition of fine craftsmanship.

This is my second time staying here in a year and I can not recommend it enough. This time I stayed for 7 nights. They offered a special that included not only breakfast, but also a 3 course dinner each night. I was a little nervous about eating at the same place for 7 nights running, but not by the time I left. Every night was a new menu. Every night offered enough entree choices that I was satisfied. An example of the menu: Beef Consomme with shredded pancake, vegetables and herbs; choice of 3 entrees: Filet of Pikeperch with lemon butter sauce, carrots Vichy and wild rice OR Cordon Bleu of Pork with parsley potatoes and salad in season OR roasted bell pepper stiffed with rice and goat cheese; Dessert: Home made apple strudel with vanilla ice cream. Okay, that was one night's example. Every night had great choice. Each night we had some wine or a beer.

Now, get this: 7 nights lodging, breakfast and dinner and a drink for each of us each night and the entire bill for the week: $700!!!! That's right $100 a day for 2 people. Not each! Plus, our room was huge and overlooked the lovely Church of Seiffen.

I have already booked a week for 2010. You can get this terrific deal on their website.

NOTE: They have a full service restaurant, a bar, and outdoor dining. There is free internet in the lobby. Very friendly staff. Right in the heart of all the action and free parking.