Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [588]
Hotel Residence ( 348 710; www.hotelresidence.de; Hohenlohestrasse 42; s €75-98, d €95-145; ) Many celebrities have stayed in this century-old terrace converted to a charming hotel, including Destiny’s Child and writer Harry Rowohlt – check out the photos near reception. The main building has rooms to the street, while the newer extension backs onto the railway line but is still reasonably quiet. A sauna, solarium, bar and dining room complete the package.
Hotel Lichtsinn ( 368 070; www.hotel-lichtsinn.com; Rembertistrasse 11; s/d €85/110; ) Wooden floorboards, Persian carpets and vaguely Biedermeier-style furniture characterise most of this hotel’s rooms, a favourite with the theatre world. To use the wi-fi, you’ll need a PCMCIA (PC Card) slot.
Hotel Bremer Haus ( 329 40; www.hotel-bremer-haus.de; Löningstrasse 16/20; s €85-126, d €110-150; ) The yellow exterior of this place is somewhat unappealing, but it gives way to modern, clean and comfortable rooms inside that are especially favoured by business travellers. It has a small foyer lounge for mulling over the newspapers and a 24-hour reception; some doubles are more like junior suites.
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Top End
Hotel Überfluss ( 322 860; www.hotel-ueberfluss.com; Langenstrasse 72/Schlachte 36; s €139-154, d €184-199, ste €359; ) Quite literally 7m above river level, this designer hotel has black bathrooms (some with transparent shower areas) and stunning views from its more expensive rooms. For splashy fun, the magnificently designed suite has its own sauna and whirlpool. This one is perfect for a honeymoon.
Park Hotel ( 340 80; www.park-hotel-bremen.de; Im Bürgerpark; s €145-290, d €195-340, ste from €585; ) This domed lakeside mansion, surrounded by parkland, impresses through its sheer extravagance. It offers access to excellent spa, fitness and beauty facilities, a heated outdoor pool and views over the lake in a traditional ‘spa resort’ ambience.
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EATING
Town Centre
Energie Cafe ( 277 2510; www.energiecafe.de, in German; Sögestrasse 59-61; mains €6-15.50; 9am-10pm Mon-Fri, 10am-10pm Sat; ) A delightfully upbeat cafe run by a local power company, this place serves delicious pizza, pasta, lunch specials (€6 to €8) and meat mains (from €10.50). It has regular jazz sessions and a whiz interior.
Delano ( 338 7400; Queerenstrasse 1; mains €6-22; noon-midnight; ) The black wood furniture, fat columns and ringed black-and-white lampshades lend this Italian brasserie sophistication. Each menacingly large pizza (€8 to €13) comes in an elongated oval shape and is meant to be eaten between two.
Ständige Vertretung ( 320 995; Böttcherstrasse 3-5; mains €8-16; 11.30am-11pm; ) An offshoot of Berlin’s best-known restaurant for homesick Rhineland public servants, this large, bustling place thrives on its political theme and solid cuisine washed down with Rhineland wines and beer – the photos of movers and shakers on the walls will keep you guessing.
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Schlachte & Around
Freudenhaus ( 322 860; Langenstrasse 72/Schlachte 36; mains €11-28; 7am-midnight; ) This upmarket restaurant inside Hotel Überfluss is a very classy act and serves gourmet dishes, such as coq au vin of Bresse poulard with chick-pea mousse, white cabbage in cider and champignons prepared with rosé wine (€17). This is complemented by a seafood menu and lighter dishes.
Gallo Nero ( 957 9958; Heimlichenstrasse 1; pasta €7.50-13, mains €16-22; lunch & dinner; ) A delicious haricot-bean cream soup with a peppery bite and reasonably priced saltimbocca alla Romana are for the asking in this friendly Italian restaurant. If you’re eating alone, retreat into the niche on the left as you