Review: Traube Tonbach (Baiersbronn, Germany)
 

Recently stayed 1 night at Traube Tonbach as part of a conference. Included in the stay was also a dinner at 3 star restaurant Schwarzwaldstube.
Part of my "package" was a stay at a single room, which is noth worth any luxury hotel. I upgraded in advance to a Superior Room, which I thought was with 65 sqm OK for one person and one night.
Check-In was fast and I was shown my room. Indeed it was spacious and more a Junior Suite/ or even suite than a room. The style was not so much my cup of tea, but perhaps fits to the surroundings. The bathroom was adequate but feeled old. Nice view from the balcony. Surcharge was 150,00 €.
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The SPA is the real pro, one of the best in Germany.
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Also had dinner at 3 star Schwarzwaldstube, here my review:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31139606-post1727.html
Breakfst was OK, but nothing special.
Overall a good stay, but Traube Tonbach is surely (perhaps it was in the past) not the benchmark in Germany.

The toilet cleaning brush should never make an appearance! Thank you for the write up and photos.

I never use the toilet cleaning brushes if provided. I always bring my own rubber gloves.

Andy Hayler recently gave this restaurant 20/20. The room did look as if it needed a refurb to put it into the present century.

Thanks! Would say a toilet brush it´s absolute standard in Germany.

Interesting about Hayler. I value his peviews and perhaps I didn´t get the best day or I simply have other priorities. In the end between 2 and 3 stars it´s often very difficult, for excample wasn´t impressed with Osteria Francescana which thinks San Pellegrino is the best restaurant in the world.

Andy's review is here -

https://www.andyhayler.com/restaurant/schwarzwaldstube

Personally I pay absolutely no attention to the Pellegrino list. (Neither does Andy.)

I've not been to Tonbach. However, I did once stay four nights at nearby Bareiss and regard that as the best hotel for food I have ever stayed at. I think the two hotels are rather similar in terms of their dated accommodation and outstanding spa facilities.

Agree about Bareiss, perhaps I do a trip in the future which includes both. Interesting with Andy and other reviews at the Internet are still also very good. Perhaps I will be flashed next time;)

I prefer out of sight, out of mind!

As long as they don´t use it to clean the tooth mug....

Well, I think that sums it up very well.
Hotel Bareiss has the largest and best variety of any breakfast buffet I have ever experienced worldwide and both Tonbach's and Bareiss' many restaurants are good to outstanding. But the accommodation at both hotels (not to mention their self-conscious price points) gives me headaches, shivers and eye pain. That's were they lose their potential towards the younger clientele. A modern refurb would be desperately needed not only there but in many other places in the Black Forest to better attract well travelled, upscale short and long term staying guests. Although both properties would perfectly serve me as ideal weekend retreats with decent spas and good service in reasonable distance from my home, I avoid to stay there like the plague. Instead, give me the Atlantis in Zurich, Riva in Konstanz or Hotel Ueberfahrt in Rottach any day for overnight stays.

They do have a building of rooms with contemporary decor located just across the street from the main hotel. I stayed here in December 2017 in the same room category as the OP and I found it to be quite charming, especially as it was decorated for Christmas.

To me it felt like the Black Forest; it had a strong sense of place. The hand carved wood was beautiful in it's own right, even if it was not a match to my personal style. I also appreciated that the hotel has been in the same family for generations.

These kind of places are getting harder and harder to find, and they have a warmth and level of hospitality that is truly special.

Thanks offerendum for posting pictures. The rooms really do remind me of our stay at Bareiss back in January 2018. The room decor at Bareiss will not appeal to those looking for something more contemporary like the Kempinski Berchtesgaden or Schloss Elmau.

We loved our stay at Bareiss. Of the three mountain resorts that we've been to, Bareiss, Bachmair Weissach, and Hotel Jagdhof (Tyrol), Bareiss is my favorite. It's an excellent family destination. The kids club is wonderful with kids activities from morning until 11pm during school holidays. Kids have the option of having dinner in the kids club which I really appreciated and gave me some time to enjoy my meal in the restaurant. I love the complimentary afternoon dessert buffet.

I know they have some newer rooms in Haus Kohlwald. To make it clear I don´t hate this hotel and think it has great potential. But many rooms need a make over. I can also imagin to stay here again (if conference or for leisure) but if leisure I would book one of their "Unikat Suiten" and ask for one at Haus Kohlwald. For the conderence it was a big Advantage to stay at the same floor were the coference room was.

Btw my room was (judging from pictures on the website) a Deluxe and not a Superior. It seems they gave me an (silent) upgrade.