Hi, we will be spending two nights in Mainz in early September. I'm not highly familiar with the area but I do know I don't want or need to be near the train station, which is where so many posted forum recommendations have pointed. Can you give me recommendations for a nice place in a picturesque area, Old Town perhaps? We will be driving so will need either hotel parking or we will find a car park close by. Many thanks for your help!
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
Can you give me recommendations for a nice place in a picturesque area, Old Town perhaps?
You are correct that the station area isn't picturesque. The reason I and others are content with the station area is largely one of selection and convenience. And it's just a few blocks from those hotels to the pedestrianized commercial zone, where things quiet down, traffic ends, and shops/restaurants line the paths toward the Marktplatz and the old town.
There's not much right in the old town, but I'd look into the Hof Ehrenfels for the atmosphere and location you seek. Haven't stayed there myself.
I usually stay at the Ibis, about 3 blocks up Augustinerstrasse to the south from the southern end of the old town zone. I like the location a little better as it's closer than the main station area to the Rhine, the city park, and Mainz's core sights and old town - and because it's 1 block from a secondary station (Mainz Roemisches Theater) where a Roman Theatre was unearthed a couple decades ago. The immediate area around the Ibis is more city than old-town though.
Can't advise you on parking. Never had the desire to drive inside Mainz when I was renting in Europe, and in recent years I became a 100%-by-train traveler.
Posted by
Berlin
3008 posts
If you have a car why Mainz and not beautiful old town Eltville, Schloss Reinhartshausen or very special tip Eberbach Monastery? All just across river Rhine.
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
The trouble is, most hotels in Mainz are near the train station. One exception is the Hilton but that one gives a strong conference hotel vibe (I went to a conference in the adjoining hall last year), and Hof Ehrenfels as mentioned.
I really enjoyed my stay at Hotel Hammer last year, but it is right in front of the station.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1488 posts
What you want is the Hyatt Regency. It's on the edge of the old town, on the banks of the Rhine with a great view up and down the river, a very good restaurant, and it is built into the old Fort Malakoff.
Posted by
Salt Lake City
1528 posts
We have stayed at the Ibis on Russ's advice and had a good stay. It is an easy walk to downtown.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
I would choose the Hyatt, near the Römisches Theater stop. (do go exploring here, as well as the near-by St. Stephens with the Chagall windows)