2 Best Hotels in Bamberg, Franconia and the German Danube

This half-timber house, which seems to float over the river Regnitz, is one of the city's most beautiful waterfront properties. Inside, many of its comfortable, simply-furnished rooms offers views along the rushing river to the Altes Rathaus. The optional (but highly recommended) breakfast is served in the hotel's Eckerts Wirtshaus restaurant, with its cozy podium fireplace and lovely bridge terrace. It's the perfect way to round out your stay, though it's also open for lunch if you wish to extend it.

Willy Messerschmitt (of fighter aircraft fame) grew up in this beautiful late-baroque house, and today its steep-eave, green-shuttered, stucco exterior gives way to a hotel filled with luxuriously spacious rooms. Guests can opt for everything from singles through the quadruples; if in doubt, choose the two-level suite. The excellent regional breakfast buffet is served in the on-site restaurant, while lunch can be enjoyed in the attached café-wine shop.