Hi all <BR> <BR>I am planning to take my fiance to Nuremberg in December 2001 to experience the Christmas markets. I am trying to find a nice, high quality hotel for us to stay at (preferably with good facilities and close to the action). So far, I have identified the Le Meriden Grand Hotel, the Carlton, the Atrium, and the Loew's Merkur. <BR> <BR>Does anyone have a view on any of these hotels, or on any others places I should consider? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance.

I'd like to know too. The Christmas markets are supposed to be awesome.

I have stayed at the Grand while visiting the Christmas markets and was very happy with the entire experience.<BR>The hotel is located just a few blocks from the Old Town where the market is, and is very comfortable in every way. Prices are somewhat higher than a couple of the other hotels you mentioned, but the Grand is also a cut above them.<BR>As I recall their restaurant is fancy and expensive, but there are lots of other eating places nearby that are much more reasonable.<BR>Have fun!

Maybe this isn't what you have in mind, but right by the old town in a wonderful small hotel, a Romantik hotel. It is a charming place -- no restaurant except for the beautiful breakfast room with a very nice breakfast. Rooms are beautifully decorated in a charming way.

Gratn,<BR>Another hotel that fits in with the ones listed is the Hotel Maritim...we've stayed there twice and the service is good, the location is convenient, etc. Of the hotels you've listed, probably the Meridien is the best bet.

Thanks all.<BR><BR>Unfortunately, we had to go ahead and book before I received your excellent advice. We are going this weekend, and will be staying at the new Arabella Sheraton.<BR><BR>I'll post a note when we get back to let you all know what we thought of it.<BR><BR>Merry Christmas!

Hi all<BR><BR>I am just back from Nuremberg, where we had a great weekend exploring the old town and attending the Christmas markets.<BR><BR>We stayed at the Arabella Sheraton Hotel Carlton, which has just reopened. The hotel is just outside the old town walls and was, we felt, in a convenient location - it only took 5 or 10 minutes to reach the "action". The hotel feels completely new and is well appointed with modern furnishing etc. We had a suite which was excellent, and included a huge balcony (as big as the suite itself) with views to the castle. The only negative was the bed - the pillows were unsupportive and we had separate single duvets which were small. <BR><BR>Service was good, although room service was a bit slow and Coke was only served in tiny 200 ml bottles. The food was good - we had breakfast and room service but did not try the restaurant for dinner.<BR><BR>We enjoyed the markets, although they were VERY crowded and most sold the same things - Christmas decorations, sausages, gluhwein and gingerbread. We were expecting more arts and crafts, but did not let that stop us having a good time.<BR><BR>Overall we had a great trip - but next year we may try somewhere a bit smaller.

Gratn, I agree with you about the markets not selling many handcrafted items. However, I stopped at the very small Luzern Christmas market yesterday and even though there were only about 8 huts, they did have some very nice handmade holiday items. <BR>FYI, anyone passing through Brussels this week-end, I'll be volunteering at the Canadian booth in the Christmas market! I'm American, but married to a Canadian, so they're letting me in ;-)<BR>Proceeds from the Canadian Women's Club stand at the market go to two charities...