City Hotel Essen

This hotel is consistently praised for its friendly and helpful staff and its excellent breakfast, making guests feel welcome and well-cared for. Its central location near the city center and university campus is a significant advantage, appealing to sightseers, business travelers, and budget-conscious travelers seeking convenience and value. While the exterior may appear dated, guests are often pleasantly surprised by the clean and comfortable interiors. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on the hotel's quieter backside to minimize street noise, and be prepared for the building's older aesthetic, which belies the positive interior experience.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently note the spacious rooms, often featuring a separate seating area and a large double bed, providing ample space for relaxation. Many rooms include a refrigerator with complimentary water, a convenient amenity for personal items or medication. While the elevator is available, guests should be aware it operates with limited hours, typically not running between midnight and early morning. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, though some guests reported inconsistent signal strength, occasionally needing to use personal hotspots. Despite some furnishings being older, the facilities are generally described as functional and well-maintained, with some bathrooms featuring a new shower cabin door.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives consistent praise for its clean rooms and bathrooms, with many guests highlighting the meticulous upkeep despite the building's age. While the furniture and decor are often described as dated or "old-fashioned," their cleanliness is repeatedly affirmed. Opinions on bed comfort are mixed; most find the beds good, but some guests found the mattresses to be too firm. Noise levels vary; rooms facing the main road can experience street noise and church bells, making it difficult to sleep with windows open, especially without air conditioning. However, rooms on the hotel's backside are generally reported to be quiet and conducive to rest. Some isolated comments mentioned a lingering cigarette or kebab smell in certain areas, though overall cleanliness is a strong point.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel is a standout feature, consistently receiving high praise for its quality, variety, and the attentive service in the breakfast room. Guests describe it as rich and ample, featuring options like real scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and vegetables. Many appreciate the availability of good coffee, with some even mentioning that cappuccino is made to order. While some guests found the breakfast price to be a bit high, the overall consensus is that the buffet offers excellent value and a satisfying start to the day, with staff ensuring items are continuously replenished.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly central location, making it easy to reach many popular destinations on foot. Guests appreciate its proximity to the city center, old town, various restaurants, shopping areas, the cathedral, and the Christmas market. Public transportation is exceptionally convenient, with U-Bahn and tram stations located directly outside the hotel, providing easy access to the train station and other parts of the city. The hotel is also well-situated for those visiting the University of Duisburg-Essen or the RWE Campus. Free parking is available in a courtyard or directly in front of the hotel, though spaces are limited and can fill up quickly. While the immediate vicinity is a busy road interchange, some guests found the neighborhood to be less appealing at night.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming demeanor and professional approach, noting that staff go out of their way to accommodate requests and provide assistance, such as offering public transport tickets or universal adapters. The check-in and check-out processes are described as quick and uncomplicated. Many guests feel a personal connection with the staff, who are often described as the heart and soul of the hotel, contributing significantly to a positive and memorable stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the elevator in the hotel does not operate during late-night and early morning hours, typically from midnight until 7:00 AM or 7:30 AM, which might be a consideration for those with mobility issues or late arrivals/early departures. Payment for the stay is generally required at check-in. The hotel provides a night entrance with a door code for access outside of reception hours. While the hotel does not have air conditioning, fans are sometimes provided in rooms, which can be helpful during warmer periods. The hotel also has specific seasonal closure dates, typically around the end of the year, which guests should verify if planning a stay during those times.