The Romantik Hotel Markusturm is beautifully located in the Altstadt next to the historic St Mark’s Tower, just minutes away from the central Marktplatz (Market Square). It formed part of the town wall when the enwalled town was significantly smaller but is now basically in the middle of what constitutes the current "Old Town". Parts of the hotel date from 1264 and the building was used as an inn or hotel since 1488.

It is a relatively small establishment with only 25 rooms - thankfully all but four are non-smoking. The rooms are relatively large with traditionally painted rustic furniture. Some rooms apparently have antique furniture as well but we were quite charmed with our Bavarian style room. The bathroom was positively massive with modern fittings and all the expected amenities.

Although our room fronted the cobble stone street, it was surprisingly quiet. I recalled a previous stay during summer in a cobble street front room in the very pleasant Hotel Goldener Hirsch that was really noisy at night. This time we went in winter and closed windows all night obviously helped. We were hoping to stay in the Goldener Hirsch again but it was fully booked. However, we didn’t regret the change and would probably prefer the Markusturm again in future.

Breakfast is included in the room rate and served in a cozy wood paneled room on the ground floor. It is a substantial buffet by German standards including cereals, yogurt, eggs, meats, bread, fruit, juice and very good coffee. The Bavarian restaurant is apparently highly rated but we did not dine there ourselves.

The hotel is run by the Berger family and we found all personnel that we dealt with very friendly and helpful. Useful brochures and maps of Rothenburg are placed in guestrooms and available in various languages from the front desk. Parking is available for free and the hotel is located just outside the traffic free zone. It is about five minutes by taxi to the station.

The only post office inside the old town is in Milchmarkt, behind the hotel.

We paid around DM 200 for a large double room in December 2000, significantly less than the Euro 190 available currently through the same booking service that we used.