Hotel Essener Hof, Sure Hotel Collection By Best Western

Wandered into this beautiful jewel-box of a bar on the way back to my hotel. Had passed the Essener Hotel many times, but the unassuming facade didn't speak to me. For whatever reason, I decided to pop in after a stroll through the Christmas Markets (just a few steps away). What a nice surprise: a beautiful, clean and Art-Deco stylish hotel. It was an unexpected oasis. Even more surprising was the bar with its clean architecture, great christmas sound track and all the classic cocktails. Finally, the Bartender - Dennis - was a wonderful host. It never ceases to amaze me how, after traveling the world for years, the best experiences are those surprises you didn't plan.

Very clean hotel with friendly staff. perfect location, just 2 mins walk from the train station and the city center/Christmas market. There was enough space in our room, stayed there 4 people (with 2 kids). They are also pet friendly, prepped a very nice spot in the room for our dog as well. Very low price compared to it's standards.

the reception is totally unhelpful. when my daughter broke a glass in the room at 9:30 p.m., I heard at the reception that there was no one to vacuum it and they didn't have a vacuum cleaner so I could clean it myself. when I insisted that I had a small child who would run on the glass, I was told to go to the bar and ask for a brush and a dustpan. no one vacuumed it for two days. I ended up with a small piece of glass embedded in my foot. breakfast is a misunderstanding . The moldy clementines lay there for two days. breakfast was served until 9:30 am but from 8:45 there were no scrambled eggs, croissants or rolls. When I asked if they would add a new portion, I always heard "it's already over." . parking is another misunderstanding. two minutes away from hotel but if you have a SUV or roof box you will have problem to park. reception advised to park on the street and buy a parking ticket every 90 min. Seriously?