Some buildings are just buildings; others have a vibrant energy. Step into the Bootshaus Amberg, an ensemble of five historic houses on the Vils River, some up to 600 years old, and you feel it at once. You want to stay and have dinner right away, ideally a few regional specialties with a local beer. You could hold your holiday party here, or better yet, organize a trip to this little town with a group of friends.
Because yes, you can spend the night here, too, and very nicely at that.
The 19 small, cozy rooms are tucked into three historic houses next to the restaurant. Some are in the attic, with sloping ceilings and views of the old town and the river drifting past. We tried the little attic suite Uhrmacherin (watchmaker), which, despite its tiny-house proportions, can sleep a family with one child: minibar, Treca box-spring bed, bunk bed, river view and a homey atmosphere. If that is your thing, you can’t go wrong here.
The idea came from a local family. “My dream was always to have my own inn and look after people,” says owner Klaus Herdegen. “It’s in my DNA, even if it’s a lot of work.” That is why, on Saturdays, he loves to stand out on the terrace grilling bratwurst for guests and locals.
Klaus is lucky that his daughters, Eva and Anna, share his passion. In recent years, Eva worked at hotels she found through Pretty Hotels, such as the 1477 Reichhalter in Lana, South Tyrol, where the family also found inspiration for their own place, a good idea, since the Reichhalter is one of the loveliest guesthouses around.
Facts
The Bootshaus Amberg has 15 rooms and four suites. None is particularly large, but all are cozy. The smallest category, Petit, measures 13 to 15 square meters; the largest suite, 34 square meters (366 square feet), with a freestanding tub and a small terrace. The front desk isn’t staffed around the clock, but you can always reach someone through the restaurant to help you check in.
Breakfast
The restaurant is the heart of the hotel, with two dining rooms, one on the ground floor and one upstairs, where breakfast is served. We found breakfast incredibly good and cleverly organized: you choose from lots of small dishes, which are served to your table. No buffet, just a slow start to the day; if you are in a hurry, there is always a quick croissant and coffee.
Culinary
Dinner at the inn is a must. During our visit, the hotel guests at the next table raved about their meal, giving it ten out of ten across the board, and having tried it ourselves, we can only agree.
What’s cooking?
Beet carpaccio to start, then chicken saltimbocca with pumpkin ratatouille and polenta, or spelt pasta with broccoli and radicchio. For dessert, a little pistachio cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
There are many vegetarian dishes, all beautifully plated. Anna has put together a fine wine list, but since Amberg is a beer town (with seven breweries), we also recommend a local brew, such as a Winkler Zoigl.
Ideal for
Amberg is not Paris, and that is part of its charm. It is well worth a weekend, and if you live nearby, it would be a stylish place to celebrate a milestone birthday. In summer, you can rent a canoe at the hotel and paddle down the river, or borrow a bike.
Price
Doubles (Classic category) from 125 euros, including breakfast.
Booking & Contact
Bootshaus Amberg
Schiffbrückgasse 11
92224 Amberg, Bavaria
Germany
