Booked two twin rooms for 3 nights in April. Calw is a quiet town, though well-provided with bars, restaurants and shops. Access from Stuttgart via train and bus was relatively uncomplicated. If travelling as a group and outside peak hours, the MetropolTagesticket is the most cost-effective tariff (www.bahn.de is a good resource for schedules). Ticket machines are easy to use (there is one in the Bahn office at Calw) though you may have to use the "search" function to find the ticket type. You must validate the ticket by writing your name in capitals in the space provided and have your i.d. with you in case the inspector calls. As for the hotel, the proprietors, Wolfgang and Karin, could not have been more affable and helpful and spoke perfect English.