The awesome thing about the Leonardo hotel is that it's close to the city center that you can literally get anywhere without a car or taxi. I Ate at at least 12 different restaurants all within walking distance (under a KM) from the hotel front door. For American tourists a KM is a little more than half a mile. That same radius get you two two different tram stations where for 2.7 Euros you can ride the whole system in one direction. And if you are into shopping you hit the high end to the smallest mom and Pop shop, again in the same radius.
Two groups will find the Leonardo lacking. If you spend a lot of time in your room, you wont find that the rooms are very spacious. Some of the furniture arrangements are outright cramped and that's for European standards, not considering what the typical US chain hotel offers space-wise. English only speakers also wont find a lot of television selection either. I think only CNN international and BBC had English programming.
Gym Junkies will also have their frustration. While they have a small pool, something that not many European hotels I have stayed in have the exercise equipment is pretty sad. One treadmill, one elliptical machine and one stationary bike is that you will have an opportunity to use for a calorie burn. And the gym setting is kinda sad. Reminds me of a 1950's fat farm. I can't imagine anyone thinks the gym decor is even close to modern.
Another highlight; the Breakfast buffet, which is well stocked and has a lot of EU and US choices. There will certainly be something there for everyone.
So don't stay in you room, there's a lot to see in Manheim, Enjoy he eating and shopping nearby. And if you need some exercise take a stroll down to the water tower or the Neckar river. read more