Pension Hoefti

Really good.

We’ve been to Pension Hoefti several times and have always felt at home. They welcomed us warmly, and the room was lovely, with comfortable beds and extra pillows. It was warm and had a very nice bathroom, a big TV, and a small fridge. We could also use the kitchen, including its coffee maker and toaster. Our dog is welcome too. There are useful shops nearby, and the tram stop for the city center is only a short walk away. We’d gladly book there again when we’re in Chemnitz.

We booked this for relatives coming for Christmas. The owners were super friendly, and the beds are very comfortable. It’s a great place to stay, with modern amenities, a central location, and good public transport connections.

My friend Katrin asked me to pick up the key in the afternoon because her train wasn't due in until 9:31 p.m., and check-in closed at 10:00 p.m. What followed when I phoned the guesthouse was the most absurd and irritating conversation I've had in twenty years. Mr. Hoeft said I couldn't collect the key because I wasn't registered as a Chemnitz resident. It seemed I was being treated either as an idiot who would lose it or a crook who might steal it for some shady reason. The way Mr. Hoeft explained this was bizarre, strange, and quite patronizing. The guesthouse may be decent, but apparently you have to speak with Mr. Hoeft by phone. So, kids, make sure someone registered in Chemnitz is there, or better yet, arrive yourself before 10:00 p.m. Bring a mobile phone too, since ringing the doorbell alone won't work. I'll leave it to curious readers to find out why. One more thing: you wouldn't give the key to our mutual friend T. either, even though he has a registered address in Berlin. So much for “Europe.” Did you really think he or I wanted anything from your guesthouse that I would then have to haul back to Asia? I was in Chemnitz to clear out my mother's apartment. Next year, I'll be there with my wife and child to visit her in the nursing home. We might have stayed at Pension Hoefti if the call had left me with a good impression. Ah well.