relexa Waldhotel Schatten Stuttgart

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about the relexa Waldhotel Schatten? The name literally means “shadow” in German, but this place is anything but dark – it’s actually tucked into this surprisingly lush pocket of forest right in Vaihingen, which honestly feels like cheating since you’re still technically in Stuttgart. I mean, you drive down Magstadter Strasse expecting typical suburban hotel vibes, and suddenly you’re pulling into what feels like a proper woodland retreat.

The whole setup is pretty clever, actually. They’ve got this 4-star operation going where you can literally walk out the back and hit forest trails (locals use them for morning jogs – you’ll see plenty of Germans in their athletic gear by 7 AM), but you’re also just a quick S-Bahn ride from Stuttgart’s center. The Vaihingen station is close enough that you don’t need a car, though parking here is refreshingly stress-free if you do drive. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night – none of that city hotel hum or random hallway conversations at midnight. The forest actually absorbs sound in a way that makes you sleep deeper than you expect.

The rooms are solidly comfortable without trying too hard to be trendy – think quality German efficiency with some thoughtful touches. The breakfast setup is where they really shine, though. It’s one of those spreads where you can tell they’re sourcing locally (the bread alone will make you understand why Germans take their bakeries so seriously), and they set it up in this bright dining area that looks straight out into the trees. I actually ended up extending my checkout just to linger over coffee while watching the light filter through the canopy – which sounds cheesy, but honestly, when’s the last time a hotel made you want to slow down instead of rush to the next thing? The 7.6 rating makes sense to me; it’s not flashy or Instagram-perfect, but it delivers on the things that actually matter when you’re trying to recharge. Plus, if you’re doing business in Stuttgart’s tech corridor, you’re perfectly positioned – a lot of the corporate parks are right in this area, but you get to retreat to your forest hideaway at the end of the day instead of some sterile business hotel.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $140. Economy Double Room with 1 queen bed for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $164. Superior Double Room with 1 queen bed for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $188. Junior Suite with 1 queen bed for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $142. Superior Single Room with 1 twin bed for Max. people: 1
• Estimated price from: $188. Junior Suite Single with 1 queen bed for Max. people: 1

Reviews

• Very Good – Dagmara from Belgium – July 24, 2025 (8/10)

  The location is great – easy to get there from the highway, with a forest all around, quiet at night. The staff were very helpful and nice.
  
  What could be improved: The interior is a bit former glory from the 90s, but all is clean and well maintained.

• Great stay whilst driving through Germany. – Sebastian from Belgium – July 23, 2025 (8/10)

  Good location for us as we were motorcycling down to Croatia. Easy parking and possible to park in underground secure parking if needed.
  Also very good breakfast.

• We like hotels that have a clean, down-to-earth, friendly feeling, are near nature with friendly staff and a good breakf – Jody from United States – June 30, 2025 (9/10)

  It is very close to Stuttgart but outside the city surrounded by nature and trails. We could easily walk to the restaurant/Beer Garden Burg Bärle. Very friendly staff, especially the breakfast staff. Breakfast was everything and more than we like to eat and you could sit outside and look into the trees. The beds were comfortable. The hotel has many cosy sections where you could sit and read or visit with friends.
  
  What could be improved: We were in the older section of the hotel and there for just one night and not to sit in the room so it wasn’t that disturbing for us to be in a room on the lowest floor without a good view. The next time I book there I would ask for a room that is at least on the second floor, maybe facing the forest.

• Good value for money – Todor from Bulgaria – October 20, 2024 (9/10)

  Location close to the Stuttgart University campus and at the same time located in the forest , clean, friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: Bed was not conformable, two bed combined instead of Kind size

• Very Good – Dillon from Switzerland – October 10, 2024 (8/10)

  Check out one hour late was no problem
  
  What could be improved: the receptionist told us a room will be ready soon but let us wait like 2 hours

• Exactly what was needed. – Stephen from United Kingdom – September 10, 2024 (8/10)

  Lovely clean room, friendly helpful staff and an excellent breakfast.

• Typical German hotel surrounded by nature – Mayumi from Italy – July 22, 2024 (8/10)

  Hotel staff was very flexible to our requests. Nice forest right outside to walk with dogs. Very dog-friendly.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• A welcoming place to stay overnight with a well-behaved dog – Karen from Czech Republic – July 15, 2024 (9/10)

  A delight for dog owners when one opens the door of the room to find a dog bed, mat, bowls, a quality dog toy and a packet of quality dog food. As an author of guide books for dog walkers, I can say that this is a very thoughtful touch which goes a long way in convincing dog owners to return to the property.
  
  What could be improved: No personal criticism intended. The receptionist was a pleasant and helpful man however the registering system when guests arrive requires reviewing to simplify and speed up checkin which was an unusually long process on computer.

• Great place, perfect location in a very quiet area with forrest and green around. – Brigitte from Australia – June 8, 2024 (9/10)

  The room was nice, the bed comfortable, to get a bathrobe and slippers was excellent, to be greeted with a water and a chocolate was really very pleasant. It was very quiet, a perfect view put of the window and i felt it was my home for a night.
  
  What could be improved: The greeting could have been a bit more welcoming.

• Wonderful location, excellent staff and the cleanliness of my room has made me a customer for life! – Desmond from United States – June 7, 2024 (9/10)

  Your location is fantastic! Away from the city but close enough to make daily tasks manageable. Dinner options were superb but breakfast was a little lacking- (only partook once) so maybe my experience is not indicative of your offerings. I would have appreciated more warm options and a wider selection of fruits/cheeses/cold meats.
  
  I appreciated the cleanliness of your location! I was more than impressed with the amount of attention paid to my room.
  
  What could be improved: Not much outside of more selections for breakfast. 😁

SURROUNDINGS