Romantik Hotel Landhaus Bärenmühle

Half-timbered facade, red gabled roof, a still pond throwing the whole picture back at you: this forest hotel sits in a clearing near Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, and you won't stumble onto it by accident. Rooms have parquet floors, antiques, and private balconies; suites add fireplaces and timber beams. Breakfast runs on local honey, eggs, and goat cheese. The sauna house and natural swimming pond mean there's no particular reason to leave.

One honor, in evidence: