IntercityHotel Kiel

The hotel's prime location directly adjacent to the main train station and within easy walking distance of the harbor and ferry terminals is its signature feature, making it an ideal choice for cruise passengers and train travelers. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff and the convenient breakfast options. While the hotel's rooms are functional, some aspects show their age, with cleanliness receiving mixed feedback. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers looking to explore the city on foot and business travelers needing quick access to transport links. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a harbor view for picturesque scenery, and be sure to inquire about the complimentary public transport ticket available to guests, which is a significant benefit for exploring the city.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers parking facilities, though guests note it can be expensive and the access via a multi-story car park can be complex, sometimes requiring specific elevator use. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally praised as reliable and effective, allowing guests to stay connected. However, the elevators are frequently described as slow, old, and occasionally out of service, which can be inconvenient, especially given the long corridors to some rooms. A recurring point of concern is the lack of air conditioning in the rooms, making stays uncomfortable during warmer periods. The hotel's bar is often reported as not being operational or offering very limited self-service options, which some guests find disappointing. Common areas and the lobby are perceived by some as dated or having an unpleasant, stale odor, suggesting a need for refreshment.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. While some guests find their rooms clean and well-maintained, others report issues, particularly within the bathrooms, citing visible limescale, dust, and even stains or hair in various areas, with some mentioning mold in showers. The overall room condition is frequently described as dated and in need of renovation, with some noting small room sizes and worn furnishings. Regarding bed comfort, opinions vary; some guests appreciate the comfortable beds, while many others find them too hard, leading to back pain, and the pillows are often criticized for being too soft or small. Noise levels are also a point of mixed feedback; while rooms are generally well-soundproofed against train station sounds, some guests experience disturbances from a nearby club, street noise, or internal renovation work.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience at the hotel generally receives positive remarks, with many guests describing the breakfast buffet as good, sufficient, and offering a varied selection. Guests appreciate the pleasant atmosphere of the breakfast room, especially those with a view overlooking the harbor. The food quality is considered satisfactory, providing a solid start to the day with options like cold cuts, cheese, muesli, and coffee. However, some guests find the price for breakfast to be high given the perceived basic nature of the offerings, and a few note that the selection, while adequate, is not particularly luxurious or extensive. There are also comments about the hotel's bar facilities, which are frequently reported as being closed or offering only very limited self-service options, disappointing guests looking for evening refreshments or a place to socialize within the hotel.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. Situated directly next to the main train station, it offers unparalleled convenience for travelers arriving by rail. Its proximity to the harbor and various ferry terminals, including those for Color Line, AIDA, and Stena Line, makes it an ideal choice for cruise passengers and those embarking on sea journeys. Guests also appreciate the easy walking access to the city center, popular shopping areas like Sophienhof, and numerous restaurants. Excellent public transport connections, including buses and light rail, are readily available right outside the hotel, facilitating exploration of the wider area. While parking is available, it is noted to be expensive and can involve a somewhat complicated access route via a multi-story car park.

Staff & Service
The friendly staff consistently receives high praise from guests, with many highlighting their helpful and attentive service. Reviewers frequently commend the professional demeanor of the reception team, noting their efficiency during the quick check-in and check-out processes. Guests appreciate the staff's willingness to be accommodating requests, such as room changes or providing additional amenities. The breakfast room staff are also often singled out for their pleasant and efficient service. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, there are a few isolated instances where guests reported less positive interactions, describing some staff members as unhelpful or rude. Overall, however, the dedication of the team to providing a positive guest experience is a recurring theme in the reviews.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's housekeeping frequency, as rooms are typically not cleaned daily but rather every other day or after two nights, which some guests find unusual. A notable benefit is the complimentary City-Ticket offered to guests, providing free access to public transport, which is highly appreciated for exploring the city. The convenient check-out time of 12 PM is also a positive aspect, allowing for a more relaxed departure. While the hotel itself is considered safe, some guests express concerns about the surrounding area security due to the presence of various individuals near the train station, though police patrols are noted. Specific noise disturbances from a nearby club and occasional renovation work within the hotel have been mentioned by some guests, impacting sleep quality.