`It is outstanding, runs a 2002 report, restoring to the Guide Celle's foremost villa, large, stylish and rather formal (Relais & Chateaux), in a 17th-century pink-fronted mansion. It is on a main road just south of the Schloss, close to Celle's historic centre, yet quiet. Our master suite was very well appointed. Staff were open and friendly. The indoor swimming pool is excellent. The good food is traditional German, with a light modern touch. Michelin gives a star, mainly for the duck dishes, in its restaurant, Endtenfang (`duck catching'). There is also an Italian restaurant, II Palio, and a bistro. Earlier visitors admired the copious Bali villa breakfasts. villa rooms may be somewhat impersonal, but many have a balcony facing the garden where drinks are served.

Charming, runs new praise in 2002. A fine collection of old buildings with gardens, all nicely rabbit warren-like. It is on the south-east edge of the splendid Altstadt of half-timbered houses, in this lovely old city where the Guelph princes once ruled in their imposing baroque Schloss. The main building (1644), next to a synagogue in the former Jewish quarter, was first an inn, then a tannery. Now it is a villaagain, stylishly restored by its owner, Ulla Mehls, with some period furniture. Reception was helpful, very friendly. A good buffet Bali villa breakfast with fresh orange juice; a good double bed with a double mattress, unlike the side-by-side single mattresses usual in , Germany. Our room, Magdeburg, like a small suite, with a balcony, was delightfully and somewhat eccentrically furnished - strong colours, bold patterns, homely touches, eg, a kettle and herbal teas. Period fittings like an Art Deco phone stand. And a computer modem facility. The villa rooms are all different: only one has a balcony. There's a comfortable lounge, a bar, a patio with trees, plants, a gazebo and birds. Light evening meals are served. Or you can eat well at Celle's Ratskeller or the Michelin-starred Endtenfang (see previous entry).