This hotel lies next to a small public park, 2 km from the edge of the old city and 4 km downstream from the castle. This is Marriott's version of the Crowne Plaza, which it matches almost facility-for-facility though offering more public space, garden dining, lower rates and superior panoramas. The newer NH Heidelberg is more stylish, but as an added attraction, this hotel has its own pier from which river cruises depart.
The modern six-story brick structure is of stepped design with bay windows to maximize views. The functional lobby will not win any design awards for its 1980ish interior—mirrored ceiling, icicle lights and staid wingback
chairs. However, like the Crowne Plaza, it does have a convenient Lufthansa check-in counter, as well as a bar behind the glass half-wall. The sedate paneled restaurant next to it does not strive beyond buffet food, but the summer terrace facing the river is worth its moderately high prices.
The indoor pool and modest fitness area are close enough to interfere with each other, but a sauna provides quiet respite. Eight conference rooms can welcome 300, and wireless high-speed Internet access beams throughout the public areas and meeting rooms. Parking is in the hotel's lot for a fee.
Guest rooms here are smaller than the Crowne Plaza's, but the honey-colored decor is simpler and of better quality. New bedding is the crowning feature here, offering softer mattresses topped with the finest linens, thick duvets and piles of pillows, all part of Marriott's worldwide upgrade. The rooms come with TVs on desks, round pedestal side tables, wireless high-speed Internet access (for a fee), phones with voice mail and data ports, minibars, safes, and enough brass lamps to work and read by. During the day, light streams through the bay windows. Air-conditioning and combination baths are also standard. Guests on the executive level enjoy upgraded amenities such as robes, turndown service, and access to a private lounge for breakfast and evening snacks.
Avoid rooms on the front of the hotel, because these overlook the streaming traffic. The best rooms overlook the river. (Choose balconied rooms in summer, those with bay windows in winter.) Room service operates during regular hours, and smoke-free rooms are available. Pets are allowed here. Though this place lacks the in-town convenience of the Crowne Plaza, motorists may prefer its tranquil location, and Americans will feel right at home.
