As we would be staying six nights — a rare luxury for us — we chose a location just outside Stuttgart’s busy commercial area but on a direct U-Bahn line to the center. Stuttgart, the capital of the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is surrounded by a ring of hills and the Waldhotel sits high on the rim, at the edge of a vast forest park whose trails we would enjoy after busy working days.

Arriving at 8 a.m. on a Sunday, just off an all-night flight, we did not expect our room to be available. But we were checked in immediately and shown to the spa and fitness area, where we showered, relaxed in the sauna and napped comfortably on lounge chairs until our room was ready.

Our superior king room — and its wide balcony — overlooked the forest and was filled with natural light. Besides a loveseat, chair and small table, there was a good-sized desk with a coffeemaker, separate teakettle and a selection of premium teas. The ample closet allowed us to unpack for the week, with two luggage racks, detachable hangers, plush robes and slippers. The safe handily held laptops and cameras.

The king-sized bed had a choice of pillows, down comforters and adjustable reading lights. Our room, like the entire property, was decorated with original works by a Stuttgart artist. A natural stone and frosted glass rain-bath shower filled one side of the bathroom, which also featured a large marble vanity with REM toiletries, a large side-lit mirror and a makeup mirror that adjusted for height.

The comfortable lobby had two separate seating areas opposite the lounge/bar. At least two English-speaking staff members were always at the reception desk to answer questions and give directions for getting around. The hotel has conference facilities and a fine-dining restaurant with a terrace. Far from being isolated, it is near several casual restaurants with outdoor terraces.

Waldhotel Stuttgart

Guts-Muths-Weg 18
70597 Stuttgart, Germany