ERFURT pensions or decent mid-range guesthouses you recommend?

I recall his Erfurt section mentioned it being short on family run type places. So I stayed about 2 weeks ago in his recommended (business style) Mercure Hotel Erfurt Alstadt. The location can't be beat. The staff were very helpful and pleasant.

Thank you - will look into it. Your prompt reply is appreciated!
If there are other responses, I would welcome them....

I'd look at booking.com and read reviews about the best-rated places in your desired area. I've found the booking.com reviews generally helpful, because you can only leave a review if you've actually stayed at the place and reserved through booking.com. I'm sure there are places not listed on that platform, but you might find a gem. However, one imagines there's probably a reason Rick doesn't list places of the type he usually prefers--i.e., they may not exist. In 2015 I ended up staying in a business-y hotel right near the train station because I couldn't find a good deal on a place closer to the center.

Erfurt is beautiful; be sure to see the merchants' bridge.

Thanks to the person (acraven) who replied from Washington. I will look at those reviews. I look forward to seeing Erfurt!
Johanna

I can also recommend the Mercure in Erfurt. The location indeed was excellent, the staff friendly, the room comfortable and the breakfast buffet was extraordinary. We usually prefer smaller hotels or B&Bs but a last minute change of plans and need for parking landed us here. No regrets. We truly enjoyed this city and hope you do too. Safe travels.

I'm on night #1 of 3 at Hotel Domizil. 10-12 rooms. Family-owned. Right beside Domplatz. I'm listening to the Oktoberfest band play on Domplatz as I sit at the desk in my room with the window open. I love this place. No idea what the December rate is... prices go up across Germany for December due to Christmas Market demand.

http://www.hotel-domizil-erfurt.de/en/home/

Actually, on the website you can see when rooms are open. Looks like they have some double rooms open for 125 euro/night most December nights -- not sure what counts as "mid range" for you. I think it's 105 euro/night for single use.

Erfurt is nice, but I think Weimar is a better base for a few days. More to do. Opinion.

Edit: I neglected to observe that (because we had a car) we did a long daytrip to Quedlinburg. It is a tedious train trip from Erfurt (maybe easier from Leipzig), but I cannot say enough good things about Quedlinburg. If it had more to do (it has a vast amount to "look at", I would rate it above Erfurt. Because you are anxious to stay in Erfurt, I suggest that you consider Quedlinburg as part of your trip.

This link does NOT indicate how beautiful the old city is, but it's why I looked into Quedlinburg myself: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theft_of_medieval_art_from_Quedlinburg

In April, we stayed 3 nights in Erfurt with Hotel Zumnorde. Very accommodating and friendly folks. We found Erfurt to be a lovely place to unwind after our very busy stops in Munich and Nurnberg + day trips in 8 days. Housed in an 19th century townhouse. We'd suggest you look them up. The city seems to be right out of a post card. Not fancy but very friendly and helpful in exploring the unique features of the city. Breakfast not included but we went looking for the first bakery we could find Yum!

@Dave that hotel looks lovely, good find! Enjoy your days in Erfurt.

I was looking at Google maps to plot out some of tomorrow's activities and just happened to notice there is a nearby pension that has good marks on Booking and Tripadvisor... Altstadtpension am Dom.

Website only in German: http://www.altstadtpension-erfurt.de/

But on the Booking website, it says, "Wir sprechen Ihre Sprache!" -- "We speak your language!"
(I just noticed I'm on the Booking Germany site -- maybe it's in English in Canada?).
(I also just noticed that 14 of 16 reviews on TripAdvisor are German + 1 Dutch + 1 Russian)

Single from 69 euro/night
Double from 89 euro/night
Price includes breakfast

My place is definitely brighter!

@Mona... Thanks!

hello all,
I would like to thank everyone for their lively and heartfelt responses. There is plenty for us to work with, so thank you all.

You've given us some good choices. I am heading for Montreal now but will explore all this once we arrive.
My reason for being in Erfurt is that I am preparing for an extended volunteer opportunity in the spring, and would like to meet the folks first, for a sense of mutual fit. Christmas seemed like a great time to try. So yes, I also hope to see Weimar, in the vicinity!

with warm appreciation, from Ontario, bis spater!
Johanna

One more plus for Hotel Domizil is breakfast. The selection is fabulous, and the breakfast room is great. Normally, I read the news on my phone during breakfast. This morning, I sat in front of a big window and stared at the cathedral while watching Erfurt get its morning started.

Wow Dave, sounds fabulous, enjoy!

Added thought...I rescind my comment that the location of my hotel (Mercure) can't be beat; while it is centrally located in the heart of town, for the castle, and especially to be in the heart of Erfurt's Oktoberfest, clearly Dave found a winner of a place!

Completed my stay. Hotel Domizil was awesome. Highly recommended.

We just came back from 7 weeks in
Germany and Hotel Domizil in Erfurt was hands down our favorite place to stay. The rooms are lovely and the breakfast was delicious and varied.

So... Johanna... where did you stay and how was it?