The Fourth of July weekend was the perfect time for an expat escape. Just a ninety minute train from Freiburg, it was such a treat to cut out solo and spend a weekend checking out Baden Baden, Germany hotels, restaurants and spas.
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Baden Baden, Germany Hotels
There’s a great variety of hotels in town from modern urban-feeling buildings to bed and breakfasts. I loved Hotel der Kliene Prinze for being perfectly in the middle – not too fussy but not too old fashioned. Beautiful, clean and cozy.
The family-owned hotel feels fresh and updated while still looking like a fairy tale.
I loved the theme of The Little Prince for the space. I read the book at bedtime with my daughter beforehand to get excited about the stay and promised to bring back photos of the details in the hotel – paintings, murals and other surprises – inspired by The Little Prince.
I love a European continental breakfast, especially when it is included in the room rate (as is afternoon tea service here). This one was the best I’ve ever had!
I cannot wait to come back here. It felt like a very special place to get to stay.
Baden Baden, Germany Restaurants
The walking, sunshine, spas and fresh air made me so hungry! My favorite restaurant by far was Leo’s. The atmosphere and location is great, but this roasted chicken salad kept bringing me back. (I had it twice when I was in town!)
I also had a gorgeous breakfast here and double desert for the night of my birthday. Simple dishes that were just so delicious in every detail.
Another favorite meal in town was at Cafe Köning, a gorgeous coffee house and pastry spot with beautiful interiors and a patio under the shade. It is the best breakfast and coffee in town and the ultimate place to try a slice of Black Forest cake!
Every little spot I ducked into for espresso or an eis (ice cream) was up to my standards for sure. This coffee stop below provided by the charming Eis Cafe Little Italy.
Baden Baden, Germany Spas
The most exciting part of the trip for me was checking out the Baden Baden spas!
I tried the Freidrichsbad first, a traditional Roman-Irish bathhouse that’s been open by 1877 and was visited and written about by Mark Twain.
I love old bath houses with stations like this – it’s a little overwhelming and silly, and that’s before we discuss the co-ed nudity. We only visit this planet once that we know of. I had a good time and felt great after – ready for a Leo’s salad!
Right next door to the Freidrichsbad is the Caracalla thermal baths.
While there is an upstairs sauna area that is adults only and nude (and SO fun – I loved the forest saunas the most), the majority of the space is like a traditional family-friendly resort pool, only thermal water!
Beyond a cozy place to stay, great food and new spas to try, in Baden Baden I love walking around! The small shops – like this gorgeous hat shop Olivier Mauge Couture – were really amazing and chic.
Everything is gorgeous and well cared for, from the gardens to the historic buildings.
I think this will be an every summer trip! Have you been?
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