Wellness & Genuss Resort - Engel Obertal

We were disappointed that the demi-pension evening meal on a Thursday in March was NOT the 5 course sit down meal (promised on the Engel's own website) at a table with a table cloth and comfortable chairs but a bistro table/chairs and a succession of samey self service buffet courses. On our second night it was a sit down five course meal. The chalets away from the main building are very good and would accommodate four people or a family in comfort. we enjoyed our chalet, and the spa facilities (once you can find your way around) are brilliant, maybe more lockers would help.

The Engel Obertal hotel is beautifully located in the upper end of a sunny valley. We (3) stayed for four nights in 2 rooms. One room faced the road in front of the “Stammhaus” and was noisy at times, especially between 5 and 6:30am when either lorries passed or the early hotel delivery guys yelled at each other. The second room was housed in a different complex and quiet. The wellness area and the surrounding garden are fantastic and tranquil. Really enjoyable. The breakfast is relatively extensive and of good quality. The lunch, which is included, and we had only one time was okay. We had dinner at the hotel only on the last evening as we wanted to explore other restaurants in the neighbourhood. Pricing is fair and some of our dishes were good. My entrecôte was terrible as 2/3 were pure fat and I just left it on the plate. Even the waiter commented negatively on this piece of meat. But it still was included in the bill. Unfortunately, I was not at the table when my family paid. The complimentary water bottle in the room was a bit of a surprise as it was not replaced when empty, but perhaps this was a one off only. It is not about the money, it is about the experience and we had two, three issues to raise during our stay. A pity that we got the impression that the staff just doesn’t care. Having said this the staff is nice, but a more customer centric approach would be appreciated. Overall, I had a good time, but for five stars it requires a bit more work and service.

Beautiful, relaxing hotel surrounded by natural beauty. Exquisite ability of the staff to make it both, family friendly and relaxing for adults. My children will never forget the treks in the Black Forest. I will never forget the amazing food and the wonderful people from the hotel restaurant who turned each meal into a special occasion.