Mark Twain in German-Language Newspapers and Periodicals

English Translation of the 1875 Review of the Schloss-Hotel in Heidelberg

When Uhland has his seven merry brothers commemorate the fact "that a new inn has opened over at the Waldgebirg," we too may commemorate a similar event, now that the stream of foreigners seems to be gaining the right momentum to direct it to a worthy point. We are referring to Albert's Schloßhotel in Heidelberg. Only a few minutes away from the famous castle, it is surrounded by beautiful nature on all sides. From its windows, its 21 balconies and 5 terraces, you can see the simple idyll of beautifully wooded mountains and lush meadows to the south and east. To the north, the view is immersed in the cozy confines of the Neckar valley with the heights of the Schlosserweg and the Engelswiese. To the east, it sweeps joyfully through the rich romance of the German Alhambra [Heidelberg Castle], Old Heidelberg's fine mountains and the laughing hills opposite and loses itself with the sparkling river in the wide, cheerful Palatinate plain, which is bordered by the golden-scented mountains of the wine-growing Hardt. This is the view when you look into the distance. No less pleasing is the view inside the castle hotel. Mr. Albert, known to the widest circles as one of the best innkeepers and an expert on tourist life in the grand style, has created a true showpiece of a hotel. The castle hotel, newly built and furnished in fine taste, has 90 guest rooms, 8 royally furnished lounges, 1 ladies' salon, 1 music salon, 1 reading salon and 1 billiard room, as well as 4 separate dining rooms. The kitchen and cellar offer only the finest and most amazing culinary variety, and the serving staff leave nothing to be desired. That said, Mr. Albert's prices are by no means exaggerated, but fully commensurate with the services provided by his establishment. A visit to this unique inn will therefore be a particular pleasure for any tourist visiting Heidelberg.

Contents of this annotation: