Sophistication is the name of the game at the four-star Hotel Elephant, with a Bauhaus-style staircase spiraling into a library-esq lobby. Attention to detail radiates from all four corners of the hotel and quality leaps out from every inch of the décor. Once a meeting point for important folk like Goethe and Bach, the hotel is slap bang in the middle of Weimar and visits to the Bauhaus museum and Goethe's Garden House should feature on any agenda. Fine-tune your expectations to high and you won't be disappointed.

If you fancy the freedom of four wheels, commandeer a suite at the hotel as they come with the added bonus of complimentary use of an Audi A8 saloon car (subject to availability). After a hard day's navigation round the area, park up and then sink into a soft leather armchair in the wood-paneled library bar and enjoy a drink surrounded by an interesting collection of literature and music. Make use of the cultural representative who will organise anything from a banquet to a museum tour.

Opulence surrounds you from the moment you put your key in the door. The 99 spacious rooms and suites are all kitted out in contemporary design, with classic Bauhaus architecture, Art Deco elements and select paintings gracing each of the individually-styled rooms' walls. Comfortable beds and modern bathrooms complete the package. Unlike its name, this is one hotel you won't forget.