Felix Hotel Darmstadt

A newly renovated room that was clean and quiet, even though it’s still in the city. The price is unbeatable for this location.

For 40 euro, it’s fine if you just need somewhere to sleep for a night. It’s cheap, with self check-in, but in practice the process was anything but easy. I arrived 30 minutes after check-in opened and there was already a queue at the single kiosk. After an hour, I had to check in at the desk in the attached traditional hotel. The room might have been decent if the bed lights worked and the shower room plumbing didn’t smell so bad. The location near the hospital was a bit noisy, and the elevator was broken. Still, it’s a roof over your head.

The room I had was fairly clean compared with the others, and the place is close to the city center. There’s also a great Turkish bakery just around the corner. I knew I was booking budget accommodation, though they advertise it as a hotel, and it didn’t come close to that. The rooms are outdated and poorly maintained, with old beds, covers, pillows and AC, and no mini fridge. There’s barely any storage, just a couple of hangers and no chest of drawers. The check-in machine was a problem for everyone arriving around the same time. Please put a receptionist here. We all had to go to the next hotel, which apparently manages Felix too, to check in. The receptionists there were very helpful and kind. The bathroom setup is awkward if you’re sharing with someone you don’t know well. The shower is separated from the bedroom only by a glass door, with the sink right beside it. The toilet is by the entrance, so people in the hallway can hear everything. If you’re used to budget travel, you may not mind staying here, but you probably won’t come back. If you expect even the bare minimum from a hotel or are used to a certain standard, don’t come here, you’ll be miserable.

This suits business travelers or students looking for a low-cost stay without extra services or luxury. Rooms are cleaned and have basic amenities, including a TV and an attached toilet or washroom. It’s near public transport, and there’s parking for 15 euros for a full day. The entrance is narrow, so take care going in; leaving after payment is straightforward. Parking payment is cash only, at the kiosk downstairs on the parking level.