Auberge au Boeuf

My husband and I just spent four nights at Auberge Au Boeuf. We live in Germany, and just wanted the chance to get away for a few days. Having visited Ribeauville several times, I decided I wanted a change from the usual. I had been looking for a place in Soufflenheim, but booked Auberge Au Boeuf when I noticed the many great reviews it got, as well the fact that it's primarily a Michelin starred restaurant. This hotel has four rooms, all of which are different and have specific names. We stayed in L'Idylle, which is a suite on the second floor. Our room featured a little balcony that overlooked the lovely protestant church across the street. It had a sitting area, well stocked minibar, a generously sized bed, and a bathroom that had a rainfall shower, jacuzzi tub, and a private sauna! Parking is also free. I was amazed by how thoughtfully appointed and beautifully decorated the room was. And because there are only four rooms, it often felt like we were the only ones staying there. My only complaints are that the WiFi was a bit weak, and that the room lacked an information guide-- ie; how to use the sauna and jacuzzi, WiFi password, etc. That information was in the room, but it was in French and not in the same place, so we had to search for it. That's a very minor quibble, though, and ultimately, it didn't affect our enjoyment at all. The part of the experience that wowed me the most, though, was the incredible breakfast. At 12 euros a person, it's very reasonably priced, especially considering what comes with it. The pastries were extraordinary and those, alone, would have been worth twelve euros to me. But we also got fresh fruit salad, smoked fish, a selection of ham, cheeses, fresh bread, juice, coffee, jams, butter, and boiled eggs. If we'd wanted, we could have also had yogurt and museli. All of this was served to us, either at the beautiful Stammtisch, or if we'd preferred, in our room. We opted to eat at the Stammtisch, because it's such an impressively designed room with what appear to be custom made furnishings. I'm pretty certain the tableware was made locally, and it was just really cool looking. We dined at the gourmet restaurant twice, and enjoyed the friendly, professional service, as well as the innovative and beautifully prepared dishes. I wish we'd had the chance to try the less formal Stammtisch menu, but hopefully we'll have the chance to visit again. We had a great time! I am heartily recommending this hotel to my American friends who also live in Germany. Merci!

Désastre. Je suis venue aujourd’hui avec toute ma famille pour l’anniversaire de mon grand-père et je suis choquée du service compte tenu du standing du restaurant. La serveuse (qui est apparemment la compagne du patron ?) qui s’est occupée de nous a enchaîné les erreurs: servir du jus de tomate dans le verre qui avait encore de l’eau dedans, oublié le plat de ma mère qui a donc dû attendre pendant que nous commencions déjà à manger car la viande commençait déjà à refroidir…et enfin la cerise sur le gâteau une erreur dans l’addition qui a été absolument impossible d’expliquer à la serveuse qui ne comprenait absolument rien, ne se souvenait plus de ce qu’on avait commandé (ne le note-elle pas ?), nous a fait patienter pendant un quart d’heure pour “régler “ le soucis pour au final ne pas rendre la bonne somme, et quand mon frère et moi y sommes retournés pour lui proposer gentiment de lui expliquer son erreur, son ton a été tout sauf professionnel. Un anniversaire qui finit sur une note amère. Je ne recommande pas ce restaurant et je parlerai autour de moi de cette expérience très chère et très désagréable.