Imagine if you could travel back in time to the Middle Ages…read more
The year is 1634. The medieval city of Rothenburg (meaning "Red Fortress") is a walled city perched high on the Bavarian hills. It has seen centuries of dynastic rise and falls, the Black Death, and a WWII assault that nearly wiped out the entire town.
Now imagine present day stepping off the train station and into this most preserved city as if nothing has changed for the past 500 years...how spectacular that must be!
When I walked into Rothenburg, I was instantly transported back in time. The townspeople were dressed from the 1600's, horse-and-carriages were trotting in the Old Town Square, and the Night Watchman with his hellebarde (axe-like weapon) was doing his rounds.
Of all the hotels to stay in this fantasy world, I would tip my medieval hat to the incomparable Hotel Spitzweg. The accommodations itself are comfortable and quaint, but it's the man behind the counter that makes the stay most memorable.
Mr. Herr Hocher is a host unlike any other. If you see him, he looks and acts like Santa Claus. Robust and truly pleasant, Herr goes above and beyond to please his "guests" (and you truly are a guest in his home-- he and his wife live there). He cooks breakfast every morning for his 10-roomed family using the wild mushrooms he grew in his garden to make his delicious soft omelettes. Fresh fruit, sliced breads, crackling bacon and ham are all neatly presented to appease his international visitors. The rooms are cared for by the sweet husband-and-wife team with so much love and attention, you can feel it in every wonderful night's rest.
His son, Mike Hocher, runs his own business just a ways down the road but will come by to visit. At any hour of the day, you can call on their family members to assist with directions, information, or just enjoyable conversation! My bf Ikaika on our last day there played a good ol' game of chess with Mr. Hocher with a bottle of beer in hand. To save my boyfriend's ego, let's just say Herr was on a lucky, winning streak. ;)
Every Christmas since our visit in 2011, Mr. Hocher has kept correspondence with us sending beautiful cards, pictures, and authentic German greetings. I return the gesture with Hawaiian greeting cards and Hawaiian Host Macadamia Nut Chocolates.
It is my wish to return to this beautifully preserved town one day, maybe during Christmastime or with kids of our own to see one of Germany's best kept secret... Mr. Hocher.
