Vroom with a View
After many, many months of travelling the grumpies have found what they consider to be a totally “wow” experience and trip.
Stuttgart is only one hour twenty minutes away but if you like cars then boy oh oh boy, have we found you the place to visit.
The V8 hotel at Motorworld was brought to life in 2008 when what was an old airfield and then an American base was returned to Stuttgart. The terminal building built in the style of “Bauhaus” was protected so could not be transformed into offices or dwelling and so the concept of the V8 hotel was born.
It is very apt given Porsche and Mercedes-Benz factories and museums are in the vicinity and many car enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to view both.
This is by far the most exciting, interesting, fascinating hotel we have ever stayed in. In the heart of Motorworld it is a petrol-head’s dream but equally fascinating for anyone, including long-suffering partners of grumpies, who aren’t as passionate about cars and motorbikes.
The V8 is much more than a hotel given it also houses a microbrewery and two large halls of vintage cars and interactive art gallery. The Hall of Legends has an array of prestigious motors fit to rival any car museum while the Trading Hall houses top-of-the-range cars on view behind glass cases. They are quite simply jaw-dropping. If you want more than cars, visit the Harley-Davidson centre on site.
Ten rooms here are themed – and I mean beautifully themed –with attention to detail like you will not have experienced before. We were both fascinated by shiny exhaust pipes upcycled into modern upright lamps and comfy stools made out of old oil cans. We loved the garage room with the fake mechanic legs sticking out from under the car bed and the safari room with its fantastic artwork and hammock but were totally blown away by the Mercedes-Benz Suite that is in what was once a control tower. Neither of us felt like venturing out from it and could have spent a week exploring the several floors that make up this suite, hanging out in the sauna or sitting high up on the roof terrace enjoying the view of the entire airfield.
The entire hotel is a fusion of art, glamour, automobile and aviation history. Even the lift is stunning decorated to resemble a workshop. There are surprises around every corner from old Dodge trucks in reception, Vespas on landings, fabulous paintings and in one hall, you even walk under an old airplane hanging from the ceiling.
To cap it all there are excellent restaurants within short walks including the Steakhouse in “Tower66” with its distinctly American feel, “Da Signora” with its Mediterranean food – our favourite being The Check In housed next to a flight simulation centre where wannabe pilots can grab some virtual instruction on a 747. Should you fancy learning some culinary skills while here, join in at Targa Florio.
There is a surprising amount to see and do. There is even a sporty Wiesmann car to hire should you fancy running into Stuttgart for an afternoon of shopping or sightseeing.
There are plans to expand the hotel and Porsche are setting up next to the new building. Plans at this stage are being kept under wraps but expect something astonishing from owner Simeon and his team. The grumpies learned there will even be a room in the new place for those collecting cars from the factories. The owner will be able to can drive their brand new car into an garage and sleep next to it, partitioned by a glass wall before you both make the journey home.
In brief, there is way more to do here than you could imagine. The V8 team consists of some of the most helpful and enthusiastic people you could possibly meet. Book a themed room and be prepared for a totally fabulous experience. However, make sure your grumpy does not bring his chequebook. He might well be tempted to buy one the incredible cars on display.
You also have a super option for grumpy-loving spouses. Head to the “Outletcity of Metzingen” where you’ll find the HUGO BOSS factory with more than 70 Outlet stores with top brands at low prices.
The V8 Hotel classic also has a new, larger brother: the new V8 HOTEL – with a total of 153 design and themed rooms, apartments, meeting rooms, restaurant and bar which you may also be interested in visiting!
V8 Hotel
Graf-Zeppelin-Platz 1
71034 Boblingen
Germany
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