This crowd likes understated, intellectualized elegance, so chic modern art and Bauhaus furnishings contrast with the hotel setting first recorded in 1542. More statuary than I’ve ever seen in a hotel and on its grounds decorate the lobby, balconies, Anna Amalia Courtyard, and restaurants (3). This is the place to admire Bauhaus decor, since the design movement started here and the Bauhaus Museum is here. We toured the entire building, a showcase for that design movement, as well as for the centuries of Weimar’s history, since the establishment, located on the center market square, was the center of life here by 1600.

One of the fine restaurants is named after the Duchess Anna Amalia, friend of the poets and leader of the city’s social life in Goethe’s day. This formal room extends onto a stone patio with pond, bronze statuary, and a large elephant topiary in the enclosed courtyard with weeping trees. We chose the romantic cellar with Thuringian menu for a delicious late dinner. A third dining room and enticing Marlene piano bar were notably beautiful.

Our room was a suite with sofa and chair on one side of a room divider and sleeping room on the other. Our bath had the usual three facilities, each divided from the others with their own partitions--extra nice bath. The best things about our room on fourth floor were two sets of hinged windows that opened onto center market, where there was always activity to watch. Service and hospitality were exceptional and included turn-down, chocolates, and closing the curtains while we were out in the evening.

We especially liked the day clerk at the front desk. She spoke perfect English and always asked where we had visited each time we went out, which we did often, since all attractions were just up the streeet. She offered extra commentary on each one and on the hotel’s history and design, too. Her smile was "lighted," and we hope to see it again! She made an already perfect stay even better.

Our suite on the third floor was delightful! The sitting room had a comfy high black leather sofa with mod high tea table and a curious red leather bauhaus chair, one that is repeated in the Elephant Library and attracted much attention there. Our door opened onto a huge common sitting room (rather than a hallway) with simple, ultra-modern furnishings and decorations. The interior decor is significant, as it helped us to appreciate some modern designs that "come together" so well in antique buildings in Europe, better than in newer structures in this country -- something to ponder! Elephant’s interior is un-Sheraton, quite unique, and a jewel filled with art! Staying there is like staying in a museum!

Our bedroom had two natural wood closets built in on either side of the bed, and one bedside shelf (the male side?) was fitted with a control panel to radio, alarm, and lighting. The lighting was exciting. All closet doors in the bedroom and sitting room (two more closets) triggered recessed lights above them. An interesting bauhaus desk andchair completed the furnishings, and even the waste basket was different.

Our bath in black and gold tile was fabulous: extra large, as unique as everything else at Hotel Elephant, and complete with Sheraton personal items. The steam-free heated mirror was appreciated.

Service was great, everything immaculate, and our room was even cleaned while we were out in the afternoon with turn-down service and chocolate on the pillows. All front desk staff spoke great English and offered informative commentary on hotel history and decor. (Former guests include Tolstoi, Bach, Liszt, and Hitler.) Goethe and Schiller are still there, it seems -- their busts, statues, and other images are everywhere.

Guests can buy Elephant souvenirs: shirts, ties, scarves, jewelry, and key chains (38 euros). Rooms are expensive (our Junior Suite, close to 300 euros in season), but Sheraton Preferred Guest members may be glad to know that this hotel is a Category 2 -- only 3,000 points on weekends! That must be the deal of this century for such a quaint, lavish, and delightful visit to the German Enlightenment!