This is an imaginative Germanic hideaway in a historical atmosphere. The result is "romance, German-style," which means good beer, formal dining without the jacket and tie, four-poster beds and whirlpool tubs.
As for the history part, this refined hostelry has seen the likes of Mark Twain and Count von Bismarck (who carved his name into one of the tables). Dating from 1472, this erstwhile student house reopened in 1989 as a sophisticated, mostly suite hotel and restaurant under family management.
The lobby is intimate rather than cramped and carries on the traditional German feeling with exposed wood beams and historic objects d'art. The registration staff is friendly and efficient and are quick to show you to your room.
The Mensurstube restaurant, paneled and decorated with fencing foils, exudes rustic Bavarian charm. The menu offers regional fish and fowl accompanied by frothy drafts of pilsner.
The more refined Le Gourmet has a creative German menu (and doubles as a function room for up to 55 people). Breakfast is served in the former, but both restaurants serve dinner only and are closed on Sundays. As with all public areas in this part of Germany, smoking is not allowed.
Accommodations comprise 10 suites, five double rooms and five single rooms. Most of the single units are larger than some hotels' doubles. The studios and suites are keyed to an individual color coupled with Teutonic Ralph Lauren or Laura Ashley sensibilities, and even the TVs are slip covered.
Floor plans and furnishings differ in each room, but most include a few showpieces, such as antique desks or brightly upholstered Chesterfield sofas. Fine carpeting, phones, costly wireless high-speed Internet access, German-only TVs, minibars, trouser presses and safes are in place.
The tiled baths are among Heidelberg's best, with whirlpool tubs and stall showers. Adding a romantic flourish, canopies crown the beds and draped nightstands flank them.
Rooms 5, 6 and 8, the latter two suites bookending a standard, face the river and offer the best views. Standard baths include showers, with some having separate baths. Deluxe Suites include en suite whirlpools, while the Salon increases size in all rooms.
Room service operates during regular hours, and smoke-free rooms are available. Pets are allowed here. Laundry service and wheelchair accessible rooms are likewise available. Security includes surveillance, 24-hour staffing and key card entrances to rooms.
The unique atmosphere is so tranquil that it is almost secretive, but unlike many of its ilk, this hotel lacks pretension. The staff is friendly and professional and even has that rare wisp of German humor.
For something more business orientated, try the local Marriott.
