“The cradle of the automobile”: Stuttgart, and that isn’t for no reason. Therefore, the concept of the V8 Hotel fits in perfectly. And even with two girls that aren’t particularly fond of cars, staying here is a real adventure.
The epochs of the automotive history are reflected in the furnishing of the hotel rooms. Rooms are designed with a superb link to the theme of cars. We are sleeping in the ‘Drive-In Cinema’: a big, bright red car with huge headlights who can lighten the room in front of us. Opposite a big TV screen to highlight the cinema feeling. Our girls have their own beds, sleeping side by side, staring at amazing painted decorations on the wall and roof. Before going to sleep they have tough time choosing the movie they want to see next morning.
Bright and shining: the V8 Hotel
Several other room types are available. Our room is suitable for families up to 5 people. Junior Suites are for 2, as are the Double Rooms and the other amazing car themed rooms. Service apartments are ready for a ‘long-stay’ residence, a spacious family room or simply when you need just that extra room. And on top there’s the Mercedes Suite, situated over four floors with your very own rooftop terrace. There you can enjoy your unlimited views in a secluded setting. But: with kids a family or themed room will have a much bigger impact we suppose.
"On such a bed... I don't mind posing..."
As for the staff, we have seen better service and the hotel does not really offer a convenient place to relax after a day full of activity. But we love the trust in customers that is shown by placing a little fridge on the corridor; you just sign what you use. Other facilities are a little gym, spa and sauna. An Italian restaurant is situated on the ground floor, make sure to check the opening times though and book ahead.
V8 Hotel is part of the Motor world, located at Bolingen. This huge exhibition is situated on 25.000m² in the former halls of the first airport of Baden-Württemberg, next to the V8 Hotel. Here you can admire beautiful classic cars, sporty ‘Young-Timers’ and very special rarities. You can find a shopping area close by and the hotel offers arrangements with a leading Golf Club and a real flight simulator. Another nice service the hotel provides is to enjoy a day in a super sports car of your choice (Mercedes, AMG Tesla, Porsche). Or motorcycle enthusiasts will love to ride a real Harley-Davidson through the streets of Stuttgart.
The V8 Hotel comes in handy when you are en route through Germany, since it’s close to the highway and has plenty of free parking. But it’s also a delightful place where you can stay for more than one night, as Stuttgart has a lot to offer. It is an economic powerhouse and a visit to the city would not be complete without a visit to an automobile museum. Or two, as this is the only city in the world with 2 automotive museums: the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche museum. Do take in mind that both museums are not really close by.
What is close by is Sensapolis, the largest indoor adventure park in Germany. It’s open all year round, fully air-conditioned and weather-independent. Consider a visit later than 16.30 hours, since it has reduced fees after that time. But we must be honest: our kids could easily spend all day here.
Fairy-tales in Sensapolis
North of Stuttgart you will find an area known as Bad Cannstatt, which is home to Europe’s second largest mineral spas. Das Leuze Mineral Spa offers several family friendly features: the spa is home to a total of 8 swimming and bathing pools covering over 1700 square meters. A combination of both indoor and outdoor pools with varying degrees of temperature. And there’s of course the hop on hop of bus, as in most in cities. It provides us with the ability to roam and hear the history behind a city. The Stuttgart City tour round trip is 100 minutes.
And last but not least: The zoological botanical garden Wilhelma combines over 70 acres of plants, animals and historic buildings. This huge garden is in the heart of Stuttgart. Another getaway is the Killesberg Hill Park: water fountains, a 40-meter-high observation tower with fantastic 360-degree views, vast children’s play areas, a petting zoo, an open-air swimming pool and a children's theatre.
WOW
# Excellent place for car lovers, very special car themed rooms and surrounded by all kind of activities.
# Our girls love to play around in Sensapolis. Roofed so even on a rainy day you are guaranteed of fun.
# V8 Hotel is a great base for automotive activities. For those seeking anything else: Stuttgart offers much more. It’s a place worthwhile exploring. Don’t forget a vignette by the way if you want to enter the centre by car.
