Honest Review, Historik Hotel Gotisches haus Garni in Rothenburg
I’m a bit of a serious person and so I tend to avoid gushing BUT Historik Hotel Gotisches Haus Garni Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany tends to make me want to gush! The hotel is an old-world dream, and it’s my absolute favorite place to stay when I visit my favorite German town!
I’m just thrilled to have the opportunity to share this property with you! In this article I’ll explain why you should book this dreamy medieval experience and give you all of the important details so you can book it! It’s my honest customer review.
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about Historik Hotel Gotisches Haus Garni in Rothenburg
This historic 4-star hotel, owned and operated by the beautiful family Rüter, is located in the heart of the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The hotel has 11 unique hotel rooms located in a restored 13th-century building.
You’ll feel just like you’ve stepped into a medieval dream when you book a room at this enchanting hotel, while at the same time having the modern comfort you’d expect. It definitely lives up to its 4-star ratings.
Guest Rating on Booking.com: 9.2
Here are the top 3 reasons to book this stay:
Old World Charm in Spades!!!!
It’s soooo OLD! You’re going to fall in love with the wooden beam ceilings, old world touches, and exposed stone walls in this historic 700-year-old hotel which was once a noble house that accommodated Emperors and Crown Princes!
For me, it’s the chance to feel as if, just for a moment, I’ve stepped back in time. The lovely hotel has been decorated in the Gothic Style. Each time I stay I feel a bit like a giddy child who’s living out her dreams of living in a rustic castle.
Location! Location! Location! (Central Location)
One of the hotel’s best characteristics is its great location. My favorite Rothenburg ob der Tauber hotel is just a short walk from the heart of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. An ideal base for exploring the town!
The old town district is the home of Marktplatz (market place or town square), the perfect location for people watching and soaking up the historic atmosphere of the town.
Like me and love to explore after dark? Make your way out onto the street in front of Gotisches Haus and you’ll be greeted with warmly lit streets, perfect for exploring Rothenburg after dark!
Fair prices, and exceptional service!
Something else I love about Historik Hotel Gotisches are the reasonable prices, exceptional service, and helpful staff members.
Prices
While not the cheapest hotel deal in town, I find Gotisches Haus Garni to be a great value for the money! Between the experience of staying in such a historic hotel, and the convenience of being so close to attractions, it’s a win win for me!
Prices start at just $140 per night!
Ready to book your stay?
No need to wait! You can check prices and book a room on Booking.com!
(Reserve your room with a credit card or debit card, book now pay later???
Multilingual Staff members
The multilingual staff speak English.
booking your stay
One of my favorite things about Hotel Gotisches is their generous cancellation policy. You’ll want to check the cancellation terms before booking but generally rooms will be cancel’able within a few days of check in.
If you are using Booking.com (where I book all my stays) use the special requests box to communicate any requests that you may have. In case of rebooking, they ask that you simply cancel your reservation and book again. If you know your arrival time, there’s a place to enter it during the booking process.
Hotel Rooms at Gotisches Hotel
You have several different choices when it comes to rooms, they are each different and have a personality all their own. I really recommend looking at photos of each room online before booking so you can get the room that really speaks to you. (Booking.com allows you to view room photos)
Where can I see the rooms before booking?
The official website has room photos, schematics, and an interactive virtual 3D tour that will give you a look at each room.
Room Amenities include:
Additional amenities include: antique-style working phones, ironing boards, an in room safe, flat-screen TV with cable channels, a mini-bar, a comfortable bed, spacious bathrooms, and robes on request.
Each room is equipped with a king-sized bed, essentially two twin beds pushed together? The size of the room is listed under each room description. Many of the rooms are equipped with a ceiling fan, additional pedestal fans provided upon request.
Antique Marble Bathrooms
Each room has a large bathroom with hair dryers. Most rooms have corner bathtubs, not all have a shower. If that’s important to you, you’ll want to determine the exact configuration of the bathroom before booking. You’ll find room floor plans on the official website.
Room 34: Storks Nest
This large room is 58 m square and is located on the 4th floor. You can reach it by taking the elevator to the 3rd floor and then taking the spiral staircase up the last flight of stairs. On this floor you’ll find a covered balcony with a view of the picturesque Tauber Valley. This room also features a couch.
Rooms 12, 21 & 22: Explorer (double room)
These rooms offer a view of Herrngasse (street.) #12 is located on the 1st floor, #21 and #22 on the 2nd floor. All are accessible by elevator. This room also features an in-room couch.
Room 11: Explorer (3-bed room)
This 1st floor room is a bit special and a perfect choice for history lovers and those who love all things old and ancient! The wooden facade and the doorways in this room date back to the 13th century. The layout offers a separate sleeping area along with a pull-out couch in the adjoining sitting area. This room is also accessible by elevator and offers a view of Herrngasse.
Rooms 10 & 31: Romance
These rooms are graced with stone wall arches or sloping ceilings making them the perfect place for your romantic getaway. #10 is located on the 1st floor, #31 on the 3rd floor, each accessible by elevator, each with a cozy seating area. #10 has a view of the inner courtyard, #31 of Herrngasse.
Room 30: Taubertal (3rd floor balcony suite)
This room offers a private little balcony with views of the Rothenburg Tauber Valley. Located on the 3rd floor, this room is accessible by elevator and has a small seating area.
Rooms 20 & 32: Night Watchman
These rooms are adorned with sloping ceilings, natural stone arches, and a seating area. #20 is located on the 2nd floor and has a view of the inner courtyard, #32 on the 3rd and has a view of Herrngasse, each is accessible by elevator.
Room 33: Broom Closet
The Broom Closet has a Harry Potter ‘Esque sound to me…However, this small room is much nicer than Potter’s under the stairs digs. The room, just 11.6 m square, is the oldest and coziest room in the place with room enough for two in the king-sized bed. The room has a seating area, is located on the 3rd floor, and is accessible by elevator.
Note on finding your room in Europe
In the US we consider the ground floor to be the 1st floor, in Europe it’s just the ground floor. What we would consider the 2nd floor they consider the 1st floor. It is after all the 1st floor above ground level, so it does make sense. It may take some getting used to though!
Practicalities
Check-in time, Check-out time
Check-in is between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM. They would like to know in advance if you will be arriving outside of those hours. Be sure to have your photo identification for the check-in process. If you’re not a German resident, they will need to see your passport. Check-out at 11 AM.
Hotel Smoking Policy
This is a smoke-free hotel. All rooms are non-smoking rooms, except on the balconies of rooms #34 and #30. The balcony on the 4th floor is accessible to all hotel guests. Outside in front of the hotel is also a designated smoking area. Ashtrays are provided in designated smoking areas.
Free Wifi
The hotel offers complimentary wireless internet access, although it’s an unsecured connection (no password required.)
accessibility and mobility
I always try to stay in historic or small local hotels and guest houses that have lots of personality. It’s somewhat rare for places like this to have an elevator! It’s a bit of a lifesaver for transporting luggage to your room and of course allows those with accessibility issues to book this wonderful property too!
air conditioning
Apparently, the hotel is not air conditioned, but I’ve honestly never noticed. All rooms are above ground so if you feel warm you can leave the windows open at night and if your room isn’t equipped with a ceiling fan you can request a fan at the front desk.
luggage storage
If you arrive before check in time or would like to continue to explore the town after your check out time, the hotel will be happy to store your luggage for you.
staying with children
Baby cots are available when booking rooms 11, 12, 21, and 22, extra charge of €30.00. If you need one, they request that you notify them before arrival. Children under 5-years-old stay for free in their parents’ room.
Pet Friendly
Pets are welcome, there is an additional charge for pets of €15.00 per night.
beautiful view
If you make your way up to the 4th floor, you’ll find a balcony with lovely views over the Tauber Valley.
contact details
official website: gotisches-haus.de
safety concerns
smoke detector / smoke alarms
Fire extinguishers
Security alarm
How to get to Hotel Gotisches Haus
- Address: Herrngasse 13, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
by car
Driving in Rothenburg’s old center for the first time in quite the experience! YES, you can drive through those medieval gates! No, the center isn’t pedestrian only but yes, people walk right in the street without a care in the world, or concern that you are trying to pass!
I recommend avoiding the high pedestrian traffic areas as much as possible. As you come into town and approach this area, I’d turn down Burggasse and drive past the Kriminal Museum and Zur Hoell, then back up Heringsbronnengäßchen and backtrack to the hotel. You’ll avoid a lot of the pedestrian traffic this way.
Loading / Unloading your luggage and hotel guests with mobility issues
There are parking spots along the street surrounding the hotel, as well as on nearby streets. I have never been lucky enough to get one. You can stop directly in front of the hotel long enough to unload your luggage or members of your party with mobility issues, but don’t block the road (there’s a fountain just outside that takes up one lane of traffic.)
The hotel will then direct you to the nearest car park, which may be a bit of a walk.
Parking
I always make a quick turn up Kirchgasse and drive all the way to the Schrannenpl. 12 Parking Lot. I believe it is free for overnight guests but do double check to confirm that!
This lot is a little out of the way so there are always plenty of parking spaces available, even when I’ve been there for the busy Christmas Market season. It’s an easy 6 minute (450 meter) walk back to the hotel.
Public transportation
Buses don’t run in the historic center. The train station is a little more than a kilometer from the hotel (a 15 minute walk.) If you have luggage to transport your best bet is to call a taxi. You can expect to pay around 5-8 Euros.
Taxi Operators in Rothenburg:
where to eat
Gotisches Haus does not have a full restaurant on site. However, there are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance.
free breakfast included
Most bookings include a complimentary breakfast buffet (double check your booking) with traditional German breakfast items like an assortment of bread, cheeses, cold cuts, sausages, and accompaniments like mustards, jams, butter, cereals, eggs and more! Drinks include coffee, tea, juices, etc.! A rich breakfast indeed! 8 am to 10 am, confirm times with the front desk. (They may be able to accommodate dietary restrictions.)
cafe
There’s a small coffee shop / cafe in the lobby where you can order drinks and snacks like wurst and sandwiches. They keep limited hours, but I believe they will sell you a piece of their delicious cake just about any time! There’s also a vending machine near the elevator (card only.)
Eiscafé-Pizzeria Italia
You’ll find it literally just across the street. They serve pizza, pasta, Italian Ice, and more! I like to grab a Spaghetti Ice! Get one to go and you can eat it in the comfortable and atmospheric sitting area of the hotel.
What’s Spaghetti Ice???
If you haven’t heard of this delightful treat, it may sound a bit strange! Spaghetti ice consists of vanilla ice cream pressed through a ricer to form “spaghetti noodles.” It’s topped with a strawberry “red sauce,” and it is delicious! You can learn more about German foods in this article!
Zur Hoell
Zur Hoell Restaurant (To Hell) is a special and unique dining experience. This 1,000-year-old building looks just about that old and serves pretty darn good food! Make a reservation because you don’t want to miss out on this one! (closed on Sunday so plan accordingly!) Be sure you take a peek at the bathrooms in the basement. The space looks like it hasn’t changed for 1,000 years!
Altfrankische Weinstube
Altfrankische Weinstube is a cozy candlelit 650-year-old-building that looks like it was built for gnomes! Reservations required. To make a reservation call 09861-6404 or contact them through their website. NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED. (closed on Tuesday so plan accordingly)
Historik Hotel Gotisches Haus Garni in Rothenburg reviews
As mentioned, the hotel has a 9.2 guest rating on Booking.com. You’ll find comments like “exceptional” “must stay” “great staff and character” “great location” “superb” “the perfect stay in a medieval town” “Luxurious, historic, indulgent” “Look no futher. Best place in Rothenburg.”
Are you ready to book yet?????
nearby attractions
Most of Rothenburg’s best attractions are just a short stroll away!
Nearby attractions include:
the German Christmas Museum
An ode to all things Christmas! You’ll find it on the top floor of the gigantic Käthe Wohlfahrt – Weihnachtsdorf Christmas store! (1 minute walk (82 meters!))
Marktplatz (Market Square)
The beautiful old town hall (Rathaus)stands guard over the Marktplatz. It’s the location of the meeting place for the famous Nightwatchman tour. You can climb to the top of the town hall’s high tower for lovely views of the surrounding town. (5 minute walk (500 meters!))
The Historic Town Walls
Rothenburg is encircled by medieval town walls which once protected the old town from invaders. You can walk much of Rothenburg’s walls today.
Frankenhöhe Nature Park (Franconian Heights Nature Park)
check their website for a list of hikes in the Rothenburg area.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Rothenburg. You’ll find a complete list in my Rothenburg Ultimate Guide.
Conclusion
If you are itching for a chance to step back in time, I highly recommend booking this enchanting accommodation for a memorable stay among the historic buildings of Rothenburg’s old town.
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