This property is one long block from the city's top address, the Europaische Hof, closer to Heidelberg's hustle than the more scenically situated and superior Marriott, and within view of bustling Bismarkplatz.
At the edge of the old city, this hotel is a 20-minute stroll from the famed castle. It fits in well in this neighborhood of modern glass and centuries-old stone buildings. Unlike the much more stylish NH Heidelberg, it fuses a modern steel and glass annex to a four-story traditional building with only limited success.
The recently renovated public areas are much more inviting than in the past. The marble-floored lobby now shows appealing contemporary style: brass accents and recessed lighting, comfortable upholstered seating in the conversation area and large floral arrangements.
Yet overall it still lacks the contemporary comfort needed to entice one to linger. Instead,
most guests simply pass through. The paneled reception counter is well-staffed.
The large atrium restaurant looks even better, with blue carpets, contrasting fabrics and a colorful paint job that give credibility to the name: Westcoast. The menu is Californian, as is the wine list.
Those looking for more regional fare can find it in the tavern in the old building to which the hotel is linked. On the weekends, breakfast is served until 2:30 pm.
Mirrors above the indoor pool rivet the modern Narcissus, but a single noisy person can turn this room into a chamber of horrors, with echoes bouncing mercilessly off the walls.
A whirlpool, steam room, solarium and sauna are at hand, and the gym, which occupies a glass-fronted room in the shopping arcade, is an exhibitionist's 
dream.
Seven small function rooms work in tandem with a larger conference room for 300 people. A business center remains open at all hours. Motorists pay to use the 140-space garage, and Lufthansa and Hertz have branches in the hotel.
Rooms have benefited from recent refurbishment and redesign. And, unlike the lobby, they were done right. With a thoroughly modern motif of stark reds and bold blacks intermingled with natural and wood tones—rooms create a sophisticated, edgy feel.
All rooms are equipped with phones, data ports (fax machines can be borrowed from the front desk), high-speed Internet access (for a fee), TVs, minibars, coffeemakers, trouser presses and irons.
Satisfying combination baths have hair dryers, scales and good showerheads. Beds are 
either kings or queens, and one is a waterbed. Robes are furnished on request, and housekeeping keeps the rooms stocked with complimentary mineral water.
Club rooms offer upgraded amenities and access to a private lounge serving breakfast and evening snacks.
Room service operates during regular hours, and smoke-free rooms are available. Laundry service and wheelchair accessible rooms are likewise available. Security includes surveillance, 24-hour staffing and key card entrances to rooms.
Though short on local flavor, this hotel is convenient and undeniably comfy. On the other hand, if you have come to Germany in search of something a bit more Germanic, then the traditional touches of Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg is a far better choice.
