InterCityHotel Stuttgart - Stuttgart, Germany 

Surprising hotel - looked a little jaded from outside, but the room was good, comfortable, and clean. Also thought I'd have difficulty sleeping, ground floor, taxi rank and streetlight outside window, but curtains were lightproof and the room also soundproof, didn't get disturbed at all. Location is very convenient too, especially with free travelcard. Breakfast good too. Overall, thought it was good value for such a central location and would stay again if appropriate.

This hotel is in the same building as the main train station, which makes it very easy to drop off your bags and then go out to Stuttgart's main shopping area. I found the check-in to be smooth, the hotel personnel friendly and bilingual. They gave me a free travel card for the buses and trams which was nice. Don't be fooled by the dormitory-like appearance of the hallways...My double room was clean, the linens were fresh, the TV worked and it was large enough to open up a suitcase on the floor. The bathroom was also clean but a bit worn, lots of hot water and shower gel. Watch out as the entrance to the bathroom was maybe 3 inches above the floor, you could easily stub your toes! The room key is a magnetic strip that you insert (vertically) into the door lock -push hard to get the key all the way into the lock. There is a small bar that was open until midnight. The hotel is located right across from the beginning of the main shopping district and there are a few restaurants nearby. Stuttgart is not Germany's most exciting city, that's for sure. But if you're in town for business or to see the Mercedes Museum (top class!) and you want a good no frills hotel, stay here.