I stayed here for 3 nights in April 2007. Single room with private bathroom.
I had 2 requirements for the hotel:
1) Proximity to the train station; given I was taking 2 daytrips
2) Cheap
I had looked into recommendations by Rick Steves and Fodors, and also looked at listings from the Nürnberg tourism website. The hotels in guidebooks are either too expensive, or no website (I didn't want to bother with calling.)
There was some snafu when I tried to book Pillhofer. It is listed on the Nürnberg tourism website, so I booked it through the website. I got an automatic reply email from the tourism website, but never a confirmation from the hotel.
So, I emailed the hotel directly and reiterated my booking dates. I received a reply, but saying that there are only doubles available. I wrote back and said No Thanks, as I couldn't afford the double. The next day, they emailed back and said the single is available.
I then wrote to ask if they need my CC info to confirm my reservation, and I never heard back from the hotel.
1 week before my trip, I called the hotel to confirm my booking, and it was good.
The rate was €54/night inclu Breakfast.
I was somewhat concerned about the size of a single room. My past experience with European single rooms is that they're tiny. I didn't want to stay in a tiny box for 3 nights.
Anyway, the single room is HUGE. It fits a single bed, a closet, a desk, a chair, a small single sofa, and a small coffee table!
The is quiet as it faces the back. The hotel also provides a free bottle of water every night, which I thought was a very nice touch. There is no elevator in the hotel, and the guest rooms begin on the 3rd floor. There is minimal service, my room was not cleaned during my entire stay except for trash being emptied. The bath towel is the roughest I've ever used. I felt like I was getting an exfoliation treatment everytime I dry myself.
Amenities are at a minimum. There is bath/shower gel; not sure about hairdryer (I don't use one). My room has a full length mirror which is nice.
Overall, the guesthouse is more of a restaurant than a hotel. There is no front desk, and certainly no one to provide maps or sightseeing suggestions.
The location is perfect for me. It is a 1-minute walk to the train station. It is also just across the street from the Tourist Information center (opens 9-7). Inside the TI are 2 computer terminals with internet access (free; 15-minute lockout).
Breakfast spread is limited. There's different kinds of bread rolls and 3-4 kinds of cold cuts. 3-4 kinds of cheese. 1 choice of cereal, and don't think there was yogurt. No hard-boiled eggs.
The hotel seems empty during my stay. I hardly saw any other guests at breakfast.
I would not hesitate to stay there again in the future.
- Gasthaus Pillhofer Nuremberg
