Where to Stay

The most luxurious hotel in Nuremberg is the Meridien Grand Hotel near the Main Station. Many famous faces have found a home here during their travels, especially those from the world of music, such as U2. The city's second and biggest, the Maritim Hotel also caters to those looking for upper-class accommodation. Bill Clinton stayed here during a visit to Nuremberg before he was President of the United States and the Maritim offers its guests a number of facilities to ensure that they have a pleasant stay. You can choose from two restaurants and leisure amenities such as a sauna and pool. Both of these hotels are situated at the edge of the Old Town, but everything is only a minute's walk away.

Unlike many cities, many of the hotels in the historic part of the city, which is surrounded by the city wall, are extremely affordable. This means that a short walk from your lodgings can lead you directly to the many sights and bustling nightlife. The Hotel Deutscher Kaiser between the Königstor (King's Gate) and the Lorenzkirche are especially popular, as is Am Schönen Brunnen, which can be found directly on the Hauptmarkt (Main Market). There are also a few small hotels with an intimate atmosphere. If this your kind of thing, then why not try the Garden-Hotel or the Hotel Continental. Two of the most renowned hotels within the city walls are the Dürer-Hotel and the Burg-Hotel Nürnberg. The former takes its name from the famous Dürerhaus where Albrecht Dürer once lived and if you choose to stay in the latter, then be sure to ask if you can have a room that looks out onto the Kaiserburg (Castle). The historic Hotel Steichele exudes tradition and is a favourite with the locals because its restaurant serves authentic Franconian cuisine. The Central also has a cafe-restaurant that is frequented by the twenty-something in-crowd and is suitable for young people and the young at heart!

If you are traveling by car then you may wish to know that it is not always possible to find a parking space in the Old Town as much of it is pedestrianized. Many of the hotels here do not have their own parking facilities which means that you have to make use of the parking lots the city provides. If you are staying for a longer period of time, then this can get quite costly, so do inquire before you book.

Venture beyond the city walls and you will find a number of moderately priced hotels, such as the Ibis Hotel Plärrer and the Wöhrderseehotel Mercure. Both of these are relatively roomy but not necessarily luxurious. In the Tafelhof district there is the architecturally interesting Viva Concorde. The Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza offers numerous conference facilities. The Intercity Hotel, which is a fairly recent addition to the hotels on offer, is good for business travellers and if you stay here your room key also acts as a travel card on the city's public transport network!

The Hotel Arvena Messe is well-located for those working at a trade fair. It is directly opposite the exhibition center but its location does mean that it tends to be booked up rather quickly. Don't worry too much about getting around though. Public transport links in Nuremberg are quick and efficient. You can reach the airport in less than 20 minutes from the city center and the exhibition grounds are only 10-15 minutes away by tube.

Disabled facilities can be found at hotels such as the Novotel Süd but as is the case in most places, hotels are increasingly making an effort to provide suitably furnished accommodation. The Moevenpick near the Airport is great for families, and budget travellers should enjoy a pleasant stay in the Jugendgästehaus. Many claim that it is Europe's best youth hostel. You certainly can't beat it location wise: The building it is housed in is part of the castle, offering splendid views of the city on a clear day.

Many hotels offer special rates at weekends. You will need to inquire about these, as the information is not always volunteered! The Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair in February, which is the biggest anywhere, and the Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) attract people from all over the world. They also cause a hefty increase in accommodation prices. You will need to book well in advance if you are visiting at these times.