Hotel Garni Merkenich

The rooms were cold, and there was no breakfast.

If you’re using this as a base for excursions, as I did, it works very well. It’s outside the city center, but public transport connections are excellent and worked perfectly. The neighborhood isn’t especially relaxing, though, and the early morning noise makes this a place for early risers. Within about 200 meters there are restaurants, a bakery, a Sparkasse ATM, a kiosk, a Penny Market, and a bar. Green spaces are a short walk away. My room was large, the bed was spacious, and the bathroom had everything I needed. I was more than satisfied overall. I stayed Sunday to Wednesday. Check-in was straightforward, although different from what I’m used to. I’d missed an email explaining that I had to check in separately, and the key was in a locker outside the hotel that required a PIN. Reception wasn’t staffed all the time, and I couldn’t work out its opening pattern, but the emergency number provided got the check-in sorted easily. Hot water didn’t work until the last evening. It seemed to affect both the hotel and annex, and communication was good. It was a shame, but I don’t hold the owners responsible, and a cold shower wasn’t the end of the world. The building was noisy early in the morning. Cleaning staff talked loudly on the phone around 7:30 or 8:00, and it was so loud I couldn’t sleep. Someone also knocked around then, apparently to clean the room, despite the Do Not Disturb sign. In my experience, you need to be comfortable with English, or communication could be a bit difficult. That wasn’t an issue for me.

Affordable, quiet, and very clean, with a great location. There’s a Penny, a bakery, and a U-Bahn stop close by. I was happy with my stay and will definitely come back. Recommended.

Shops and restaurants are right nearby, and the restaurants are highly recommended. Parking at the hotel is free, and the value for money is excellent. The welcome was really warm, and the clean rooms and hotel had a homely feel. There are kettles and refrigerators in the common room. We’d be happy to return.