After booking travel for my business trip way too late, I failed to find space in the hotel with the rest of my colleagues (The Graf Zeppelin). The goal was to travel around this part of Germany using only the local trains; so being next to the main station (Hauptbahnhof) in Stuttgart was key. The travel consultant at work couldn't find anything with availability, so I did my own research, quickly zero-ing in on the Arcotel Camino.
It ended up being a good choice. The hotel was just a short walk from where my arrival train stopped (ICE rail from Frankfurt airport). Despite the very cold weather outside and the somewhat chilly decor in the main entrance, I received a warm welcome at the front desk. My check-in was brisk and efficient; and when I realized I'd forgotten my travel power adapter, they allowed me to pick out two from a box of used spares (which I returned later at checkout time).
My top floor room was immense by European standards, with high ceilings and a large, comfy bed. (Turned out they had given me a junior suite...score!) I would have crashed right then had it not been only four in the afternoon. (I was trying to reset my sleep clock). I did my best to coffee-up and get some work done before meeting my colleagues for dinner. Wi-Fi was included and worked well.
I was only here for two nights and, sadly, sleep quality was not the best. But that's because I was mostly on California time. No real complaints about the bed or comfort level. (It makes me want to come back and attempt a do-over)
Here's where I confess that the breakfast buffet, despite being VERY pricey (about 47 U.S. dollars), was probably my favorite part. Sliced meats; cheeses; fresh baked breads; jams and marmalades; pastries galore; multiple egg dishes; sausage, ham, smoked salmon, even apple strudel with whipped cream. I went a little nuts on my first morning, though partly because I was famished. (It didn't hurt that the coffee was excellent).
The only hiccup was when I showed up on the second morning and just wanted a quick coffee before catching my train. They were confused and didn't know how to handle this request, so they poured me a cup to drink out by the bar (no travel cups available). I would have been happy to pay something, but they weren't set up for that, so no charge. I thought it all very odd though.
The rest of my stay here was mostly in soft focus. I was sleep-deprived for the majority and did not get a chance to try out the gym (though a quick exploration showed it had minimal equipment). Nor did I visit the bar (which was brightly lit and laid out to be a social hub - i.e. no place to "hide" with a drink.)
In summary, the Arcotel Camino fit my needs well enough for quick business trip with good train access, but I did not have enough time (or alertness) to really enjoy it. Plus there were a few nits and minor issues. But my impression was good enough that I'd certainly stay here again.
Pros: Clean, upscale hotel; friendly staff; comfortable rooms; close to train station; and great buffet breakfast
Cons: Furnishings were a little spartan; no good views; No printer in the business center; pricey buffet was the only option for breakfast; and located on a very busy, high speed motorway read more