Nuremberg is one of Germany's largest and most active cities. Its range of accommodation is impressive, catering to the steady stream of businesspeople and visitors who come for the many festivals or simply to enjoy this historic town.

Rooms tend to be rather affordable in Nuremberg, offering everything from very cheap guesthouses to luxury lodgings in historic buildings. Most of the hotels fall into the mid-range category and reservations are advised if there's a trade fair or big festival happening.

Nuremberg's most luxurious hotel is Le Méridien Grand Hotel, the location of choice for celebrities and big shots when in town. It's one of the only pre-WWII buildings left in the city and its stately manner percolates into the rooms, the service and even the setting near Main Station. If it's modern style you prefer, the Maritim Hotel is ideal. The rooms are spacious and its location right on the edge of the Old Town means you can walk everywhere.

For a rare taste of pre-war Nuremberg ambiance, try the Romantik Hotel Am Josephsplatz. Nestled right in the historic centre of the city, this hotel was built in 1675, but its interior has been modernised with the latest amenities. The historic Hotel Steichele is another popular choice for those seeking Franconian tradition right in the heart of the Old Town.

The Old Town section of Nuremberg is one of the only remaining areas that embody the ancient character of this city as it existed before being bombed to the ground in WWII. Thankfully, many of the hotels within the medieval city walls are quite affordable and most are small intimate affairs. The Old Town is the ideal area to stay since you can walk everywhere from your hotel.

Outside the Old Town city walls lie a number of mid-range hotels clustered in strategic areas near important business or transport hubs. The Tafelhof district is one such area where you can find affordable rooms with a decent atmosphere and convenient location for using the excellent public transport network.

Just opposite Nuremberg's exhibition centre are a handful of large hotels that cater to the business crowd and those visiting for conventions. Anchoring this neighbourhood is the popular Hotel Arvena Messe. You'll need a room reservation if you plan to visit during one of the major fairs or markets such as February's Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair, the largest in the world.

On the upside, Nuremberg is largely a business-oriented city, and the best room rates are offered at weekends. If you plan to rent a car, keep in mind that most hotels do not have their own parking lots and the city parking lot fees can quickly add up. Also, the Old Town is mainly pedestrianised and parking spaces are a rare commodity.