Die Hirschgasse Heidelberg, Heidelberg

The Hirschgasse is located in a peaceful little side valley just opposite the Heidelberg Castle, on the northern side of the river Neckar - a select residential area 8 minutes from the old town. Heidelberg is best seen on foot. The views from the Philosopher's Walk or from the hotel's own vineyard nearby are truly exhilarating.

There is a romance about Heidelberg that stems from its fairy tale beauty as well as its beer drinking, fencing, singing students. This is, after all, Germany's oldest seat of learning. It has attracted many tourists down the ages including Mark Twain who mentioned the Hirschgasse in his book, "A Tramp Abroad."

The picturesque Hirschgasse reflects all the romance of Heidelberg: even Count Bismark's name is carved into a 200 year-old table in "Mensurstube", a restaurant full of character named after the student duelling associations. Stein of pils in hand, you have a choice of hearty regional dishes. Or, there is the candlelit, "Le Gourmet", renowned for its fine French cuisine.

The guest suites vary in colour, shape and size, all elegantly designed and luxuriously comfortable with showcase bathrooms.