Pension Alex

I felt deliberately misled and can't recommend this place. The room seemed musty and had very little furniture, yet the price was completely excessive. There was also what the landlord called a “misunderstanding” about the price. In my view, the very unfriendly landlord deliberately left it unresolved during our pre-booking phone call and again when replying to my email inquiry.

We slept really well in the huge, comfortable bed, and the room itself was very comfortable too. The bathroom was private, spacious, and comfortable. Mr. Alex was so kind and attentive to our comfort, and helped us find a nearby restaurant after offering us drinks. The location was excellent, close to the highway. We had a wonderful rest before continuing our journey, and I highly recommend the property.

We ended up cancelling at short notice, so I can only speak to our communication with the owner around the booking. Replies were slow, when they came at all, and there wasn't one helpful response. We'll choose another hotel next time.

The way the owner handled the bill was unacceptable. The invoice I eventually got with the payment confirmation was wrong. When I complained, he tried to take it back, which would have left me with no proof of payment. I managed to stop him, then he verbally attacked me. This is my last night here, and I still don't have a correct invoice. The owner isn't at the guesthouse now. When I called to ask again if I could get the invoice, the call was cut off. I understand he may eventually leave the bill on a table in the guesthouse, where my personal information would be visible to all the guests. I've reported the incident to Booking.com, and may take further legal action. I advise everyone against staying here. I stayed for three nights to attend a law exam and lectures in Gera. For the price, the rooms are adequate. But trouble started with my Booking.com reservation: the room recommended for one person turned out to be just an adjoining room for the family room, and couldn't be occupied by one person. The manager called to say I had to book a different room and still pay for the first one. The issue was sorted out through the Booking.com hotline. I was told the original booking would be cancelled and a room would be available on-site at the same price, €159, with payment there. This was the day before I was due to arrive. When I got there, the owner first demanded €222 in cash and said he'd provide an invoice later. I insisted on paying €159, so he gave me a new price of €192, also due immediately in cash. He said he didn't want to support “this system.” It was 10 p.m. and a storm was raging outside, so I felt forced to take the room. I didn't have enough cash, but was allowed to pay later. I insisted on an invoice and a receipt. The owner said, “I only give one of those,” and, “I won't let you tell me how to run my business.” When he threatened to throw me out, I paid.