We loved Novotel Karlsruhe! Travelers like us sans auto Novotel was perfect. Located just two stops…read morefrom the Hauptbahnhof Karlsruhe. Window facing room was clean and nice. Bathroom with shower was super. We get free two bottles of water everyday which is cool. Breakfast was pretty good and costs $19 per person. Friendly service.

I always enjoy the Novotel service, and this hotel was no exception. Check-in was great, and so was…read morethe room. Enough space to work comfortably. Breakfast was delicious, with a chef making eggs however you like them. I would come back.

Ettlingen is a small city with a charming old town and this modern hotel is just a few blocks away…read moreby foot. My stay was brief, only two nights, but I was impressed with both the staff and the breakfast buffet. The hotel room was functional, but not plush, with white walls and decor. A painting on one of the walls provided a welcome splash of color. There were also a few whimsical items to break up the utilitarian-style of the room, like a tree-branch style coat rack on one side of the closet and gummi bears in the shape of sheep on my pillow. The lobby also operates as a small bar, although the space is open to the upper floors so it has a bit of an echo. On one side there is a piano and an old-fashioned typewriter, that was a fun touch. Just next door there is a casual restaurant, Watt's Brasserie, and beer garden next to a nicer Italian restaurant. Plenty of options if you want to grab a quick beer or bite to eat without strolling into town. Wi-fi was included with the room and worked reasonably well. The TV stations are all German, except for CNN and CNBC. The nearest train station was in Karlsruhe that was about a 15 minute trip (~ €20) by taxi. There is a very small workout facility on the third floor and parking is available below the hotel. Important during those winter visits in the snow. There is a small park where you can take your dogs next door and playgrounds for kids within easy walking distance. While there isn't a ton to see and do in Ettlingen, if you are in the area, this was a fine and reasonably priced place to stay.