I will be staying a week in Heidelberg and using it as my base for day trips as well as exploring the town. I have a room reserved at Backmulde, a well-rated hotel in the Alstadt. Wondering however, about a possible change to a hotel on Plock Street.
I thought this might be more convenient for bus and train travel, yet still be close to Alstadt for Christmas Market. The hotel I am considering is the Nassauer Hof. Is anyone familiar with it? There are only 3 reviews on TripAdviser, and 2 of those are very old.

Barbara, I took a trip to the German Christmas markets the 2nd week of December in 2004 & spent 2 nights in Heidelberg at the Hotel Hollander Hof. It's location is excellent, just next to the old bridge & within easy walking distance of everything, including the markets. It is moderately priced, nothing fancy, but with a very nice staff. I had a room on the top floor, under the eaves with a view of the river - fantastic! When I checked in to my room there was a thermos of hot mulled cider & Christmas cookies waiting for me. A very nice touch! I have no experience with the hotel you are considering, but, I would recommend the Hollander if you aren't looking for a luxury hotel. BTW, I was amazed with the number of Italians visiting the town & Christmas shopping while I was there. I swear I heard more Italian spoken than German. Have a great time.... I know I did!

I had checked with the Hollander Hof earlier, and double-checked today. Alas, they (like the majority of hotels) are booked.
I will probably keep my original booking at the Backmulde.
I re-read the Tripadviser and Karen Brown reviews today and it sounds quite lovely. I am somewhat concerned about the reception desk being up a flight of stairs, but maybe the taxi driver will help with luggage.

Barbara
I hope you have a great trip but I strongly suggest that you only pack what you can carry up a flight of stairs. CJ

Good advice, Carol Jean. I pondered my choices for a few days and emailed the Tourist Bureau in Heidelberg to ask if both hotels were nice, and in safe areas. After receiving a favorable reply, I canceled the reservation in the historic hotel with stairs. Given some occasional mobility problems,
I decided that EASY trumped ATMOSPHERIC.

I am planning to use Heidelberg as my base for day trips. The "new" hotel (Nassauer Hof) is close to the Bismarckplatz transportation hub, and just 1 block off the pedestrianized historic core. After exchanging several cordial emails, I called the hotel to give them my credit card number. They said "Oh, is this Barbara?"..as if they knew who I was and were happy to hear from me. It made me feel that I would be well taken-care of when I visit, which is a comfort since I am a senior citizen traveling alone.
I leave 2 weeks from today, and will post a report when I return.

Backmulde is highly recommended by Karen Brown. The web site said it is a quiet little Inn,etc.... I found it to be loud - it seems there is student housing very close that play loud music to the wee hours. The rooms were not clean and the restaurant was never open.

I would certainly consider your other options.

I have just returned from my stay in Heidelberg. Nassauer Hof Hotel was a great choice...a very solid 3* hotel. Excellent location and staff was very nice.
Upon reflection, I think one difference is that at Backmulde the hotel operation is secondary to the restaurant. I'm glad I didn't go with Karen Brown's recommendation, which had been my original influence.

www.hotel-nassauer-hof.de