FAQ
Here you will find important information about your stay at the Kinderhotel Simmerl. For further questions, you can contact us anytime by email or phone.
The Hotel and Your Hosts
Year the hotel was founded – when was the hotel established?
The hotel was opened on August 12, 1967 by Johann and Theresia Pielmeier as the inn "Beim Simmerl".
Who are the owners/hosts?
The hosts are the Pielmeier family. Alexander, his son Johannes, and his wife Melanie run the children's hotel together in the second and third generation.
How many rooms does the hotel have?
Our children's hotel has 30 residential units and offers space for a maximum of 30 families.
Booking and Prices
How can we request a vacation?
You can send us your vacation wishes via the inquiry form on the website. Alternatively, you can reach us by phone at +49 (0) 9965 84120 or by email at info@simmerl-hotel.de.
Is an inquiry or an offer already a confirmed booking?
No. Your inquiry is non-binding. An offer is also not yet a confirmed booking; the offered room is not reserved for you as a result.
How are the overnight prices calculated?
The prices listed apply per adult and night with at least two full-paying guests per accommodation unit and a stay of three nights. From four nights onwards, the nightly price is reduced by €10 per person per night. Children's prices apply for children in the parents' room or apartment. You will receive the price for your desired date and family constellation upon request.
Is there a minimum stay?
Outside of holidays, the minimum stay is three nights, during holidays four nights, and during summer and Christmas holidays seven nights.
Can we arrive as one parent with a child?
Yes, for "single with child" we will create an offer for you upon request.
Are there special family offers and discounts for children?
At selected travel times, we offer baby and toddler weeks as well as free child offers. During the baby and toddler weeks, one child under five years old stays free from four nights and with two full-paying guests. Children's prices apply in the parents' room or apartment. The respective travel periods, age limits, and minimum stays can be found in the offers on our website.
What cancellation conditions apply?
Your booking is legally valid upon receipt of the booking confirmation. A telephone booking confirmation is also a legally binding commitment!
Please understand that in the event of cancellation, short-term changes, or early departure, we will pass on the associated costs to you as follows:
- Cancellation of your booking up to three months before the start of the vacation is free of charge.
- From three months to one month before the start of the vacation, we must charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the booked arrangement – for short trips 80% of the travel price.
- From the 30th day before arrival, we must charge you 80% of the stay, as well as in case of late arrival or early departure.
Please observe the regulations in the General Terms and Conditions of our house agreed with you at the time of contract conclusion.
Our tip: To be on the safe side in case of emergency, we recommend taking out hotel cancellation insurance (travel cancellation insurance).
Is a deposit due?
After booking, a deposit of €300 is to be paid within 14 days.
Which payment methods do you accept?
You can pay with EC card, Mastercard, Visa, or in cash with us.
Do you recommend travel cancellation insurance?
Yes, we recommend travel cancellation insurance including protection in case of early departure.
What happens in case of late arrival or early departure?
According to the provided website content, 80% of the stay price will be charged in case of late arrival or early departure.
Arrival and Departure
Where is the Kinderhotel Simmerl located?
You can find us at Maibrunn 8, 94379 Sankt Englmar in the Bavarian Forest. Our hotel is located in a traffic-calmed elevated sunny location, surrounded by forests and meadows. Coming from the A3, take the Bogen exit and drive via Hunderdorf and Grün to Maibrunn.
From when can we check in?
We expect you on the day of arrival from 3:00 p.m. From then on, your room is ready for occupancy. Your stay begins with coffee and cake.
Can we arrive earlier and use the hotel facilities?
Yes. For a fee for the whole family, you can already use the hotel facilities, the indoor pool, the sauna area, and the lunch buffet if you arrive earlier. Your room is available from 3:00 p.m.
By when do we have to check out on the day of departure?
Please vacate your room by 10:00 a.m. Afterwards, you can still use the entire hotel facilities until 1:00 p.m. Lunch is also included on the day of departure.
Are there free parking spaces?
Yes, free parking spaces are available directly in front of the hotel.
Can we charge our electric car?
Yes, charging options for electric cars are available at the hotel. Usage is charged separately.
Is arrival by public transport possible?
The nearest train station is in Bogen and is about 18 km from our hotel, the nearest bus stop is about 500 m from our house. In general, we recommend traveling by car whenever possible.
Rooms and Amenities
What types of rooms are there and how big are they?
We offer family rooms, family apartments, suites, and double rooms. Depending on the category, the units can accommodate up to seven people. Most of our apartments and suites have separate bedrooms for parents and children. We are happy to help you find the right category.
What amenities do the rooms have?
All units have a balcony or terrace, shower and toilet, hairdryer, cosmetic mirror, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, kettle, and minibar. All rooms are non-smoking; allergy-friendly rooms are also available.
Is there a coffee machine in the room?
Our rooms do not have coffee machines.
Is there free Wi-Fi in the rooms as well?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the hotel and is also part of the room amenities.
Are towels and bathrobes provided?
Hand and bath towels are included for the entire stay. Bathrobes are available for adults. Please bring your own bathrobes for your children.
How often are the rooms cleaned?
The rooms are cleaned daily, except on Sundays and public holidays.
Can we bring our dog?
Dogs are welcome by prior arrangement. We charge a certain amount per dog and day. If needed, an additional cleaning fee applies. Please inform us in advance about the size/weight or breed of your dog.
Can we do laundry at the hotel?
A washing machine with detergent and a dryer are available for you. Washing and dryer tokens (€3.50 per token) can be purchased at the reception.
Is there a guest laundry service?
You are welcome to have your laundry washed by our housekeeping service (for a fee).
Are there rooms with a kitchen/kitchenette?
Our units do not have a kitchen or kitchenette.
Are the rooms air-conditioned?
Our rooms are not air-conditioned.
Is allergy-friendly bedding available?
We provide allergy-friendly bedding and ask that you request this in advance.
Are the rooms completely darkenable?
Most of our units have blinds in the parents' and children's bedrooms. If you want a completely darkenable room, please indicate this in your inquiry or when booking.
Food and Drink
What does the all-inclusive non-alcoholic offer include?
Included are the breakfast buffet, the lunch buffet with soup, salad, and daily special, cake in the afternoon, as well as a 3-course choice menu or themed buffet in the evening. Non-alcoholic drinks from the juice bar, coffee and coffee specialties, as well as tea, are available all day. Fresh fruit is also available throughout the day.
At what times are the meals served?
Breakfast: 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Lunch buffet: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Cake: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Dinner: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Which drinks and extras cost extra?
Alcoholic beverages as well as drinks not connected to the juice bar are charged separately. Also chargeable are, for example, beauty and wellness treatments, charging electric cars, laundry service or use of the washing machine / dryer, the coin excavator and the coin donkey in the play barn.
Are there vegetarian or vegan dishes and allergy-friendly meals?
There is always a vegetarian option available at dinner. Allergy-friendly meals are gladly prepared for you upon prior request. Please inform us of your needs before your stay.
What food is available for children?
In the evening, two children's dishes are available. As part of the childcare, there is a communal lunch at 12:00 PM. Children's dishes, cutlery, high chairs, and bibs are provided.
Do we have a fixed table in the restaurant?
Yes, we reserve a family table for you throughout your entire stay. The restaurant also has a glazed playroom "Mouse Paradise" for children up to four years old, which can be used during meal times.
Vacation with Baby and Toddler
For which age is the Baby Club intended?
The Baby Club is for children under three years old. Baby care is included in the inclusive services and comprises 26 hours per week. Please register your child the day before.
When does the baby care take place?
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we take care of your little ones from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
What baby equipment is available in the room?
Kettle, washcloth, wooden crib, changing pad, diaper bin, potty, toilet seat reducer, and stool are available in the room. Vaporizer, bottle warmer, and baby bathtub are available on request.
Is there a fall protection?
We are happy to provide you with fall protection. You can simply indicate this in the confirmation reply.
Can we borrow strollers and baby carriers?
Yes, baby carriers, buggies, strollers, and sleds can be borrowed free of charge.
Is there baby food and bottle feeding?
Our baby buffet with meal and fruit jars as well as various purees is available all day for children up to 12 months. A microwave is available. For a minimum stay of 7 nights, we are happy to order the desired bottle food for you (included in the price for children up to 12 months).
Is there a separate play area for the little ones?
In the bamBIENI play area, parents can play and cuddle with their children from zero to three years old. It is open daily from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturdays until 8:00 PM.
Are there baby monitors in the hotel?
If possible, please bring your own baby monitor. We do not have baby monitors standard in the rooms. However, we have baby monitors for rent at the reception (limited availability).
Is it allowed to park strollers in the hotel?
You are welcome to park your own stroller at our vehicle park. You will receive a special tag for this at our reception.
Is the hotel stroller-friendly (elevator, ramps)?
Strollers are only suitable on the ground floor with us. Strollers cannot be taken to the rooms.
Is there a minimum safety standard (socket protection, stair gates)?
All our sockets are equipped with child safety locks.
Childcare and Playing
Is there childcare at the hotel?
Yes, our kids' club is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. During the holiday season, there is additionally an evening program once or twice a week.
From what age can children join the kids' club?
All children from three years old are welcome in the kids' club. No prior registration is necessary. Childcare and animation are included and cover 42.5 hours per week.
What do children experience in the kids' club?
The program includes playing, crafting, nature excursions, animal visits, and themed days. Once a week, cooking or baking is done together in the children's cooking studio. In summer, there is also a roughly 15-minute tractor tour once a week together with the parents.
What play options are available in bad weather?
Our playhouse offers a soft play area with a slide and ball pit. For older children, there is a separate room with air hockey, Fun4Four table, and foosball. The playhouse is open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
What can children play outside?
The enclosed, car-free courtyard playground offers, on 2,000 m², among other things, a climbing pyramid, water play station, sand playground, and toddler play area. Additionally, there is a soccer field, a treehouse with a slide, and a play barn with Bobby cars and tricycles. The coin-operated excavator and coin donkey require payment.
Is there pony riding and a petting zoo?
From April to October, pony riding takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays as part of the childcare, together with the parents. Our petting zoo, including rabbits, sheep, goats, and piglets, is freely accessible at any time.
Can children climb the climbing wall?
From April to November, children from five years old and their parents can climb our seven-meter-high climbing wall on Fridays as part of the childcare. Climbing is done under supervision with harness and rope safety.
What happens if my child does not want to stay alone?
If a child does not want to stay alone, without parents, in the care, the parents will be contacted. There are numerous excursion options in our area suitable for the whole family.
Indoor Pool and Wellness
Are the indoor pool and slides included in the stay?
Yes, the indoor pool and slide paradise are part of our inclusive services. The indoor pool is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, the slides until 6:00 PM.
What slides are there?
You can expect a 70-meter-long tube slide with LED effects, timing and touchpoints, an 18-meter-long triple slide with three lanes, as well as the eight-meter-long Ottilie snake slide that leads into the deep pool.
How warm and how deep is the swimming pool?
The large pool is heated to 31 °C year-round. It has a water surface of 90 m² and is 1.35 meters deep. For babies and toddlers, there is a shallow baby pool with 35 centimeters water depth and playful water elements.
Are children allowed in the sauna?
No, the regular sauna area and the relaxation room are reserved for adults. The sauna area is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For shared wellness time with children, you can reserve our private spa area.
How do we reserve the Private Spa and what does it cost?
Our private spa area is free of charge and can be reserved at the reception. It is exclusively available to one family or a group of two to three friendly families. It includes a lounge and relaxation area, a tea station, an infrared cabin, and a Finnish sauna.
Can we book massages and beauty treatments?
Yes, we offer various massages, cosmetic treatments, and also children's massages. The treatments are charged separately and can be booked in advance so you can secure your desired appointment.
Is there a fitness room?
Yes, our fitness area is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM for guests aged 13 and older. The equipment includes, among others, a treadmill, ergometer, rowing machine, TriaTrainer, and climbing wall.
Excursions and Holidays in Every Season
Is the aktivCARD Bavarian Forest included?
Yes, you receive the aktivCARD upon your arrival. It is valid on the day of arrival and including the day of departure. With it, you can visit numerous excursion destinations free of charge or at a discounted rate. Which services are included for the respective excursion destination depends on the aktivCARD offer.
Which excursion destinations are nearby?
You can reach the Forest Canopy Trail in Maibrunn in about eight minutes on foot. By car, you are about three minutes from the tobogganing and leisure paradise, five minutes from the Bavarian Forest Xperium, and ten minutes from the Nature and Leisure Park EDELWIES.
Are there hiking trails suitable for families with strollers?
Yes, around Sankt Englmar there are many stroller-friendly tours. The plateau location of our hotel is also partly suitable for walks with strollers. Hiking and mountain bike maps can be borrowed free of charge; we are happy to help you choose tours.
What swimming options are available outside the hotel?
In the spa park of Sankt Englmar, you will find a natural swimming lake with a paddling area and sunbathing lawn. Other outdoor pools are available, among others, in Haibach and Viechtach. Canoeing is possible on the Schwarzer Regen near Viechtach, about 20 minutes by car from the hotel.
What can we do in winter directly at the hotel?
Sledding is possible right at the house. You can borrow sleds free of charge. There is also a private cross-country ski trail about three kilometers long. The use of winter offers depends on snow conditions. Additionally, we have a real ice skating area in our new riding hall. You are welcome to bring your own skates. Otherwise, we have some for rent.
How far are the ski resorts?
You can reach the lifts in Sankt Englmar in about five minutes by car. In the region, there are ski schools for alpine, snowboard, and cross-country skiing. The Großer Arber ski area is about 45 minutes by car away.
Is there a ski bus (free)?
With the aktivCARD, you can use the ski bus free of charge.
Are there ski courses for children? From what age?
In the Sankt Englmar region, there are ski schools for alpine, snowboard, and cross-country skiing:
Is there a ski rental at the hotel or nearby?
There is a ski rental at the Pröller ski triangle or in Sankt Englmar.
Is there a ski depot/drying room solution?
We have a drying room where you can store your skis and shoes.
Service and Stay
Is there a pharmacy/doctor nearby?
Yes, in the area there are pediatricians, general practitioners, a hospital, as well as pharmacies with night and weekend service. The reception will assist you with any questions.
Is there a supermarket nearby?
There is an Edeka market in Sankt Englmar.
Is the hotel barrier-free/wheelchair accessible?
We have one barrier-free room, which is accessible via an elevator. Otherwise, the ground floor is barrier-free; unfortunately, the swimming pool in the basement is only accessible by stairs.
Are there smoking areas?
We do not have designated smoking areas. Smoking is permitted in the outdoor area.
