Best Western Plus Hotel St. Raphael

This hotel is highly regarded for its excellent breakfast and its central location near the main train station, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. Its traditional yet well-maintained decor offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and business travelers due to its easy access to public transport and key attractions. Couples and families also find it appealing, with amenities like a popular waffle station at breakfast and generally comfortable accommodations. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor or facing the courtyard to minimize potential noise from the U-Bahn, and be aware of the immediate surroundings when navigating to and from the main station, especially at night.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities to be well-maintained and convenient. Many rooms are equipped with a refrigerator and coffee/tea making facilities, adding to guest comfort. While some guests noted the elevator can be slow or has an older, nostalgic feel, it functions adequately. A fitness center is available, though some guests mentioned it is small and may incur an additional charge. Free Wi-Fi is provided, though some users experienced intermittent service or a need to re-login frequently. The hotel also features a cozy bar that serves a variety of drinks, including well-prepared cocktails, and offers a pleasant space for relaxation. Secure parking is available on-site for a fee, including options for electric vehicle charging.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with both rooms and bathrooms noted as spotless. Most guests find the beds comfortable, though some have expressed that mattresses can be quite firm or pillows too thin, impacting sleep quality for some. Rooms are generally described as well-appointed and functional, with some guests receiving upgrades to more spacious rooms. However, many reviews highlight that standard rooms and especially bathrooms can be quite small, making it challenging for two people to use simultaneously. A significant recurring theme is the noise and vibration from the U-Bahn (subway) which runs beneath or very close to the hotel, affecting light sleepers, even on higher floors.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at this hotel is a standout feature, consistently described as fantastic, excellent, and plentiful. Guests appreciate the wide variety of options available, including fresh items, a good selection of cold cuts and cheeses, scrambled eggs, and even a popular waffle station where guests can make their own. The quality of the food is frequently commended, with many noting it as a highlight of their stay. While the hotel does not have a full-service restaurant for other meals, the bar offers a pleasant atmosphere for evening drinks and light refreshments. Some guests found the breakfast to be on the expensive side, opting for alternatives outside the hotel.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location, being just a short walk (approximately 5-10 minutes) from Hamburg's main train station (Hbf) and close to various U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations, including Berliner Tor, which provides excellent public transport connections across the city. This makes it highly convenient for reaching city center attractions, shopping areas, and other neighborhoods. However, a significant number of guests express concerns about the immediate surrounding area near the main train station, describing it as less pleasant, with a noticeable presence of homeless individuals and drug users. While guests generally report feeling safe within the hotel, some advise caution or suggest using alternative routes (like via Berliner Tor) when walking to and from the station, especially during evening hours.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, being described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Guests frequently commend their willingness to go above and beyond, from providing quick check-in and check-out processes to accommodating requests such as early check-in, room upgrades, and securely storing luggage. The service provided by the reception team and the breakfast staff is particularly highlighted for its warmth and efficiency. Guests appreciate the staff's responsiveness to issues, such as promptly replacing a non-functioning fridge or assisting with forgotten items. Overall, the hotel's commitment to providing excellent customer service is a recurring theme in guest reviews.

Additional Information
The hotel's design, while well-maintained, is often described as having a classic or traditional style, which some guests find charming and others perceive as slightly dated. A unique and appreciated feature is the availability of honey from bees on the hotel's own rooftop as part of the breakfast offerings. Guests should be aware that the Wi-Fi connection may require frequent re-logging, typically every four hours. For those traveling with vehicles, the hotel offers secure on-site parking for a fee, which is a valuable amenity in the central location. The hotel also provides a baggage room for convenient storage before check-in or after check-out.