Chiemgauhof - Lakeside Retreat

We were curious to visit the Chiemgauhof as the newest of Motel One Founder Dieter Müller's three quasi-private luxury resorts. The others are the fantastic Kitzhof in Kitzbühel, and the Achental in nearby Grassau. Chiemgauhof performs at the highest level, both in regards to design, and cuisine. Finally there is some real luxury on the shores of Lake Chiemsee. The atmosphere is best described as similar to an Aman Resort. Pure serenity. We were lucky with the weather and enjoyed perfect views over the blue lake and the nearby snow-covered mountains at the same time. Highly recommended.

The Hotel has been newly built and opened its doors only recently in early 2025. It is conveniently located only a few minutes away from the motorway A8 and directly adjacent to lake Chiemsee. There is a small jetty in front of the property with direct access to a private shore and the waters of the lake. It is a rather small and cosy property built with lots of wood and steel, where every room has a view onto the lake and the mountains beyond. The German owners are the masterminds behind the rather inexpensive Motel One hotel chain. This is their second foray into the upmarket realm, the first being Das Achental, a golf resort not far from the Chiemgauhof. ||One has to bear in mind that the Chiemgauhof is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, which naturally creates a certain level of expectations. The setting is certainly picturesque and the property visually appealing. Designed by Matteo Thun, it combines modernity with rustic elements, featuring high quality materials. Only occasionally appears the straightforward design a bit too simplistic and basic, reminiscent of an IKEA showroom. ||The location and the property itself is not without problems though. Surrounded by public beaches and various tawdry tourist attractions, it might become quite noisy in summertime. The close motorway is extremely busy and can be clearly seen and heard across the bay. The restaurant, the bar, and, most irritating, the outdoor pool are open to day guests and the general public. There is a constant flow of external guest coming and going throughout the day, which robs the property of any serenity and privacy. ||The layout of the hotel also seems rather peculiar. The Spa is located far away from the outdoor pool at the opposite side of the property. One has to cross the entire length of the building through the lobby and the bar area in order to walk from the spa to the pool and vice versa. What’s worse, there is no secluded access from the rooms to either the spa or the pool and one has to cross the lobby in order to reach either. For a newly built property, this is inexcusable. It should also be noted that there is no indoor pool available. The outdoor pool is nicely heated even in wintertime, but it is strictly outdoors with no connection to the indoor relaxation area. Another strange architectural decision that is, especially on a freezing and rainy winter day.||The rooms are all labelled Suites, but they are just generously sized double rooms really. That means one single room, with a secluded dressing room and a decently sized bathroom. The wooden tub is a nice touch, as is the nicely furnished balcony. The room itself is bright and airy in neutral colours, with wood panelling and the distinctive scent of freshly cut wood. Not overly luxurious in design, but clean, natural and soothing. ||The restaurant has impressive lake views and a vast terrace for outdoor seating directly at the shore. Indoor seating is also delightful with huge windows opening up to the scenery. The real stunner, however, is the glorious food. Innovative, sophisticated, and truly excellent. With food that good, the smallish menu is forgiven as is the rather steep price tag attached. ||Service throughout the property is attentive, professional and fully meets expectations without exceeding them. ||The question remains whether the leading label and the steep room rates are justified at the Chiemgauhof? I wouldn’t want to come here for a long and relaxing spa holiday. The many external guests spoil the exclusivity and tranquility of the place. To be truly Leading, this small property and its limited infrastructure ought to be available for house guests only. However, if you come here for the food and stay for just the weekend, you will be well catered for.

Exceptional Experience All Around From the moment we arrived, the staff impressed us at every level—from valet and concierge to housekeeping and the food & beverage team. Everyone was genuinely warm, friendly, and professional. It’s clear that this is a well-balanced team, with both younger staff and more experienced members working beautifully together. The food was truly outstanding. Breakfast was one of the best we’ve ever had, featuring homemade charcuterie, regional fish, fresh spreads, delicious bread, and exceptional coffee and juices. Other culinary highlights included the sushi, bouillabaisse, and asparagus served with schnitzel—each dish prepared to perfection. The champagne and wine selection was superb, and the cocktails were crafted with real care and attention to detail. We stayed in a garden suite, which offered generous space, complete privacy, and a tranquil atmosphere. Our dog absolutely loved it as well—this is one of the most dog-friendly hotels we’ve ever stayed at. The atmosphere is another standout. The lively mix of hotel guests and external visitors adds a dynamic energy—there’s laughter, interaction, and some great people-watching, which gives the place a unique and vibrant vibe. Having also visited Forestis Dolomites and Waldhotel Bürgenstock—both in beautiful settings—we found that while they offer serenity, they lack the warm, engaging vibe that Lakeside Chiemgauhof delivers so naturally. Can’t wait to be back!!

The Chiemgau Hof feels a bit like a UFO that has landed on the shores of Lake Chiemsee—an ultra-modern take on luxury in a region steeped in tradition. With its sleek design and exclusive amenities, this new five-star retreat aims to redefine high-end hospitality in Bavaria’s most beloved lake district.||But the real test is yet to come. The Chiemsee, and particularly this part of it, is famously crowded in the summer, a melting pot of day-trippers with dogs, families with children, and visitors from all walks of life. Maintaining an air of exclusivity in such an environment is no small feat, especially when the hotel's private beach opens to non-residents with reservations from noon onwards. The question is: Can this intimate sanctuary remain just that—idyllic and serene—even at peak season?||If anyone can navigate this challenge, it’s the experienced leadership of General Manager Nikolai Bloyd with his resident counterpart Louis Steinle. Bloyd hast an impressive background that includes Schloss Elmau and his current dual role overseeing the esteemed Das Achental, his expertise all but guarantees that the Chiemgau Hof will deliver on its ambitious promise.||For now, as of early March 2025, some finishing touches are still in progress. Construction work is ongoing, and the reception could use a touch more warmth—its current charm leans a bit too heavily on a certain Eastern European efficiency. But these are merely teething issues, and one can be confident they will be resolved swiftly.||After all, the pricing is already firmly in the top-tier bracket, and with that comes the expectation of perfection. If the Chiemgau Hof can match its rates with an equally flawless guest experience, it has every chance of becoming the new jewel of Lake Chiemsee’s hospitality scene.

Unique, hidden Hotel with luxurious feeling! Totally worth going, even just for dinner!

The Chiemgau Hof feels a bit like a UFO that has landed on the shores of Lake Chiemsee—an ultra-modern take on luxury in a region steeped in tradition. With its sleek design and exclusive amenities, this new five-star retreat aims to redefine high-end hospitality in Bavaria’s most beloved lake district. But the real test is yet to come. The Chiemsee, and particularly this part of it, is famously crowded in the summer, a melting pot of day-trippers with dogs, families with children, and visitors from all walks of life. Maintaining an air of exclusivity in such an environment is no small feat, especially when the hotel's private beach opens to non-residents with reservations from noon onwards. The question is: Can this intimate sanctuary remain just that—idyllic and serene—even at peak season? If anyone can navigate this challenge, it’s the experienced leadership of General Manager Nikolai Bloyd with his resident counterpart Louis Steinle. Bloyd hast an impressive background that includes Schloss Elmau and his current dual role overseeing the esteemed Das Achental, his expertise all but guarantees that the Chiemgau Hof will deliver on its ambitious promise. For now, as of early March 2025, some finishing touches are still in progress. Construction work is ongoing, and the reception could use a touch more warmth—its current charm leans a bit too heavily on a certain Eastern European efficiency. But these are merely teething issues, and one can be confident they will be resolved swiftly. After all, the pricing is already firmly in the top-tier bracket, and with that comes the expectation of perfection. If the Chiemgau Hof can match its rates with an equally flawless guest experience, it has every chance of becoming the new jewel of Lake Chiemsee’s hospitality scene.

You do not have enough "kitschige" sunset🌅 pictures? Then this is the right place to load up on them😉! Pros(+) +The hotel with it's restaurant and sundowner Terrasse have a 1A lakeside location. +Fenced off parking +Friendly staff +Pier seating for romantic 🌅 viewing & 🍹s Cons (-): -Value for money: For their prices the food could taste better -Pier can get very full if weather is nice

I'm just reviewing the restaurant which is good but definitely too expensive for what you get. You are paying for the beautiful location and the nice view. 3 stars for the food and 5 for the location makes 4 stars.