For almost any viewpoint Seepromenade is the place to be, lodgingly speaking. The stunning vista past the ancient Mangturm and out into the enclosed harbor, guarded majestically by a larger-than-life Bavarian Lion and the 19th-century New Lighthouse, moves across the lake to the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps. On nice days, the umbrella tables come out, strollers make their way back and forth along the front and every lakeside bench is filled with people soaking up the sun and scenery. Lined up in a very nice row along the Promenade where the vast warehouses once stood, are the premier hotels of Lindau.

Starting at the most conveniently located train station in Europe and continuing east along Seepromenade, are the Hotels Bayerischer Hof, Seegarten and Reutemann, in that order. Owned and managed by the Spaeth family, the three establishments descend in price from most expensive on down, although the distinctions blur.

All three share an outdoor pool and wellness-center and have full service restaurants and facilities for the handicapped. They are within easy walking distance of both the train station and the ferry dock.

Hotel Bayerischer Hof

Directly across from the station is the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, flagship of the trio, with a Michelin four roof-peak rating. Also the largest and the most formal, the Bayerischer has 104 rooms and several suites. Not surprisingly, those with lake views cost more. The typical Euro decor, which all of these hotels share, is streamlined but never sparse with lots of white paint and natural wood. Room Number 334 is very large and has a full view of the lake and harbor. Peach and yellow are very pretty as the accent colors and there is a seating area with a couch and upholstered chairs plus a fully-tiled bathroom.

Overlooking the train station, which in fact is not an unpleasant aspect at all, Number 341 is also large enough to accommodate a seating area as well as a huge armoire. The nightly rate is 295 DM ($180).

All bathrooms in the Bayerischer Hof have tubs, showers and heated towel bars.

Contact: Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Seepromenade, D-88131 Lindau-Insel, tel. +49/08382/9150, fax 915591. Closed December-March.
Price Category: Expensive
Rating: Quality 17/20, Value 14/20