The Hotel: The Maritim Hotel Stuttgart is close to the Liederhalle culture and congress centre and opposite the Bosche Areal, home to restaurants, shops and a cinema.
The Check-in: Despite the presence of international tennis stars – including Boris Becker, sweeping in for the ATP Tennis Mercedes Cup – we were checked in quickly and efficiently and directed to a separate wing via a connecting corridor.
The Room: The Junior Suite had twin beds and a separate, spacious living room complete with TV, mini bar and trouser press. The decor throughout was a little dated but lovely green views and a super-powerful shower made up for this!
The Business: The hotel's Alte Stuttgarter Reithalle can host events for up to 800 people and the Covention Hall Maritim is for 350. The latter features sparkling chandeliers and six additional congress rooms. There are internet sockets in every room.
The Facilities: There's underground car parking, an indoor swimming pool with sauna and steam rooms, a small but adequate gym, and beauty and hair salons. Rôtisserie serves up the impressive and extensive buffet breakfast; the Reuchlin restaurant has international and regional dishes for lunch and dinner; and the Café Espresso serves up coffee, cake and snacks inside and on its summer terrace. The Piano Bar is a great late venue with rich décor, live music and cocktails.
The verdict: Opposite the Bosche Areal entertainment hub and a short walk to the central Schlossplatz, the Maritim’s location is fantastic. It showed it can host large parties, throwing a bash for the ATP Tennis players, and its rooms and facilities, though not five-star, make for a comfortable stay. Visitors with time on their hands while in the city can see Stuttgart’s legacy of corporate success for themselves at the excellent Porsche and Mercedes museums.
The details: Maritim Hotel Stuttgart, Seidenstraße 34, 70174, Stuttgart. Restricted rates – with 100 per cent pre-payment and no free of charge cancellation – start at around £64 for a Classic single room. Unrestricted rates start at around £86 for the same room. Tel: +49 (0)711 942 1210; www.maritim.com Laura Gelder
