Gastehaus Martinsklause

The Martinsklause has changed over the last 10 years, but it remains our go-to place when we stay in the Berchtesgaden area. Set in the quiet town of Ramsau, with lovely vistas to be seen in just about every direction, it is a family-run establishment. Frau Rasp has always been a gracious and conscientious innkeeper, not to mention a font of knowledge about activities and sights in the area. The guest rooms in Haus Martinsklause were remodeled not too long ago, and it is no longer a B&B (a pity; the breakfasts were excellent), but now rather offers five "holiday apartments", which are large suites, fully furnished. There are a lot of nice touches to be seen; for example, our suite had a sauna cabana in it, and the bathroom floor was heated. Sleep quality was excellent. Like other hotels, the MK provides visitor cards, useful for discounts around the area, such as for parking. One can buy provisions and make one's own breakfast in the modest kitchen (which include microwave, fridge, and dishwasher) in each apartment, or go down the road less than a mile to the Neidermeyer bakery and cafe (reviewed separately). The small local Nah & Gut grocery store is just a little ways down the road as well. The apartments all have balconies, I think, though the suites appear to be different sizes and configurations. We were there after Easter, but before the summer season (in fact, during an unusual snowfall on May 5th!), and prices for the large suites were *quite* reasonable. Depending on the number of visitors, there is parking out front or down around the back of the house (an automobile is almost a necessity in this part of the country). Note that payment for one's stay is on a cash basis -- no credit cards. This did mean having to plan stops in Berchtesgaden or Bad Reichenhall to access ATMs, but that was no problem. We booked by sending an email to the address found on their website, and followed that up with a telephone call to confirm. Note that across the road from the MK is a steep footpath called the Kunterweg. It's a fine walk, with views over the valley, and it leads past a pretty Maria church hidden in the woods. In summary, despite the changes the Martinsklause remains the place we find ourselves coming back to time and time again as a base for exploring the area -- or for just relaxing with a beverage in a chair on the balcony and drinking in the gorgeous scenery, lulled by the sound of the small river that runs by right there on the south side of the property.