Hotel Gerbe

Let's get the negatives out of the way first because it won't take long. Yes the hotel is in Ailingen and not Friedrichshafen and a car is a necessity and, whilst very comfortable and spacious, the rooms are rather unimaginative in terms of décor and facilities. That over with, let's move an to everything there is to enjoy about this hotel...and there is a lot! Despite its misleading location, it is the prefect base for exploring this exquisitely beautiful part of Germany. The Bodensee is very accessible whether by road or water and it is worth exploring to the full. Orchards, vineyards, beautiful lakeside towns and villages, scenery to die for...what is there not to like? We found the hotel staff charming, cheerful and most helpful whatever language was used. Neither did it bother us that the staff did not fawn over us nor ignore us. Service was ever smiling and efficient. On our first day we spent a very enjoyable late afternoon bottle of fabulous Grauer Burgunder in the hotel's large garden soaking up the last day's sunshine. Perfect! We enjoyed the restaurant ambience and fare so much we dined there throughout our stay. Again the staff were marvellous and the food excellent. There is, as in France, a certain formulaic pattern to German menus but the food was well presented, tasted great and good value. The wine list is typically German with little on offer from further afield, but who cares when the local wine is so good. There is little more to add other than we would highly recommend this hotel to anybody who wants to kick back and enjoy themselves in such wonderful surroundings. The Bodensee is glorious and this hotel is very, very close to being so. A must visit!

Stayed there twice (July 2006 and July 2007) as a member of a company conference. Luxurios hotel in the middle of small village Ailingen near Friedrichshafen, Very nice interior and very good food. Facilitated with sanarium, sauna and pool. Although in 2006 the sauna was out of order during my stay, the year after it was OK. Did not pay by myself, so cannot rate the value of the stay, but would definitely be delighted to come back if there was another conference in the future.

Nice place to stay, extensive breakfeast, and nice oustide seating restaurant very close to the conference center (Messe), indoor swimming pool and Sauna, very nice to relax after full day conference will come back next year

We booked a room because of ease of parking. We were driving and wanted to make sure to have free parking. There is no lack of parking at Hotel Gerbe. We were there off season and appeared to be some of the only guests in this gigantic place. It is nowhere near any sites or activities, so would only really be good with a car. The rooms were strange, as someone else mentioned they were spotlessly cleaned, but were very outdated looking in strange carpet and wallpaper. But quaint and very quiet at night. It also has rather large grounds for walking and is located right near vineyards. All in all no complaints, we didn't eat here for dinner, but it the parking lot is packed at night with people there to eat. Breakfast was included and had a very large selection and good food.

This hotel was a good choice for our family of five. The junior suite comfortably slept all of us, and the grounds were large enough for the kids to have a good run around. There was a small playground and pool, although without a shallow end, wasn't ideal. The hotel restaurant was a wondeful surprise, with excellent service and a gourmet menu. There were two slight drawbacks: 1. the hotel is not in "downtown" Friedrichshafen, but rather 4 km outside of town 2. the hotel last appeared to have been redecorated in the late 70s. Nothing is shabby, or worn - to the contrary - but the color schemes and choice of furniture is somewhat dated.

My husband and I holidayed here for a week in September 2008. It's an absolute gem of a hotel. We booked directly with the hotel and got a rate of 124Euro per day for 2 people on a B&B basis. Would recommend spending that bit extra for a room with a south balcony facing the hotel park side - as it has lovely views over the lawns of the hotel and further out to the fields of the area. Occassionaly, you'll hear the sound of the Zepellin going overhead as the hanger is not too far away - facinating to watch! Anyway, the grounds of the hotel are lovely with a huge chess set ! and bird cages in the gardens. The rooms and bathrooms are SPOTLESS. The breakfast was lovely but tended to run-out of the fruit salad and cheeses and juices quite quickly. Had dinner several times in the restaurant where the prices are reasonable and food is lovely. Good range of meals & drinks on offer, and menus in other languages too. Staff very helpful with tonnes of leaflets of 'things to do' and places of interest nearby and further afield (e.g the King Ludwig castles). This hotel was an absolute gem of a find and great base to tour the area - such as Friedsrichshafen or catching the ferry over to Konstanz. Car parking was free and plentiful. Pool area was unique as it's in the basement of the hotel and looks like a converted bomb raid shelter or wine cellar with curved brick ceiling. Hotel is beautifully and traditionally decorated and staff very helpful and nice. The time of year we were there was just after the popular cycling festival had ended so the hotel was quiet enough which was great. Can think of nothing to fault this hotel - but they are extremely strict on the check-out time which is early enough, so we found we had a day of extra wandering around until our flight which was early evening time. Would definately recommend and return here for a visit. If staying here and you've booked car hire, then would strongly stress that a GPS system is a must !!