This grand merchant's house, built in 1592, is ideally located on a pedestrian street at the foot of the castle and opposite the Holy Ghost church (beware the early morning bells). It has been a hotel for 350 years and is one of the oldest and most photographed buildings in Heidelberg. It oozes with the classic charm of Renaissance Germany with an elaborate stone carved exterior, fluted columns and ornate roof gable.
Guests are welcomed with complimentary drinks by extremely friendly English-speaking staffers. Taxis are permitted to drive through the pedestrian area to the hotel. The huge stone fireplace, wood-paneled walls and suit of armor maintain the medieval air.
There are three restaurants served from the same kitchen, which specializes in regional dishes, especially game. English menus are available, and the wait service is excellent. The main restaurant
is popular with locals and guests from other hotels. The Ritterstube seats 60 people in more refined ambience and is smoke-free. The Belier seats 85 people in more informal ambience, and smoking is permitted here. The Ratsherrenstube seats 85 people and is available for private functions or as an overspill at busy times. Breakfast is exceptionally good with the usual Continental style plus hot bacon and sausage, smoked salmon and bucks fizz. The hotel has no bar, but there are many local bars, and guests can be served drinks here anytime.
There are no recreation facilities, but guests can use the nearby Fitzenmeyer gym. The city's best shopping is a few minutes' walk away.
There are no dedicated meeting rooms, but the Ratsherrenstube can be converted from restaurant to conference room and is suitable for 35-50 delegates. A good range 
of conference technology is available. A car park is three minutes' walk away and charges $10 per day, and airport pickup can be arranged.
Elevators go to all floors, and the spacious hallways have additional seating areas and electronic light sensors. Guests can choose from standard, superior and deluxe rooms and suites. All rooms are spacious (except singles) and have separate tubs or tub/shower combinations. A duplex comes with an optional additional room. Decor consists of plain pale walls, carpeting or wood floors, potted plants and varying degrees of classical elegance. Small tables replace desks in many units, and each has a minibar but no tea- or coffeemaker. Full Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
All baths are fully tiled and in pristine condition. Size varies with the grade of a room, and the toiletries are the Romantik brand. All rooms at the 
front have good views of the market square and the Holy Ghost church, but every time you look out of the window, someone will likely snap a photo of you. Rooms on the second and third floors at the back of the hotel have good castle views.
All rooms and the Ritterstube restaurant are smoke-free. This is not a wheelchair-accessible hotel, and pets are permitted. Full room service is available 7-10 am, noon-3 pm and 6-10 pm.
The Hotel Ritter is without a doubt the best place to stay in Heidelberg. Although the Crown Plaza has an attractive facade and a pool, it does not have the unique history or individual style of the Ritter, and no other place can match this hotel's perfect location at the foot of the castle.
