Let’s set the scene: 1280 Krone is tucked away in Geisingen, a destination still waiting to make its mark on the international map. We found our way there via the picturesque Lake Constance, heading from its northern shore towards France. Perched on a gentle hill, in the heart of the South German countryside, we found a quaint little town with a main street at its center and a freshly renovated gem: the historic inn, 1280 Krone.
The project
To truly understand this hotel, one must travel back more than 700 years. The foundations of this ensemble were already standing in 1280, while the town of Geisingen itself only followed in 1600. Fast forward to 2021—after eight years of vacancy, the local entrepreneur Christoph von Bothmer decided to restore the entire property from top to bottom, including the outbuildings. Given his experience in construction and ownership of a building company, feats were achieved here that would have been abandoned in similar projects long before they reached the approval of a controller. A special toast goes to the architect Markus Uhrig, who is also a family member and – in our opinion – did a fantastic job here.
The hosts
In spring 2024, after three years of intensive renovation and work, the new inn-keepers Stefanie and Robert finally opened the doors to this new gem. Stefanie is mainly in charge of the hotel side of things, while Robert takes care of the restaurant, which is definitely a key part of the experience here. After all, what’s a stay at this exceptional hotel without a culinary journey to match?
The restaurant
During our visit, the local Lion’s Club was hosting an evening gathering at the Krone restaurant, which is fittingly named Agatha. The dining room had been transformed into an intimate banquet hall. It quickly became clear: A milestone birthday here would have the perfect setting, with nothing left to desire. The menu offers fresh, regional dishes with a modern flair – tuna tartare with wasabi and cucumber, or sea bass with potato salad and egg, all accompanied by light wines from the Lake Constance region. To finish, an affogato for the perfect après-dinner treat. Simply sublime.
The cocktail bar
The real highlight, however, was the grand finale. After dinner, chef Robert led us down a hallway into the cellar. What we found there was beyond belief: 1280 Krone houses a fully equipped bar that wouldn’t be out of place in Manhattan. Dim, cozy yellow lighting sets the mood, an area stocked with every drink imaginable and perfectly arranged lounge areas. It’s a shame the Lion’s Club members skipped the cocktails – we could’ve sealed our membership right there. But here’s our recommendation: if you’re planning an unforgettable event, this is the place to book.
Special
1280 Krone also features a suite with its own private sauna – the Spa Suite. It’s perfect for a wedding anniversary or as a special gift for close friends. We had the pleasure of staying in the Maisonette Suite, complete with a small kitchen, espresso machine, and a freestanding bathtub on the upper floor. Incredibly cozy, with the highest-quality amenities you can imagine.
Price
Double rooms start at € 115, while the Spa Suite is priced at € 320 per night, including an excellent à la carte breakfast.
Booking & Contacts
1280 Krone
Hauptstraße 33
78187 Geisingen
Germany
