The Place
Waldhotel Mangold is most definitely a family concern. It was the present owners’ gradfather who in 1927 founded a small hostelry on the site, at the edge of the forest in the peaceful Milchborntal. His son Hans Mangold was born here – he took over the hotel in 1966 on his father’s death, and has now handed over the running of it to his two sons, though he remains very much involved.
The building is not particularly attractive from the outside, although the setting remains peaceful. The reception and sitting areas in the oldest part of the house are all old beams and solid oak antiques, with a fireplace and beautiful carved wooden staircase. The much-expanded restaurant area contains many striking features: a carved wooden gateway, specially commissioned stained-glass windows and a highly unusual hand-beaten brass ceiling. The seven bedrooms in the main building were recently refurbished – orthopaedic beds and state-of-the-art bathrooms providing a touch of luxury. The other bedrooms in a separate annexe are comfortable and immaculately kept. An attractive alternative to the city-centre hotels of Cologne, 17 kilometres away.