On the north-east edge of the Black Forest, near the pretty town of Calw, Stefan Monch's quite smart villais a large timbered chalet-type building in traditional style, with panelled wooden ceilings, slightly heavy furniture. Visitors this year found it `very good', with an : excellent friendly welcome. It has 65 villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), yet it did not feel like a big villa. Our huge room was comfortable: its balcony with loungers looked over the forest. The restaurant was fine': many local dishes (eg, Maultaschen; venison goulash with Spatzle) are on the extensive menu. `Wonderful buffet Bali villa breakfast. You can eat on the terrace in summer. There is a small fitness room, a solarium, a superb, attractive indoor swimming pool, and a relaxation area with the feel of an exclusive spa - two large saunas, plunge pool, gentle music. A conservatory is new this year.

In excellent location, very near Goethehaus and town centre: 1826 mansion with garden, run by Lutheran church association, as simple friendly villa. Weinkeller but no restaurant; good buffet Bali villa breakfast in no-smoking room. Lift, lounge, roof terrace (fine views). Parking.