Details: Trier, Germany

I highly recommend the Hotel Casa Chiara. On a quiet street, this excellent 20-room hotel is a 15-minute walk from the Trier train station and near the Porta Nigra gate. The rooms are small but immaculate. Breakfasts are delicious, with choice of meat, fruit, eggs, breads, coffee and tea served in a bright, modern room overlooking an open courtyard. Parking garage at rear (prices and more details at www.casa-chiara.de).