My 1500th Review…read more
Located near the historic center of Schwabisch Gmund, I stayed at the Hotel Pelikan several times during my business trips to this region of Germany. There were several reasons for picking this hotel including easy access to the B29 motorway which provided a quick and easy route to and from Plüderhausen only a few miles (kilometers) away where I worked for several weeks at a time. Although I've had the opportunity to travel across most of Germany this by far is one of my favorite regions, the people here are just simply amazing as are the food and beer selections.
Although this hotel isn't by any means a five star property it is very clean and the staff are some of the most welcoming people I've ever had the opportunity to meet. Schwäbisch Gmünd boasts a rich and varied cultural experience and this hotel's location affords you an abundance of ways to spend your time off, its close proximity to great restaurants and amazing historic venues will allow you to get out on you're own to explore the city. It's likely no matter what time of the year you plan your visit there will be some kind of festival going on, it's apparent the German people celebrate anything and everything and the locals turn out in groves so there's plenty of opportunities to experience their culture, their hospitality, their food, their music and of course their awesome beer.
The hotel offers underground car parking, which can be accessed 24 hours a day for a moderate fee this is real plus since the narrow streets aren't very accommodating for parking. The rooms are comfortable but typical of many European business hotels in regards to size and amenities. One of my favorite meals of the day is breakfast and this hotel really knows how to lay it out with a huge selection of local dried meats and freshly cured hams and sausages, the best of the locally baked breads, rolls and pastries (the hard rolls with fresh butter is a meal in itself), fresh fruits, soft boiled eggs and juices along with lots of stout coffee and fresh cream. They will also pack you a lunch if you plan ahead if you need to hit the road early.
It was rare when we didn't have a business dinner and as late as we returned to the hotel we always found the hotel bar a welcoming place. Located under the hotel this bar is the perfect place to unwind with a relaxing drink after a long day of work or sightseeing. Within a few minutes after arriving at the bar during my first stay I felt like I had been here hundreds of times, what a credit to these gracious people. Oh in case you didn't know Germany has some of the best pork in the world and the BBQ pork ribs are to die for, the huge portions are meant to be shared so make sure you pass this giant platter around and if you're lucky they will set you up with a beautiful stein that will be hanging at the bar just waiting for you to return each evening.
The hotel staff was so friendly and helpful during each of my stays, the family atmosphere made business travel so relaxing and easy. If you struggle with the language don't worry they have plenty of people on hand that speak English but they also love it if you try and communicate in their native language as well and actually enjoy helping you out when needed, it's easier than you think so if you plan to be in this beautiful city consider staying here you won't regret it.
