Nestled high above Berchtesgaden on Obersalzberg, the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden is situated at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level. Surrounded by unspoiled alpine beauty, the hotel overlooks the Eagle’s Nest and expansive Bavarian valleys.
Arrival in the Bavarian Alps
This wasn’t our first stay here, so we arrived with high expectations and fond memories from a previous winter visit. This time, the summer sun cast long shadows across the hills, promising slow days and mountain air.
Upon arrival, valet staff offered to take our bags and park the car, though they seemed noticeably more rushed compared to our earlier December stay. A small sign of how a busier season can affect even the best-staffed hotels.
We booked through American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, which offers early check-in when available. Unfortunately, our room wasn’t ready until the standard 3 PM check-in time.
That said, the upgrade to a terrace room was nice—until we discovered it was located right next to the elevator. Nighttime noise put a slight dent in our experience. The hotel did offer us a room change, which we declined, but at €400+ per night, soundproofing should be a given.
Spa and Activity Concierge
The spa area is a true highlight. We spent hours lounging by the outdoor pool, soaking in the sun and silence. With a generous sunbathing deck, saunas, and panoramic mountain views, it’s the kind of place you don’t want to leave.
The hotel also has activity concierges, a surprisingly helpful touch. They helped us plan local hikes, book boat tickets on Königssee, and even arranged a tee time at Germany’s highest golf course—a unique and fun way to experience the landscape.
Our three different experiences dinning at the hotel
We dined all three nights at Johann Grill, the hotel’s standard restaurant. They also offer two more expensive restaurants one of them with two Michelin stars. While the food was consistently good-visually impressive and flavorful—the service was anything but consistent.
- One night, we waited two hours for our main course.
- Another, everything arrived promptly and flawlessly.
- Staff training seemed inconsistent, and at a five-star hotel, you expect better continuity.
The pricing is steep but expected for this level of accommodation. That said, €9.50 for a bottle of water felt excessive. After the first night, we stuck to custom cocktails and wine, which were much more reasonably priced.
Still, the sunset views from our dinner table were magical, and the drinks menu was amazing.
The hotel also offers two other restaurants and a bar that is open the whole day.
If dinner was inconsistent, breakfast was a triumph. Served in the same restaurant, the combination of à la carte dishes and a generous buffet left nothing to be desired.
It was, without exaggeration, the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had. Everything from the eggs Benedict to local cheeses and fresh fruit was perfectly curated.
Final Thoughts
There were moments of brilliance—the spa, the breakfast, the views—and moments of disappointment, like the dinner service or the surprisingly noisy room that you would not expect at this price point.
Small touches from our earlier stay were missing this time: evening turn-down service, a bit more personalized attention, and an overall smoother rhythm.
Still, we made unforgettable memories—golfing in the Alps, hiking to the Eagle’s Nest, and watching the light shift over the mountains from the pool deck. It was an amazing trip in many ways.
Would we come back?
Yes—with a few caveats. I’d request a room away from elevators and perhaps try one of the other restaurants. Kempinski Berchtesgaden is perfect for travelers seeking luxurious calm in the heart of nature, but service consistency and attention to detail need improvement to match the price point.
Overall ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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