Hotel Garni am Kornmarkt

In the first edition of this guide we recommended the Hotel Garni am Kornmarkt, but over the years maintenance became non-existent and we had to drop it. However, on our last research trip to Heidelberg we happened to walk by this hotel and could not believe our eyes—it was so fresh and pretty. We went inside and found the transformation total. Under new ownership and new management, the hotel has been totally rejuvenated and once again is an excellent choice for accommodation, largely thanks to the excellent, experienced manager, Markus Etzel. The hotel faces onto the Kornmarkt Platz, without a doubt one of the prettiest squares in Heidelberg, highlighted by lacy trees and a delightful fountain. The hotel is painted a dark, rust red and is very attractive with white shutters, small balconies, and steep roof with perky gables. There is no restaurant, but this is no problem in Heidelberg. Instead, on the ground floor with windows overlooking the fountain in the plaza, there is an intimate breakfast room with classic prints on the wall, antique mirrors, and pretty blue-and-yellow porcelain. The bedrooms have also been totally refurbished. If you want to splurge, the most expensive room with a balcony is exceptionally nice. Most of the guestrooms now have en suite bathrooms, but if you are really on a tight budget, ask for one of the rooms that share a bathroom down the hall.