Altstadt Kasererbrau

The regal Hotel Kasererbräu, housed in a 650-year-old brewery, is squeezed onto Kaigasse, a tiny street in Altstadt.

This 45-room four-star hotel, a member of the Flair chain, has the usual luxury amenities, but it also has a boutique atmosphere. Individually decorated rooms come with magnificent antique furniture and giant en suite bathrooms, making this a perfect splurge for those in search of a beautiful space in a central location.

We were completely enamored of the brilliant furnishings: kiln-style furnaces, knotty, hand-painted pine furniture and exquisite canopy beds. Largely undecorated walls and bare floors keep things from feeling too busy. Colorful tiled bathrooms are a refreshing break from the usual "sparkling white" bathrooms found in most luxury hotels.

Kasererbräu's rooms are divided into six price categories, each based on the amenities offered. All rooms are equipped with a telephone, cable TV and Internet access. Minibars and bathtubs, however, are found only in the more expensive doubles. There's also an apartment available, which includes two large double rooms connected by a common foyer.

The hotel has a large spa with a sauna, solarium and Turkish bath on the ground floor, which guests can use for free. The nice views and large complimentary breakfast buffet are additional plusses.