Hotel Goldener Anker

This is the second time I have stayed at The Goldener Anker -- last year my wife and I stayed there for two nights while attending the Bayreuth Baroque Opera Festival, and this past weekend we returned with our young daughters (13 and 9). Everything about The Goldener Anker is superb: The location on the old main square is the best in town -- just a few meters away from the Margravial Opera House and within easy walking distance of the major historical sites. We stayed in the spacious and newly restored "Puccini Suite," which features a gigantic four-poster bed as well as a separate room offering beautiful bunk beds for my daughters -- all the rooms and common areas throughout the hotel are exquisitely furnished with tasteful antiques and sumptuous fabrics that ooze Old World Charm. The bathroom was enormous and featured both a vintage clawfoot bathtub as well as a shower. Apart from the classy and extremely comfortable accommodations, the service was consistently excellent. The owner, Eva Graf, is the fourteenth generation of her family to run the hotel, which she does with love, kindness and exceptional attention to detail and to the guests' wishes. The staff is multilingual and always eager to help. The WiFi worked perfectly, and the adjacent parking garage was most convenient. Of course, there are no lifts or air conditioning in such a historic building, but if you're looking for such modern conveniences in a bland characterless highrise, go stay at the Ibis -- I'll take authentic Old World Charm any day. We enjoyed an excellent late dinner (Oxtail Soup, Smoked Trout, Entrecote, Parfait) in the cozy paneled dining room after the opera, served by Eva herself. The tasty and well prepared gourmet dishes were served on fine china and the delicious wine poured into sparkling crystal glasses, which only enhanced the classic Old World ambience. After such a late night, we wandered down to breakfast later than usual, but it was no problem. The breakfast menu is extensive (eggs, bacon, ham, fresh juices, fresh breads and croissants with homemade marmalades, yogurts, muesli, cheeses, cold cuts, etc.) all sourced from local farmers and bakers. We are used to enjoying fresh croissants from a French bakery several times a week, and my daughters couldn't stop raving about those served at The Goldener Anker! Our table was graced with beautiful fresh orchids, and we were delighted to hear the Sunday morning churchbells ringing out across the square as we indulged in our luxurious late breakfast. It is not inexpensive, but considering the consistently high quality of the experience, we believe The Goldener Anker offers exceptional value -- and I believe that other discerning travelers will agree. We did not wish to leave, and we will certainly be back!

This wonderful traditional hotel, with its personal service and careful attention to the needs of its guests, always lives up to its reputation as the best hotel in Bayreuth. This year my partner and I stayed for four nights during the Wagner Festival, taking in the opera "Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg" and enjoying a relaxing break. This hotel is our favourite, and was the favourite of my late father and mother, who also stayed there numerous times for the Wagner FestiWe stayed in the newly-refurbished "Puccini Suite", which is superbly appointed, with a huge four-poster bed, luxurious bathroom with shower/wet room and free-standing batch, and a side room with bunk beds, to delight young children. The pace of life in the hotel is gentle, civilised and tailored to suit the needs of the opera-going guests. It is fine to come down for breakfast at 11 a.m., and there is no hurry, the service continues all morning, with lovely home-made preserves, fresh bread, and cooked items prepared to order. For opera-goers, a complimentary glass of Champagne is provided at 3 p.m. in the hotel lobby, overseen by the hotel owner, Eva Graf, before the guests depart by taxi for the short journey across town to the Festspielhaus on the Green Hill. A three-course Table d'Hote dinner enhanced with local Franconian wines is available as late as 11 p,m, after the opera has finished. Dining, conversation and discussion of the evening's performance can go on as late as 2.30 a.m. with the hotel proprietress and staff present even at that late hour. I should also say that as the hotel was established in 1753, due to the building's structure, it has not been possible to install a lift or air-conditioning, However, the comfort and standard of the accommodation in both private and public rooms, together with the friendly and personal approach more than compensate. We hope to be lucky enough to visit again and enjoy such exceptional hospitality.

Great stay Lovely hotel, lovely staff and wonderful breakfast. Such a cool historical hotel! I really enjoyed the three nights I stayed here. Fantastic location for sight seeing too.

Another Great Stay! The cleanest hotel I have ever stayed in! It’s immaculate! Always a lovely welcome on reception & in the breakfast area, the staff are a credit to the business

Best place to stay in the city. Vintage hotel near the Opera House. We will go back every time we can.

Our stay at the Goldener Anker Hotel in Bayreuth was the highlight of our travels in Germany. They served us Franconian white wine, chilled and crisp. Desserts included our favorite poppy seed struedel with elegant coffee service. It is no wonder that film director Wes Anderson is among the long list of fans of this spot, right next to one of the oldest opera houses in Europe. The entire place is a gem, not to be missed if you're a lover of truly authentic historical experiences. The owner is charming and the staff is friendly, multi lingual and hospitable. There's even free parking.