Parkhotel Adler by Gemma Pitcher

Parkhotel Adler, on the edge of the black forest on the border with France and Switzerland, was created from three very different buildings - the provincial Schwarzwaldhaus, built in the 15th century, the canary yellow main building built in 1890, and the Residence, which holds the suites and junior suites, built in 1978. The interior is ornate and old fashioned, with the colours and textures of fabrics and upholstery piled one on top of the other under crystal chandeliers. Bedrooms are all different shapes and sizes, with those in the older building being darkest and smallest, but most characterful.

Adler is a small hotel, but well supplied with gastronomy - there are three restaurants - German traditional, seventeenth century stübe, and modern French gourmet. Healthy diets are willingly and creatively catered for. To work off the calories gained in the restaurants, the Adler keeps guests well supplied with things to do - pro tennis instruction, indoor pool with jacuzzi and sauna and gym, or perhaps a spot of ski jumping - the nearby village of Hinterzarten is a historical spa resort that has become one of the most important ski jumping resorts in Europe. Cross country skiing is also available in winter for those who'd rather stay close to the ground.