Hotel Maison Am Olivaer Platz

The best part for us was the old building’s character: it dates to 1901, with a wooden staircase, double doors, ornate stucco, and high ceilings. Room #2, just opposite reception, was roomy and bright from its big windows, with cozy retro furniture and a lovely chandelier. We liked the helpful staff, who suggested places to see, and being able to leave our luggage at reception for half a day. Breakfast was homemade and tasty, with porridge, pancakes, fruit, honey, and snacks. There were some awkward bits. The bathroom bin had used toilet paper in it, the mattress wasn’t very comfortable, and the TV only had local channels. The modern bathroom also felt mismatched with the vintage room. We were warned not to take the ground-floor apartment if offered: its windows are shut behind shutters, and the decor doesn’t fit the hotel, including an ugly modern table and a sink placed oddly in the room. Still, we came away with a positive impression overall.

The room electrics were the biggest concern: loose sockets, plugs coming apart, and exposed wires. I’m no expert, but they looked hazardous. The bedside lights didn’t work either, which may have been just as well. The mattresses sag, and I suspect they’re past their best. The location is good, the staff are friendly, and there’s a bit of worn old-world charm. But the place needs some upkeep. The bathroom was particularly poor, with a very loud electric flush and a fussy shower that required holding the shower head. A budget hotel still has its limits. Sadly, I wouldn’t recommend it.

We had a really pleasant stay. It’s handy for getting around: bus 109 goes straight to the airport, and S and U-Bahn stations nearby connect to the city centre. Breakfast was generous and tasty, with bread, cheese, ham, jams, cream, juice, vegetables, tea, and coffee. The hotel is on the second floor and feels like someone turned an old, luxurious flat into a hotel. It may look a little odd, but it works well and is quite convenient. The rooms are spacious, with a small table and chairs and several mirrors, which are great for ladies :). The bathroom was clean, with a large shower and hair dryer, and hygiene in general was very good.

I left after one night of a three-night booking. We arrived late, and if I’d got there earlier I wouldn’t have stayed at all. The room smelled of stale smoke and rotting wood, had dirty handprints on the wall, and was unbearably hot despite it being November. Half the sockets didn’t work. I’d asked for a quiet room, but there was road noise and I could hear everything in the hall. The toilet flush sounded like a plane taking off. The bed was awful too: a broken mattress, one lumpy pillow, and old, hard, scratchy sheets. My devices warned that the Wi-Fi security was inadequate, so I didn’t connect. There was no kettle, and the staircase was very poorly lit. No one was at reception when I arrived, so I had to get the key from the restaurant next door. That leaves nobody to speak to if something goes wrong. It’s not even that cheap. I found somewhere cleaner and more comfortable for €10 more per night. I just don’t understand the positive reviews, and I wouldn’t stay here again even if someone paid me.