The Place
On the edge of Waldecker Land, one of Germany’s most beautiful tourist regions, is the small spa town of Bad Hersfeld. Zum Stern’s attractive 15thC building is on its marketplace. The hotel looks fairly small from the outside, but it has a surprising 45 rooms. Some of these – which are generally more modern – are in a separate guesthouse across the courtyard at the rear. In the main hotel, those who like creaky floors and exposed wood beams will be in their element, and different decorative schemes make each bedroom equally charming. You might get one with lilac-motif wallpaper, or one with a large oak four-poster bed and sand-coloured walls.
The public spaces are equally inviting and have a welcoming warmth. The bar is pleasing too, with its terracotta floor, panelled bar top, soft lighting and exposed brick walls. The dining rooms are simply furnished, with wonderful panelled walls. There are two restaurants to choose from: Sterns restaurant, serving simple regional and international dishes, and the gourmet l’Etable, which boasts a Michelin star.