Hotel information A-Z (english)
Welcome to the Birkenhof Hotel!
Dear guests,we are delighted that you decided to spend your “spirit & spa”-holiday with us, and would like to extend you a very warm welcome! The following information will help you to find your way around in the hotel. Our team is always at your disposal to help with any questions, requests or suggestions you might have.
The Gmach family and the whole Birkenhof team wish you all the best for your stay – we hope you will spend a wonderful time in our hotel at the elf grove, with plenty of inspiring moments, well-being and warmness!
Important phone numbers
Important internal direct-dial phone numbers- Reception: dial 167
- Spa-Reception: dial 180
- Restaurant: dial 140
- John’s Bar: dial 144
- Elf Shop: dial 145
- Police: dial 0 110
- Fire brigade: dial 0 112
- Emergency: dial 0 112
- Emergency doctor in non-life-threatening situations: dial 0 116 117
Sustainability the Birkenhof way
WHAT WE DO:
We are grateful for the nature which surrounds us and we want to contribute to the protection and the development of natural resources in collaboration with our guests.
Therefore we try – besides pure improvements in products and logistics and all “green commitment” with certificated partners – to raise the understanding for local and global sustainability by giving sustainable inspirations to our guests and employees. Possibly these inspirations even can strengthen the individually sustainable thinking and acting – maybe even in everyday life back at home!
Just discover by yourself: what excites you right now, what do you want to try out? Learning salsa dance steps, feeling yourself deep inside while participating in yoga or qi gong courses, tasting the pleasures of healthy (Gourmet Vital-) food or…? See for yourself and be convinced!
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
We thank every guest, who supports us, e.g. …
Close the windows when the heater is on.
Turn off the light, the TV set and the ventilation in the bathroom when you leave the room.
Save water: turn off the water while brushing your teeth and shaving, press the water saver button of the toilet. Please inform us about leaky faucets or flushes.
Used bath towels on the floor signal that they can be swapped for fresh ones.
Use the smoking pavilions provided in front of the hotel bar, restaurant and entrance, or the room balcony (please close the balcony door).
With your guest card (available upon request at the reception) you can use the public transportation by bus and train in the district of Cham for free.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Hotel rooms
Animals
Bringing small dogs and cats is only permitted after prior arrangement. A condition of their stay is that you bring a basket or blanket with you. Our four-legged friends are not permitted in the restaurant, on the sunbathing lawn or in any part of the wellness area. Please ensure that your pet does not damage the hotel fixtures. As animal owner you are responsible for any damage and soiling that the animal causes. These will be charged to the room account. We ask you to help us to keep the area around the Birkenhof clean by using the poo bags provided.
Beds & Pillows
Our beds are made from down and feathers. These are washable (60° C) and thus suitable for allergy sufferers. Microfiber beds are available for guests allergic to feathers. We will be pleased to provide you with an extra blanket or pillow upon request. Our Housekeeper has a variety of pillows of different sizes. Please contact the room service or reception directly after your arrival for these services.
Cash and valuables
Please place your cash and all other valuables in the safe in your room.
Changing Bed Linen
Your bed linen will automatically be changed twice a week. On request we change it daily (a surcharge of € 7.50 will apply per person and linen change).
Checking out & payment & vouchers & early departure
We request that you leave your room until 11 am on the day of your departure. You are welcome to use our sauna and wellness facilities free of charge until 1 pm. Changing rooms are accessible from a separate sauna entrance, where lockers are available for your clothes and valuables (use requires insertion of a € 1,- coin). The separate sauna entrance is located to the left of the restaurant entrance. You may of course use the bathrobes and towels provided, however please be sure to hand them back at the reception (deposit: identity card or similar).
You have also the possibility to book the “Wellness Day Plus” package available for € 25,- per person. The package allows you to use the swimming and sauna facilities for the whole day on the day of your departure (the room until 11 am) and to take advantage of the afternoon buffet.
You can settle the account for your room in cash or with an EC card until 9 pm in the evening before your departure or from 8.15 am on the day of your departure. If you want to pay with EC card, please note, that your bank possibly accepts just a certain amount per day. You can make a deposit at any time during your stay. Of course we accept credit cards as well (Master-Card, VISA-Card).
If you want to redeem a voucher, we ask you to hand it in at the reception before your check-out.
In the case of early departure, 60 % of the room price will be charged, which is the room price minus the cost for meals. Services that have been paid for but have not been used will not be refunded.
Laundry service
We will be happy to arrange laundry cleaning for you, and use the services of an external dry cleaning company. For the procedure and prices, please refer to the information sheet in your wardrobe. If your laundry is put out for collection before 9 am, it will be returned to you within 12 hours.
Mini-bar
A mini-bar with a selection of beverages and snacks is provided in each room. These are refilled daily during room cleaning. Consumed beverages will be charged to the room account. Please declare the number of drinks and snacks consumed at the reception on the day of departure so that it can be calculated during check out.
Noise level
We politely request that you keep your TV and radio at an appropriate volume, out of consideration to your fellow guests.
Reception
The reception is staffed from 7 am until 11 pm daily, and can be contacted around the clock using the quick-dial button on your room telephone.
If you are using a mobile/cell phone, our number is 0 99 41 / 40 04 - 0.
Room cleaning service
The hotel rooms are cleaned daily. As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, the hand towels and bath towels are not automatically changed each day – rather, they are changed upon request. If you would like clean hand towels or bath towels, please place your used towels on the floor or ask at the reception.
According to Feng Shui it is recommended to close the toilet lid to maintain your energy.
Room key
You may leave your room key at reception at any time. Please take your key with you if you will be returning after 10 pm. The entrance door at reception can be unlocked with the room key (gray column).
Room service
If you would like food and beverages to be delivered to your room, please contact the reception or the restaurant by dialing “167” or “140”. Where possible, please give us 12 hours’ notice. We charge € 10,- per person per meal for this service.
Room telephone
Long-distance calls can be made from the room telephone by dialing “0” for an external line. To safeguard against misuse, the numbers of so-called “service hotlines” such as “0 190” and “0 900” numbers have been blocked from the room phone. The detailed call rates can be found at the end of this information ABC EN.
If you want to make calls from room to room, just dial the three-digit room number.
Safe
A safe is provided in every room, and is programmable with an individual code. Programming instructions can be found inside the safe.
Slippers
If you need slippers, you can get some at our reception (price € 3,90). It’s also possible to buy some in our ElfenShop (opening times daily from 9 am to 12 am).
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the hotel building, including the hotel rooms. We request that smokers use the smoking pavilions provided in front of the hotel bar and entrance, or the room balcony (please close the balcony door). Where this smoking ban is ignored, we are obliged to charge you the cost of a thorough cleaning of the room.
A cigarette machine is located on the floor of bar/ Elf Shop.
Swimming bag & bathrobes & bath towels
We provide two bath towels, a cuddly bathrobe and a basket for each guest – which you are free to wear anywhere in the hotel. All bath items are also available for purchase in our Elf Shop (opening times daily from 9 am to 12 am, if you would like to buy something out of these times, feel free to ask at the reception).
Used bath towels can be swapped for fresh ones each day as part of the daily room cleaning service.
If you need to use the bath items after check out on your day of departure, please leave personal documents (driver’s license, identity card etc.) as a deposit at reception, which will of course be returned to you when you bring the items back. We ask for your understanding – the rising numbers of towels disappearing recently has made this policy necessary.
Please look after your bath items and ensure they don’t get lost, as lost items will be charged to your account.
Wake-up call
The room telephone features a wake-up call facility. To set the alarm yourself, please consult the telephone manual. We will also be happy to set it for you from the reception.
Around the hotel
Babysitter
The receptionist can arrange a babysitter.
Emergency
The phone number of the emergency medical service is saved in every room telephone. In case of emergency, please dial this number or contact the reception. There is always someone available by dialing the reception number, even at night.
Fire protection & emergency exits
Our building is fitted with a modern fire alarm system. The emergency escape routes are easy to reach and clearly visible, marked with the appropriate symbols. In case of an emergency, please follow the directions of our staff and do not use the lifts under any circumstances. Our emergency exits throughout the entire premises are marked with green signs.
Guest card
Guest cards are available at reception. For details of the discounts and special offers available to cardholders, please consult the information pamphlet from the tourist information service, which is on the poster pillar in the hotel lobby.
Herb garden
Our herb garden with its 400 sqm is located opposite the restaurant entrance, underneath the tennis court.
Internet access
Internet access via WLAN is available in all rooms as well as in the lobby. You require an access code which is available at the reception free of charge. A computer with internet access is located in the lobby free of charge for our guests, to check emails quickly etc. It is not intended for longer periods of work or for playing games.
Library
We have a small library with a selection of books and a cozy reading corner, located between the first and second storey of the main building “ElvesEmpire”. We ask you to return the books to the shelves after reading. Thank you!
Newspapers
Regional daily papers are available for our guests to read each day and can be found in the restaurant. National newspapers can be purchased at the reception.
Outdoor-Court
The Birkenhof-Outdoor-Court is available for all Birkenhof-guests to do various sporting activities like tennis, basketball or streetsoccer. Some of the sports equipment like balls or tennis rackets can be borrowed at the reception for free.
Parking spaces
There is a plenty of hotel parking spaces right next to the hotel, provided free of charge to our guests. Please keep the hotel driveway clear by using it only for loading and unloading.
Shop
Our Elf Shop is open daily from 9 am to 12 am. Our reception staff will be happy to help you outside of these hours.
Sun Lounges
Please do not reserve sun lounges by placing a towel on them or by any other method. We wish to point out that other guests may use the sun lounge after an absence of 30 minutes.
Trip facilities
The Bavarian forest offers you plenty of very nice destinations. Get more information on the advertising pillar in our hotel lobby or at our flyer display (located at the accession to the elevator of “ElvesEmpire”). If you have additional questions our reception-staff of course will gladly answer them and give you tips.
By the way: With your guest card (available upon request at the reception) you can use the public transportation by bus and train in the district of Cham for free.
The Bavarian forest is a paradise for hikers. Tips and a detailed hiking map (2, - €) of our region are available at the front desk during the hiking season. Several times per week we offer shuttle services and a guided tour within our Body-& MindFitnessprogram.
Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant meal times
Breakfast: 7:30 am to 11 am
Afternoon buffet: 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Dinner: Please appear between 6 pm and 8:30 pm
Evening buffet: Please appear between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm
A fixed table is automatically reserved for you in the restaurant for breakfast and dinner. We would like to advise you that swimwear is not to be worn for breakfast and dinner. At the afternoon buffet, you may choose your table yourself, and you are welcome to wear your bathrobe.
Hotelbar “John’s Bar”
Our in-house hotel bar is open daily from 8:30 pm (in summertime, in winter months from 8:00 pm) until max. 2 am. Please consult the weekly calendar for details of events taking place at the bar.
Food and beverage account
You are welcome to have your food and beverages added to your room bill. Please check the restaurant receipt carefully, in particular the room number and name on the receipt, before you sign the receipt.
Early-bird breakfast (thermal breakfast)
If you are leaving the hotel before the regular breakfast hours, we will be happy to prepare an early-bird breakfast for you the evening before. Please inform the restaurant management the evening before by 8 pm at the latest.
Spa & Beauty
Body-& MindFitness
In our weekly Body-& MindFitnessprogram we prepare some active and meditative offers for you. For more information about these offers and possibly arising costs please consult the recent weekly calendar for our range of options and conditions. This calendar is located in your arrival folder and also on the large tablet in our hotel lobby. If you want to join, please sign in the list of participants at the reception.
Booking treatment appointments
Treatment appointments are coordinated by our spa-reception staff (daily 9 am to 6 pm) and our main reception staff (after 6 pm). Our receptionists will be happy to help in case of questions or treatment requests. (Cancelling wellness treatments up to 24 hours: free of charge / later: full treatment price)
Rooftop-pool & romantic deck
The rooftop-pool is located on the fourth floor of “Neptune’s Empire” and is open all year. The water temperature is at least 25° C in the warm season and approx. 32° C during the winter.
The romantic panorama deck (3rd floor of “Neptune’s Empire”) is open daily until sunset from approx. May to October.
We recommend wearing sandals to walk on the wooden decking.
Sauna area
The following eight saunas are available in our wellness area for your use, featuring the following temperatures and humidity. The sauna’s hours of operation are from 8 am to 10 pm. All saunas are in operation from 1 pm. Children under 16 years of age are only allowed to enter the nude bathing area (second storey and above) when accompanied by an adult. Use of the wellness area is at your own risk.
Steam bath | daily from 10 am to 6 pm
temperature approx. 45° C | humidity approx. 100% | reccommended stay: till 15 min.Caldarium | daily from 10 am to 9 pm
temperature approx. 60° C | humidity approx. 25% | reccommended stay: till 20 min.Blossom grotto | daily from 8 am to 9.45 pm
temperature approx. 50° C | humidity approx. 45% | reccommended stay: till 25 min.Finnish sauna | daily from 9 am to 10 pm
temperature approx.90° C | humidity under 10% | reccommended stay: till 15 min.Sanarium/ Organic sauna | daily from 10 am to 10 pm
temperature approx.60° C | humidity approx. 55%| reccommended stay: till 30 min.Panorama sauna | daily from 12 am to 10 pm
temperature approx.80° C | humidity approx.5 - 10% | reccommended stay: till 15 min.Aroma steam bath | monday - friday: 1 pm to 10 pm | saturday and sunday: 10.30 am to 10 pm | temperature approx. 45° C | humidity approx. 100% | reccommended stay: till 15 min.
Block house sauna (in the winter months) | monday - friday: 2 pm to 10 pm | saturday and sunday: 11 am to 10 pm | temperature approx. 99° C | humidity approx. 5 - 10% | reccommended stay: till 15 min.
Rooftop-pool sauna | daily 2 pm to 8 pm (summer) | 2 pm –to 6 pm (winter) | temperature approx. 80°C | humidity approx. 55% | reccommended stay: till 15 min.
Miscellaneous
ADAC (Automobile Club)
Emergency information 0 180 / 222 22 22
Banks
Raiffeisenbank Bad Kötzting eG
Rathausplatz 6
93479 Grafenwiesen
Phone: 0 99 41 / 89 05Sparkasse im Landkreis Cham
Bürgermeister-Perlinger-Straße 4
93479 Grafenwiesen
Phone: 0 99 41 / 17 07
Car
- Auto Repairs | Autohaus Kurt Biller | Lamer Str. 19 | 93470 Lohberg | Phone: 0 99 43 / 7 08
- Car Rental | Europcar Autovermietung GmbH | Darsteinstraße 1 | 93413 Cham | Phone: 0 99 71 / 39 20 97
Chemists
- Marien-Apotheke | Marktstraße 23 | 93444 Bad Kötzting | Phone: 0 99 41 / 94 24 – 0
- St. Veit Apotheke | Marktstraße 27 | 93444 Bad Kötzting | Phone: 0 99 41 / 94 55 0
- Arnika Apotheke | Bahnhofstraße 27 | 93444 Bad Kötzting | Phone: 0 99 41 / 90 60 27
- St. Johannes Apotheke | Hauptstraße 39 | 93480 Hohenwarth | Phone: 0 99 46 / 5 12
- Sonnen-Apotheke | Marktstraße 11 | 93444 Bad Kötzting | Phone: 0 99 41 / 94 29 – 0
Church Service
- Catholic Parish Church, Grafenwiesen
- Protestant Church, Bad Kötzting
For times of church services, please consult the church service notice on the poster pillar in the hotel lobby.
Doctors
General Practitioner | Dr. med. Stefan Riedel | Buchenweg 1 | 93479 Grafenwiesen | Phone: 0 99 41 / 94 71 94
Ophthalmologist/Eye Specialist | Jutta Dürr | Marktplatz 10 | 93413 Cham | Phone: 0 99 71 / 86 10 76
Gynaecologist | Dr. med. Emil Ondr | Hauser Straße 41 | 93444 Bad Kötzting | Phone: 0 99 41 / 30 58
Gynaecologist | Dr. med. Marion Bornhaupt | Bahnhofstraße 25 | 93444 Bad Kötzting | Phone: 0 99 41 / 90 811 66
Dentist | Dr. Simon Brandl | Bahnhofstraße 27 | 93444 Bad Kötzting | Phone: 0 99 41 / 40 01 00
Veterinarian | Dr. Zach, Neuberger, Fürst | Steinmauerweg 7 | 93444 Bad Kötzting/Beckendorf | Phone: 0 99 41 / 39 05
Emergency numbers (room telephone)
Police: dial 0 110
Fire brigade: dial 0 112
Emergency: dial 0 112
Emergency doctor in non-life-threatening situations: dial 0 116 117
Flowers
Would you like to surprise someone with flowers? We will be happy to help you – please contact the reception. The closest florist:
Die Blumerei | Brandstraße 3 | 93444 Bad Kötzting | Phone: 0 99 41 / 94 77 877
Hairdresser
Haarscharfes Eck – Tanja Graßl | Auf der Rast 7 (next to the Birkenhof) | 93479 Grafenwiesen | Phone: 0 160 / 11 66 11 4
Opening times: Wednesday: 9 am to 8 pm | Thursday: 9 am to 2 pm | Friday: 9 am to 6 pm | Saturday: 8 am to 12 am
Hospital for Emergency
Kreiskrankenhaus Cham | (Cham District Hospital) | August-Holz-Straße 1 | 93413 Cham | Phone: 0 99 71 / 409 - 0
Kreiskrankenhaus Viechtach | (Viechtach District Hospital) | Karl-Gareis-Straße 31 | 94234 Viechtach | Phone: 0 99 42 / 20 - 0
Leisure activities
We have gathered a selection of leisure activities in a separate leisure guide, which can be found in the reception area. Another option: take a look at our flyer display (located at the accession to the elevator of “ElvesEmpire”).
Lost and Found
All found items are placed in a locked room. If you have lost something, please notify our receptionists or room cleaning staff. We will be happy to send any belongings you have left behind after departure to your home address.
Petrol station & car wash
Aral-Tankstelle | Arnbrucker Straße 1a | 93444 Bad Kötzting | Phone: 0 99 41 / 90 49 01
Photocopier and fax service
We will be happy to copy your documents at reception (€ 0.10 per sheet) and send faxes (€ 0.50) for you.
Police
Police Station | Pfingstreiterstraße 7 | 93444 Bad Kötzting | Phone: 0 99 41 / 94 31 0
Post Office
edeka Neukauf | Bahnhofstraße 9 | 93444 Bad Kötzting
You are welcome to give your cards or letters to reception in order to post them. Collected post is taken to the post office each morning. Stamps are also available for purchase at reception.
Sewing service
Please contact reception if you would like to use our sewing service (charges apply).
Sport equipment hire
You can hire racquets and balls (for free) for our outdoor court at reception.
Taxi
- Funktaxi Zentrale Bad Kötzting | Phone: 0 99 41 / 16 57
- Taxi Deschinger | Phone: 0 99 41 / 90 28 0
Ticket sales and service
Our reception will be happy to organize tickets (e.g. for the festival summer in Cham etc.).
Toiletries and slippers
The following items are available at reception for a small charge to cover expenses: toothbrush & toothpaste, disposable razors and slippers.
We would like to emphasize that the slippers are for indoor use and are not suitable for use in the
wellness area due to the danger of slipping and injury. Shoes for the swimming/wellness area are available for purchase in the Elf Shop.
Tourist Information
Tourist Information Grafenwiesen | Rathausplatz 6 | 93479 Grafenwiesen | Phone: 0 99 41 / 94 03 17
Train
Train Station in town/ Grafenwiesen
(schedule available at the reception)
free information about train-schedule: 0 800 / 1 50 70 90
Vouchers
You enjoyed your holiday here and you would like to give some days of time-out as a present? The reception-staff will give you an individual voucher with pleasure.