Top 10 Hotels in Rothenburg:

1. Festivals & Holidays: While hotels in Rothenburg to largely book up in advance on most weekends in the Summer, getting hotels in the village during its famous festivals is even more competitive.  Whether it is the delightful Rothenburg Christmas Market (more info) or the lively Imperial City Days (more info) you will need to book you room over festival weekends extra early.  We have found that 6 months or more in advance is ideal as the hotels start to get almost completely full on weekends 4 months before these festivals.  Failing to book early is extra important as some of the festivals’ best events happen after dark and you don’t want to get stuck staying in another village 10 miles away because you didn’t plan ahead.

2. Location: Almost all of the accommodations in Rothenburg are within one mile of the Market Square in the center of the village.  That being said, you will really want to stay in the heart of old town if possible.  There is so much to do in Rothenburg that you will end up back in your room a number of times a day not just to take a break but also to add layers of clothes early in the morning or later in the evening.  Having a centrally located hotel makes this quick as easy as you will crisscross past your hotel numerous times a day if you stay in the heart of town.  It may not seem like a big deal but cutting out 15-20 minutes each way of walking makes it more likely you will explore the village before the tourists arrive in the morning or take the Nightwatchman Tour at night.

3. Room Decor: While a few guesthouses and apartments in Rothenburg are very modernly decorated, some hotels may on first glance seem outdated inside.  While this can throw some picky American tourists off, the vibe and decor in the hotels of Rothenburg is done on purpose to help you feel like you have stepped back in time.  Remember that this is a preserved Medieval village and most of the owner-operated hotels are located inside buildings that are over 500 years old.  With painted bed frames from the 1800s, vintage wallpaper, and upholstered chairs, the hotels help you to experience old world elegance.  The rooms are typically very clean and the retro vibe will help you feel like you are staying in a true guesthouse.