Baden-Baden, so good they named it twice

The main attraction of Baden-Baden is undoubtedly its hot-water spas, using the naturally warm water that comes from the ground in the area. These spas, although quite pricey, are the perfect way to spend half a day if you simply want to relax.

Also in Baden-Baden is its world-famous casino if you wish to spend your evenings amongst the high rollers.

The beautiful surroundings are ideal for outdoor pursuits, from hill walking to cycling.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around the town centre is on foot, as it is largely pedestrianised. For getting to and from the train station, there is a good bus service.

Run by a Czech proprietor, and attached to a restaurant serving authentic Czech cuisine, this hotel is situated directly opposite the famous Friedrichsbad Roman-Irish baths. Most of the rooms are pleasant but simple. However, as we were relatively late in arriving (without booking) and only wanted a room for one night, we were offered the hotel's master suite for the minimum tourist-board regulation price for a standard double.

Whilst the decor was perhaps a little dated, the room, or perhaps I should say private floor (!), was superb. The bath was particularly impressive, the perfect way to enjoy the spa experience with a little more privacy. The only drawback we could see to this room was that the only access to our private floor was a spiral staircase, possibly not so suitable for a more elderly visitor.

This four-star hotel on the tree-lined Sophienstrasse is the perfect accommodation for a relaxing spa holiday. Offering beauty treatments and discount entrance to the town's spas, it is also perfectly positioned just a couple of minutes from both of the town's main spas.

Though the prices are intimidating, especially for students and backpackers, you will find that many of the luxury hotels in the area will be prepared to offer a substantial midweek discount to those seeking accommodation later in the day, especially if you only require accommodation for one night. We arrived at the Quellenhof at 9pm and were able to bargain for a 50 to 60€ discount from the tourist-board regulation prices. Furthermore, as we asked to see the room before we made our decision, we were offered one of the nicest rooms in the hotel--one so large that it spanned the entire depth of the building.

Amongst the hotel's services on offer are free Internet access, included buffet breakfast, free English and German newspapers, and an exceptionally friendly and helpful staff.

This hotel restaurant has both an indoor seating area and a pleasant candlelit terrace, a perfect place to sit out on a warm summer's night. The bilingual staff is all dressed in "authentic" Bavarian and German costume, adding an extra level of interest.

The menu is reasonably priced and features many Bavarian and German specialties, from schnitzel to German sausages. We opted for the Lowenbrau Gasthaus-Pfanne (21.90€ per person), a huge selection of traditionally prepared meats, vegetables (lots of cabbage!), and dumplings. This meal, only served for two or more, was so substantial that the waitress struggled to lift the tray, and we struggled to walk back to our room afterwards! Wine, served from the barrel, is reasonably priced at about 5€ for half a litre.

Ever since the Romans discovered the thermal waters at Baden-Baden, the town has attracted huge numbers of visitors seeking benefit from the therapeutic waters. The Caracalla Therme Spa, opened in 1985, enables visitors to enjoy the same benefits as the Roman discoverers, as well as an extensive range of other spa treatments, such as saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation centres.

The spa's facilities include 900 square meters of thermal baths (indoor and outdoor), with a temperature range between 18 and 38°C; two whirlpool baths; a counter-current pool; waterfalls and jets; a range of aromatic steam rooms; seven different types of saunas; the Blue Space liquid relaxation room; sun beds; and a restaurant. The spa also offers therapeutic water sessions for rheumatism, etc., and massages at an extra cost.

The facility is divided into two main areas. The thermal baths on the lower level and the saunas and steam baths are on the upper level. The entire of the upper level is strictly no clothes allowed (though a towel is required) and also has a small sunbathing area. This area is not open to those under 14, but the lower level is open to those over the age of three, providing an adult accompanies them.

The cost per adult is 12€ for a 2-hour visit, but by staying at the Hotel Quellenhof, we received a small discount. During the summer, an extra hour is added free of charge. Don’t forget to bring a towel with you – it is possible to hire towels from the spa, but the cost is 5€ per towel, with a 10€ deposit.

We would highly recommend this as a relaxing way to spend half a day in Baden-Baden.

The town of Baden-Baden is situated in the southwest of Germany, with extremely good transport links, including fast trains to major stations and nearby airports.

As a spa town, it has prospered since Roman times as a result of the famous thermal waters. Today, the town is a thriving upmarket resort, unspoilt by the crowds that come to take the waters. From first sight, it is clear that this is an affluent town, with expensive hotels and designer shops all fronted onto spotlessly clean, tree-lined boulevards. It has two main spas, the Caracalla baths and the Friedrichsbad, which dates back to Roman times. It also has the Arenavita fitness centre and Caravitalis, offering a selection of therapeutic and beauty treatments.

The casino is also another big draw to the town. Opened in 1950, it builds on a 250-year history in the town of casinos and gambling. Opening hours are 4pm to 3am, and entry is 3€, with an extra 11€ to rent a jacket and tie if you don't meet the dress code.

Baden-Baden provides a selection of outdoor activities for everyone. Hiking, cycling, golf, water sports, horseback riding, inline skating, and even balloon trips are available in this lovely setting.