Courtyard by Marriott Magdeburg

I appreciated the friendly, helpful staff, and my little dog seemed genuinely welcome. The room’s mattress was very comfortable, though the pillows were small and soft. Since I was alone, I used two and slept fine. The room was spacious and bright, looked recently refreshed, and faced a meadow where you could hear birds. Cleanliness, especially on the floor, was still a problem. This was a one-night stop near the motorway, and the location made it convenient for reaching Magdeburg and continuing the journey. I booked a suite with a kitchenette, but although it had two burners, there were no dishes, cutlery, pots, or pans, so you’d need to bring all of that. There was no complimentary water, and basic bathroom items like a vanity kit were missing. I expected more from a four-star hotel. The breakfast was basic too, with no sausages, though there was flavored water, good sauces, and gluten-free bread. On Sunday around 6 p.m., the restaurant was closed. After a long drive I’d hoped for a proper meal, but the reception shop only had a small range of microwaveable items, including instant noodles. The main parking is across from the hotel with a short walk to the entrance, but there are a few extra spaces behind reception worth trying for. I’d read comments about unfriendly staff, but that wasn’t my experience. I’m not sure I’d stay again. With lower expectations, the convenient location and access might bring me back.