Nine of the finest luxury hotels in the state of Baden-Württemberg, or Southwest Germany, have come together in an association of excellence and yet their cost is less than may be found in similar hotels in other countries. Good value is not the only distinguishing characteristics of these hotels and the high-end shopping in the area. Many of these four and five star residences have a special expertise and highlights, such as a restaurant with at least one Michelin star and often more; sophisticated cultural outlets; spa treatments that take advantage of the native resources; a world class golfing academy; a 200-year old wine cellar; cooking experiences or an unrivalled location.

One hour from Frankfurt and high above Heidelberg's red roofs, the Hotel Europäischer Hof's Panorama SPA Club is an oasis in the middle of the city and offers a pool and sun terrace. Unique is the hotel's medical program with seven physicians on site, with specialties ranging from gynecology to ear, nose and throat. Not far from Heidelberg, the Wald- und Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe has an old-world, stately park studded with ancient trees. The hotel spa has developed its own unique SanVino skin care using local grapes, and is now considered one of Germany's best products. Golfers know and enjoy the hotel's 27-hole golf course and its highly-respected golf academy.

Only one 1.5 hours from Frankfurt and close to Karlsruhe, the Hotel Erbprinz in Ettlingen dates back to 1788 and has a 200 year old wine tavern (Weinstube Sybilla) featuring regional dishes and award-winning wines. With a Davidoff lounge, the Green Horse Bar and its open fire is a perfect place to entertain. Arguably the star in the crown of the association and only 20 minutes further south, the world-famous Brenners Park- Hotel and Spa and its two star Brenners Park Restaurant is at the epicenter of Baden-Baden, one of the world's most sophisticated and exquisitely luxurious resort towns. Not to miss are the roulette tables at what Marlene Dietrich once called 'the most beautiful casino in the world'; cultural performances at the Festspielhaus, Europe's second largest opera and concert hall where stars relish the town's intimate atmosphere while playing to a cultivated and worldly audience. Unique museums, including Richard Meier's modern Frieder Burda and the only Faberge Museum, as well as international horse races, balls and vintage car meetings are highlights amidst the prevailing beauty and peacefulness.   

The Black Forest has a rich culinary and hotel tradition, and even visitors can learn to make a Black Forest Cake or cure a ham but the tables at Hotel Traube Tonbach and the Hotel Bareiss are in hot demand and a source of local pride. The bearer of three and two Michelin stars respectively, the Schwarzwaldstube at the Traube Tonbach and the Restaurant Barreiss at Hotel Barreiss are reason enough for their fame and desireability. But man does not live on bread alone and these hotels offer rich outdoor culinary hikes and spa programs. 

Also in the Black Forest but not in Baiersbronn, the Hotel Dollenberg in Bad Peterstal has an exquisite one Michelin starred restaurant, hundreds of walking and hiking trails as well as incredible spa services. The lively university town of Freiburg, the unofficial capital of the Black Forest, is the location of the Hotel Colombi, an elegant hotel in the old town only steps from the cathedral. Not only does the hotel have its own baking and pastry making on the premises but also a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant, the Zirbelstube, renowned for its charming Black Forest ambience as well as the delicious food.

At the very bottom of the state's southern end near the border with Switzerland and on the shores of the beautiful Lake Constance, the modern Hotel Riva's 50 rooms have views of the lake and is a real getaway with its roof-top swimming pool and Michelin-starred Restaurant Ophelia. For those who enjoy luxury shopping, the nearby Outletcity Metzingen, appropriately the home town of Hugo Boss, is only 20 minutes south of Stuttgart and within a two hour ride of all the hotels.  Shoppers can enjoy reductions of up to 30 – 70 percent off (compared to the manufacturer's previous RRP) and the possibility to buy top-of-the-line brands tax-free.