Hotel Erbprinz - Gourmet & Spa
Old-world German grandeur meets contemporary wellness resort. Think cream-lacquered wood panelling, red leather armchairs, a Davidoff cigar lounge and a snow cabin in the spa. It's the kind of place where the owner personally greets guests at dinner. Quality is high, but the room lottery is real — you could land a just-renovated LIVING room or a more dated classic unit.
Book a LIVING category room for the most current renovation; older Comfort rooms can be hit-or-miss
Why It Matters
One of Germany's first-ever Michelin-starred restaurants, operating continuously since 1967. Now holds 1 Michelin star, 3 Gault Millau toques and 7+ Gusto pans. Privately owned by the Zepf family since 1999; wife Jaqueline Frank-Zepf runs the spa and has developed her own cosmetics line (JAQZ) exclusively available on-site. The spa won a World Luxury Spa Award in 2024.
The Erbprinz has been at this address since 1788, starting life as a stagecoach station and growing into a privately owned 5-star superior city resort sitting directly opposite Ettlingen Castle. It holds a serious piece of culinary history: in 1967, under head chef Günther Wanka, it received one of the first Michelin stars ever awarded in Germany. Current chef Ralph Knebel has held a star continuously since 2012, backed by 3 Gault Millau toques. The hotel itself is a mix of classic grandeur — Italian furniture, marble bathrooms, old-world lounge spaces — and the freshly renovated LIVING room category, which swaps antiques for earthy tones, bold wallpapers, and modern marble finishes.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Apartment (Classic)
Approximately 55 sqm with a separate living and sleeping area plus a fully equipped kitchen. Classic version features fine Italian furniture, harmonious colour scheme and a luxurious marble bathroom with both bathtub and shower. Has two bathrooms. Partially air-conditioned.
55 sqmApartment (LIVING)
Around 55 sqm in the newer LIVING style — motif wallpaper, wooden flooring and a modern bathroom. Fully equipped kitchen, separate living and sleeping areas, and a box-spring bed (180x210 cm). Fully air-conditioned.
King (180x210 cm box-spring) · 55 sqmDouble Room AMBIENTE
Sunny, colourful and modern. For guests who want something more contemporary and chic. Fine materials, spacious showers and good natural light.
Double · 26 sqmDouble Room COMFORT
Elegantly furnished with fine Italian furniture and a harmonious colour scheme. Classic Erbprinz look. Marble bathrooms and comfortable beds. Good option for couples who want the traditional hotel feel without the premium suite price.
Double · 26 sqmDouble Room LIVING
Fully renovated in winter 2022-23, this is the newest category and the most visually bold. Earthy tones, striking motif wallpapers (parrots, birds, florals), marble elements and unique art. Modern amenities throughout. Great natural light.
Double · 25 sqmJunior Suite
Completely refurbished in 2016. Modern style elements sit alongside lovingly restored vintage furniture — a deliberate mix that gives these rooms a chic, slightly theatrical feel.
Double · 35 sqmSingle Room AMBIENTE
Queen-size bed, linen curtains, wooden parquet and fine carpets. A classically elegant single room aimed at individual leisure guests.
Queen · 22 sqmSingle Room COMFORT
Antique pieces combined with modern elements. Classic Erbprinz elegance for solo travellers. The go-to for business guests who appreciate traditional style.
Single · 24 sqmSingle Room LIVING
The newest category applied to single occupancy. Bold motif wallpapers, earthy tones and marble elements — the 2022-23 renovation in a compact format.
Single · 23 sqmSky Suite
The flagship room of the Erbprinz. Perched at the top of the building with its own spacious terrace and private outdoor sauna. A dedicated elevator takes you directly to the Erbprinz Beauty SPA from this floor. Views reach toward the Black Forest. There's nothing else in the hotel quite like it.
45 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel mentions BMW motorised carriage experiences as a guest activity.
Seven conference and event rooms of different sizes with state-of-the-art technology. Full business centre on site.
Non-hotel guests can purchase a Day Spa pass giving access to the full spa — pool, saunas, relaxation rooms and gym — including bathrobe, slippers, towels, water, tea and fresh fruit from the pool bar. Advance reservation by phone required.
Sommelier Serge Schwentzel curates wine gifts and individual selections at the in-house Erbprinz Weinkontor, with top Baden wines at winery prices.
Ettlingen Palace/Castle is directly across the street from the hotel.
The hotel can pack hiking backpacks for guests. The Stadt-Wald-Fluss-Weg (7 km) runs from Ettlingen to the Bismarck Tower, offering forest paths and panoramic views of the Rhine Valley. The hotel sits at the trailhead effectively.
The hotel offers full wedding packages including celebration rooms, catering and accommodation.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Various sizes, state-of-the-art technology.
€17.50/person for adults, €10 for children. Weekdays 6:30–10:30, weekends 7:30–11:30. Not always included in room rate.
Free cot available for children 0-2 years. Baby monitor and bottle warmer at reception.
Life Fitness equipment on the first floor of the main building. Accessible around the clock for hotel guests.
LIVING and Apartment categories are fully air-conditioned. Classic Comfort rooms only partially.
On-site wine store with Baden wines at winery prices and curated wine gifts.
S1/S11 suburban rail stop is right next to the hotel, connecting to Karlsruhe in ~15 minutes.
Parking directly at the hotel.
Not on-site but the reception can assist with reservations.
Large Grander water pool with counter-current system, bubble loungers and pool bar. Open daily 6am–9pm.
BUILD YOUR HOTEL ERBPRINZ - GOURMET & SPA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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