Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa Set to Reopen with Renewed Grandeur in Baden-Baden

On the banks of the Oos River, where Baden-Baden’s historic Lichtentaler Allee meanders through manicured parkland, one of Germany’s most storied spa towns is preparing to welcome back a true grande dame of European hospitality. Later this year, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa—affectionately known as Brenners by its loyal guests—will reopen after an extensive, nearly two-year transformation. This highly anticipated relaunch will once again reaffirm the property’s stature as one of Germany’s most elegant destinations, seamlessly blending Belle Époque heritage with contemporary sophistication.

Easily accessible via a two-hour train journey from Paris to nearby Strasbourg, Brenners enjoys a privileged location in Baden-Baden, celebrated for its cultural richness and centuries-old thermal traditions.

Founded in 1872, Brenners—part of the prestigious Oetker Collection—has long been synonymous with the art of grand European hospitality, hosting an illustrious guest list that spans royalty, statesmen and cultural icons, from Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama to Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and George Clooney. Now, as it celebrates its 153rd year, this landmark retreat is poised to redefine luxury for a new generation of discerning travellers.

A Design Legacy Reimagined

At the heart of Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa’s transformation lies the impeccable design vision of Countess Bergit Douglas, daughter of Rudolf-August Oetker and long-time creative steward of the Oetker Collection. Working with Frankfurt-based MM Design, she has reimagined the 79 rooms and suites across the main hotel, Park Suite and Villa Stéphanie, drawing inspiration from the property’s Belle Époque architecture and storied past.

Each of the 27 distinct design concepts reflects Countess Douglas’s refined aesthetic, with bespoke fabrics, hand-selected furnishings and bathrooms seamlessly carved from single blocks of marble. Historical elements such as wood panelling, staircases, window frames and century-old timber beams have been carefully renewed, while restored antiques, artworks and recently uncovered 19th-century brickwork infuse the spaces with heritage. The Beaux-Arts façade has been meticulously preserved, complemented by discreet sustainable systems and reusable Dornbracht ReCrafted fittings.

The result is an atmosphere where timeless character meets modern sophistication, offering guests an elegance cherished for generations. 

A Sanctuary of Restoration

Baden-Baden, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, Belle Époque architecture and centuries-old spa traditions—making Brenners’ Villa Stéphanie Spa and Brenners Medical Care the ultimate retreat for those seeking rejuvenation. 

Inspirationally designed rooms, some with private park-side terraces, create an atmosphere of serene exclusivity. Guests can immerse themselves in bespoke programmes that merge traditional thermal therapies with cutting-edge diagnostics or indulge in advanced treatments such as JetPeel and Canfield/ Visia skin analysis for unparalleled results. Spa connoisseurs will delight in Finnish and Bio saunas, steam baths, open-air relaxation spaces and invigorating cold plunges. 

At Brenners, wellbeing is elevated into an art form, offering an experience as timeless as Baden-Baden itself. 

A Taste of Refinement

Dining at Brenners will also emerge refreshed. Fritz & Felix will debut a modern European menu showcasing Black Forest game, prime cuts, finest fish, seasonal produce, inventive vegetarian dishes and a theatrical charcoal grill. Restaurant Wintergarten, the beloved glass-enclosed conservatory overlooking the park has opened (currently accessible through the entrance of Villa Stéphanie) and continues to deliver elegant cuisine in a bright, airy setting. Meanwhile, the Oleander Bar, steeped in a century of whispered conversations, remains the hotel’s intimate spot after a trip to the races, for afternoon tea or for a bespoke evening cocktail. 

Gateway to the Black Forest

Beyond its immaculately kept gardens, Brenners opens onto the untamed beauty of the Black Forest National Park, a pristine wilderness stretching across nearly 25,000 acres. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in this storied landscape on foot or by wheel, exploring 1,060 kilometres of hiking trails interspersed with vineyard paths, 630 kilometres of cycling routes, and 10 sparkling lakes tucked into the forest’s depths. Those wishing to roam in vintage style can take to the road in the hotel’s lovingly maintained Brenners Fleet—a classic VW Samba named Oskar or the iconic VW Beetle Herbie—turning each excursion into an adventure in its own right. 

For those seeking European refinement in its most authentic and elevated form, Brenners is set to reclaim its status as an icon—an address without equal.