Stuttgart
 

What is generally considered to be the best hotel in Stuttgart?

I can't claim complete knowledge, but I might be able to help out.

Stuttgart sits in a valley, with a line of hillsides to the west and a lot of curving hillsides to the east, both sides covered in residential housing and, I imagine, restaurants, shops, etc. The main train station (Hauptbanhof), one of the few remaining dead-head rail hubs in Germany, sits in the middle of the valley at the north edge of the "downtown" district, with the trains going in and out to the north along a lengthy necklace of small parks. The Hotel Steigenberger Stuttgart is directly across the main street from the Hauptbanhof. Judging strictly from the outside, I would classify it, perhaps generously, as four stars. Le Meridien Hotel is on the opposite side of the parks alongside the Hauptbanhof, backing up to the bottom of the hillside. I've stayed there and found it quite nice-- modern European design, nice clean finishes, decent enough service: 4.5 stars, not luxury but not altogether far from it. I've heard but cannot confirm that there is, on the opposite hillside (to the west), a decent-sized one-off hotel that may qualify as luxury. Don't even know the name, so can't help. The rest of the central parts of Stuttgart don't have any hotels of note, as far as I know; and, frankly, it's not the prettiest city in the downtown area because so much of it was destroyed during the war. Outside of the central areas, likely on the hillsides to the east, there may well be a luxury hotel or some other fine establishment worth staying in, again likely a one-off owned or managed locally, but I can't direct you to it.

Once you crest the hillside onto a plateau to the east, you'll go through some very modern developments and office parks housing international business, the most famous of which is known locally as "bull$hit castle," i.e. Daimler Benz headquarters. There's a Millenium Hotel out in this neck of the woods (not real woods, but you get the idea); no idea how it sizes up. Finally, out at the airport further east, there's a Movenpick Hotel. I'd say it's roughly equivalent to a niceish Best Western, though the service is fairly good. As the massive Expo Europe (or whatever it's called) development progresses, the Movenpick will move into a modern mid-rise building, no doubt improving the quality of the facilities.

Unless you've got a lead on one of these small places, hidden gems, and since you're posting here I'd imagine you don't, I'd say that Le Meridien is the best option in town, assuming you need to be downtown. If you're dealing with businesses on the outside of town, I'd give the Millennium a shot. A cab from the airport to Le Meridien will run about 30 euros; it's walkable from the train station, of course.

the Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin Hotel is as good as the LeMeridien. Together with the Maritim Hotel those three are the best in the following ranking

1 LeMeridien
2 Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin
3 Maritim

I have stayed at the Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin before and found it a very good 4 - 5 star hotel. Public areas of hotel were quite dated (this was about 4 years ago so it may have been renovated since then) but the room was very modern and comfortable. There was even a cross tpye gym machine in the room.

There also used to be an Intercontinental in Stuttgart but from searching the net it seems to be no more. I suspect that it is now Le Meridien.

Here's my vote:

1. Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin
2. Hotel am Schlossgarten

Both are located opposite the main train station and are close to parks, parliament and shopping areas (within walking distance). Both feature a one-star michelin chef at their signature restaurants (No.1 Italian and No.2 French cuisine).

3. Le Meridien

Along a busy freeway and opposite of one of Stuttgart's largest parks (the Schlossgarten). Used to be an IC. Renovated rooms.

4. Millenium Hotel

As mentioned by MegatopLover (excellent description btw ^ ) it's located in the outskirts of Stuttgart close to the Interstate highway Stuttgart-Munich and the airport. It in the middle of an entertainment complex (casino, musicals, cinemas, restaurants, spa, pools) and has a good connection to the city by car and local train.

5. Maritim

In the middle of the city near an entertainment complex (bars, restaurants, cinemas, music hall). You can walk to main points of interest in the inner city.

The current Moevenpick (on-site airport hotel) is quite good, a second one will be finished later this year next door for the opening of the new exhibition complex at the airport. Regular local train service to the city.

If you are looking for something special in the middle of town, try this one:

http://www.zauberlehrling.de

But beware, not one of these hotels compare to a RC or FS or Shang or MO or...

The hidden gems are (way) away from town...

I stayed at the Schlossgarten in 2002, and at that time the rooms were comfortable and reasonably-sized but quite dated (although not at all shabby - the condition of the furnishings and the soft goods was very good, but like in a time warp from the 1970s). Its best feature, as stated above, is its location - an very easy walk and pleasant through the park to the Staatsoper and just as close to the shopping street and the Hauptbahnhof. Service was gracious and the food at breakfast was very good.

Quite a compliment, coming from a Stuttgarter. Thank you! I enjoy getting to know the lay of the land in a place I visit. If for some reason I can't, my experience and enjoyment is much diminished.

Sorry for pulling up an old thread but I feel in need to do so.

Just attended a conference in my home town at Steigenberger Stuttgart today and it was a disaster. Meeting saloon was totally overheated and ventilation non-existent:mad:. A real ordeal to stay put the whole day. Several complaints didn't provide any improvements. Seems the air condititon cannot cope with the size of the board rooms/saloons incl. the respective foyer, all located on the first floor.

Cannot judge the rooms but for meetings it has become a no-no to go there for me. Overall, incl. service level and from design appeal (late '80s) a 4* hotel at best. Prior to today's ordeal I went to a conference at Grand Hyatt Berlin on Tuesday and Wednesday, what a difference !! That is a true luxury hotel ! Steigenberger Stuttgart, not.

I had to run a 3 months project for a customer in Stuttgart.

I stayed at Le Méridien which is a solid business hotel.
I cannot say that the city was really exciting (especially in winter). Maybe the worst town I stayed for business in Europe (except for classical music)

You may have seen not many cities in Europe for business then...:rolleyes:

well, as you live in Stuttgart, I would correct things and say that it's the most fascinating European leisure and business destination :D:D

Well, it is simply none of your extreme ratings. It gets high "quality of live" ratings regularly though. I have travelled to many other European cities which seemed way worse to me.

I'd have to agree with this. I love the geographical setting with the vineyards surrounding the city and lots of great views. Good food if you know where to go and not particularly expensive. I'd go to Stuttgart over Frankfurt any day.

I find the Staatstheater Stuttgart as among the very best in Germany - it has won the "Opera House of the Year" award more than once in recent years. The extremely knowledgeable, sophisticated audience appreciates the brilliant regie productions presented by the likes of Bieito, Konwitschny, Neuenfels and Wieler/Morabito. Excellent musical values, including a world-beating chorus (especially the men's chorus performing Wagner).

Please continue to follow this thread in the FT Germany Forum, as the topic is more general than "Luxury Hotels."
Thanks..
Obscure2k
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