Best Hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
With so many amazing hotels scattered throughout Rothenburg's Old Town, choosing just the perfect one can be confusing. We've been there.
Even though we wanted to spend just one night in Rothenburg, comparing options took us longer than we wanted. Rothenburg hotels are very similar at first look, and it's not easy to choose right.
There are not that many budget hotels, and thanks to the huge popularity of this town, you can be sure that the accommodation is far from affordable during the peak season.
Due to the town's nature, there aren't any large luxury hotels or big chain hotels you can find in Nuremberg or Munich.
One thing is certain though, you should be well rested for sightseeing, as there are tons of things to do in Rothenburg.
That's why we've handpicked these best hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber to make your decision a breeze.
Our Favorite Hotels in Rothenburg
Our personal favorite place to stay in Rothenburg is the Hotel Eisenhut, known for its perfect location, comfortable rooms, and available parking.
After a long day in Wurzburg and with Legoland being the next stop on our Bavaria itinerary, we were looking for a stress-free experience.
At the moment, this accommodation checked all the boxes for us, but we were sure that other places like the family-friendly Burghotel or the popular Hotel Rappen would be excellent choices as well.
Best Area to Stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The main tourist area in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the medieval historic core, which is, unsurprisingly, also the best place to stay while there.
We wanted to experience Rothenburg to the fullest, so we decided to stay there as well.
Remember that the town center is easily covered on foot; it takes about 10 minutes to get from one side of the Old Town to the other.
The area around Marktplatz, Rothenburg's main square, is especially popular, but practically any place within the historical part is convenient.
You could also stay near Rothenburg's Hauptbahnhof if arriving by train or bus.
The main train station is less than a kilometer from Marktplatz, so it's also very accessible on foot.
Hotel Eisenhut
Located in the heart of Rotheburg's Altstadt, Hotel Eisenhut is just a stone's throw from the city's top attractions.
It's one of those accommodations that you instantly fall in love with. We were at first a bit hesitant to book a room here as the prices were above our budget, but then we decided it was worth a try.
The hotel, housed in four historical buildings from the 15th and 16th, was initially opened in 1890 as a wine shop to sell products from Tauber Valley's vineyards.
Over the years, Hotel Eisenhut was transformed into a hotel that hosted many important guests, such as Winston Churchill, Erich Maria Remarque, and Burt Lancaster.
Our room (we got an upgrade) was beautiful and spacious, with lovely views and a quirky bathroom.
Another huge selling point was that the hotel has off-site parking, which is really convenient as parking in medieval European towns is often a nightmare.
After arriving, we checked in and drove to the designated area, about 300 meters from the hotel.
Burghotel
Situated on the western edge of the Old Town, Burghotel is the best accommodation in Rothenburg for the views, cozy rooms, and tranquil experience.
We were really tempted to stay here, but we almost never stay in hotels practically on the main square, so that's why we picked Eisenhut instead.
That said, this hotel is less than 400 meters from the Marktplatz, meaning you won't be very far from the action (if you can say that about Rothenburg).
Burghotel is set in a monastery garden while overlooking the Tauber Valley and the city walls.
It's a perfect place for couples and even families (they do have a family apartment) and those who want to savor a buffet breakfast from their stunning breakfast room.
They also have a spa room, which you can use for a small fee.
Historik Hotel Gotisches Haus
The family-rung Hotel Gotisches Haus is located right next to Hotel Eisenhut, and, quite frankly, it offers a very similar experience. The main difference is the size of those properties.
Hotel Gotisches Haus is much smaller, so you can expect a more intimate experience while staying in one of the individually decorated rooms.
This historic hotel is one of Rothenburg's best hotels for couples who relax and experience something new.
It's also perfect for travelers who want to cloud themselves in nostalgia, Gothic architecture, and bygone eras of the kings and emperors who stayed here before them.
Hotel Rothenburger Hof
Hotel Rothenburger Hof is the closest you can get to budget accommodation in Rothenburg.
This is the ideal choice for anyone seeking budget-friendly Rothenburg hotels near the train station and still within a 10-minute walk from the Marktplatz.
It is also an ideal location if you're arriving by train while carrying a large backpack or lugging a heavy suitcase.
Another big upside is the large grocery store (Kaufland), where you can get everything you need to save money on eating out.
Most importantly, the rooms at Hotel Rothenburger Hof are clean and functional and offer all the comfort you need while on the road.
Hotel Rappen
Like most of the places on this list, Hotel Rappen also has a fascinating history.
During the 400 years of history, the building was everything from a tavern, inn, and postal station to a meeting hall. It was heavily damaged during WW2, like the rest of the city.
Today, the family-run Hotel Rappen is one of the most popular hotels in Rothenburg.
It's a modern hotel with comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant where you can try the local Franconian cuisine.
It's located just outside the city walls, about 600 meters from the Marktplatz. While it's technically not located in the town's medieval part, it still has an amazing location.
On top of that, it has a large free parking lot. If you're arriving by car, Hotel Rappen is one of the best places to stay in Rothenburg.
Historik Hotel Goldener Hirsch Rothenburg
One of Rothenburg's top-rated attractions is Plonlein, a small place with a yellow half-timbered tilting house that you can instantly recognize from every photo.
And why do we talk about it?
The Historik Hotel Goldener Hirsch Rothenburg is located right next to Plonlein, making this popular spot extremely accessible.
It won't come as a surprise to say that Hotel Goldener Hirsch is one of the most popular accommodations in Rothenburg.
Apart from the location, this hotel boasts comfortable rooms, a rich breakfast, and stunning views from the terrace. A paid secure parking is available just across the street.
Hotel Reichs-Kuchenmeister
The 4-star Hotel Reichs-Kuchenmeister can be found on the Kirchplatze, about 50 meters from the Marktplatz.
It's a typical charming Bavarian hotel with a half-timbered facade combining medieval times with modern elegance.
Hotel Reichs-Kuchenmeister has an amazing on-site restaurant (especially the breakfast, which is great), air-conditioned rooms, and one of the best spas of all Rothenburg hotels.
Their modern spa facilities, including a Finnish sauna, tropical shower, steam bath, and an ice fountain, are simply stunning.
It was designed with a chic look contrasting to medieval history. Here, you can enjoy a few hours of peaceful relaxation in a serene atmosphere or indulge in wonderful treatments.
If you're arriving by car, note that they have two paid parking areas. One is right by the hotel, while the other is in a locked courtyard about 150 meters from the hotel.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
