Where to Stay in Stuttgart
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Stuttgart
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Regions of Stuttgart
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The historic heart of Stuttgart offers the highest concentration of hotels, from international chains to boutique properties. This area provides walkable access to museums, shopping streets, and cultural venues, making it ideal for first-time visitors. Expect premium pricing but excellent public transport connections.
A trendy residential area with excellent dining and nightlife, offering more characterful independent hotels and guesthouses. This zone appeals to travelers seeking a more authentic local experience while remaining well-connected to the center via U-Bahn.
Home to Europe's second-largest mineral water springs, this historic spa district offers thermal bath hotels and wellness-focused accommodations. Located just across the Neckar River from the city center, it combines therapeutic facilities with easy urban access and hosts the famous Cannstatter Volksfest fairgrounds.
Purpose-built for business travelers and trade fair attendees, this zone offers modern hotels with excellent conference facilities. Direct connections to the airport and fairgrounds make it practical for short business stays, though it lacks the character of central areas.
This baroque palace town 15 minutes north of Stuttgart offers elegant accommodations in a more relaxed setting. Famous for its stunning Residenzschloss palace and baroque gardens, it provides a cultural alternative base with excellent S-Bahn connections to Stuttgart while offering lower prices and more parking availability.
Esslingen's beautifully preserved medieval old town, located 15 minutes southeast of Stuttgart, offers charming half-timbered guesthouses and historic hotels. This area combines authentic Swabian atmosphere with proximity to Stuttgart's attractions, plus access to the Neckar wine route.
The hillside districts surrounding Stuttgart's basin offer panoramic views, proximity to urban vineyards, and a quieter atmosphere. Areas like Degerloch and Stuttgart-Süd provide access to hiking trails and the TV tower while remaining connected via funicular railways and public transport.
Towns on Stuttgart's southern edge provide access to the Swabian Alb UNESCO Biosphere Reserve while maintaining reasonable commuting distance to the city. These locations suit travelers combining urban exploration with hiking, cycling, and exploring medieval castles.
The western suburbs and towns bordering the Black Forest offer a gateway to Germany's famous forested highlands while maintaining S-Bahn connections to Stuttgart. This area suits those wanting to combine city visits with forest hiking and traditional German countryside experiences.
Following the Neckar River through terraced vineyards, this scenic area northeast of Stuttgart offers wine estate accommodations and riverside hotels. The region provides authentic Swabian wine culture experiences while remaining accessible via regional trains and river cycling routes.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Stuttgart
Major international chains including Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental, and Steigenberger maintain strong presence in Stuttgart's city center and airport area, catering primarily to business travelers and conference attendees. German chains like Motel One, Ibis, and Mövenpick offer reliable mid-range options with consistent standards. The region also features German hospitality groups like Maritim and Dorint, which blend international standards with local service traditions.
Family-run Gasthofs (traditional inns) and Pensionen (guesthouses) remain common in surrounding towns and residential areas, offering authentic Swabian hospitality often with excellent regional cuisine. Many wine estates (Weingüter) in the surrounding regions offer guest rooms, combining accommodation with wine tasting experiences. Stuttgart also has a growing boutique hotel scene, with design-focused properties in converted industrial buildings reflecting the city's innovative spirit.
The Stuttgart region offers several distinctive accommodation types: Weingut stays in working vineyards where guests can participate in harvest activities and wine tastings; thermal spa hotels in Bad Cannstatt utilizing the city's famous mineral springs; converted castle accommodations in surrounding medieval towns; and modern design hotels in repurposed industrial spaces reflecting Stuttgart's automotive heritage. Ferienwohnungen (vacation apartments) are popular for longer stays, particularly in residential hillside areas.
Booking Tips for Stuttgart
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Always check the Messe Stuttgart calendar before booking, as major trade fairs can inflate prices citywide and reduce availability dramatically. During major automotive shows, even hotels 30 kilometers from the city center fill up. Book 3-6 months ahead for trade fair periods, or consider staying in nearby cities like Tübingen or Heilbronn with train connections.
Stuttgart's business-focused hotel market means weekend rates are often 30-50% lower than weekdays, with better upgrade opportunities. Many business hotels offer special weekend packages including breakfast and sometimes museum tickets. Conversely, leisure-oriented areas like wine regions and spa towns may charge more on weekends.
Many Stuttgart hotels include the StuttCard or provide free public transportation tickets for guests, offering unlimited use of the excellent VVS transit network. This benefit can save €20-30 per day and makes staying in outer areas more attractive. Always verify transportation inclusions when comparing hotel prices, as this significantly affects total cost.
Central Stuttgart hotels often charge €15-30 per night for parking, and street parking is extremely limited. If driving, consider accommodations in suburban areas or surrounding towns with free parking, then use public transport for city visits. Many hotels in Ludwigsburg, Esslingen, and vineyard areas offer free parking while maintaining good S-Bahn connections.
German hotels, particularly independent properties and family-run guesthouses, often offer better rates and perks when booking directly rather than through third-party platforms. Many include breakfast, parking, or room upgrades for direct bookings. Email or call smaller properties in German if possible, as they may offer additional discounts not advertised online.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Stuttgart
For Christmas market period (late November-December) and major trade fairs, book 3-6 months in advance to secure reasonable rates and preferred locations. During automotive trade shows, even this may not be enough for central hotels. Summer months require 6-8 weeks advance booking for best selection.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and moderate demand outside trade fair dates. Booking 3-4 weeks ahead typically provides good selection and reasonable rates. Wine harvest season (late September-early October) requires earlier booking for vineyard accommodations.
January-February and November (excluding Christmas markets) see lowest demand and prices. Last-minute bookings often yield excellent deals, particularly for weekend stays. Business hotels especially discount heavily during these periods to fill rooms, making luxury stays more affordable.
For Stuttgart, always check trade fair calendars first, then book 4-6 weeks ahead for regular periods. Business travelers should book weekdays early; leisure travelers can often find weekend deals closer to arrival. Consider the VVS public transport network when evaluating location versus price, as excellent connections make outer areas viable alternatives to expensive central hotels.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Stuttgart