Welcome Hotel Darmstadt City Center

The location is right in the middle of town, the price was good, and checking in and out with the high-tech system was so easy. Staff were generally friendly and helpful, and offered solutions when I only mentioned an issue. One young lad at reception seemed to need more training and shouldn't be left alone yet. The gym is nicely high-tech, comparable to an Apple Watch, and fine when it isn't busy. I liked the tap water too, and breakfast had a decent choice of water, good coffee, juice, and especially apple juice. I was there almost a week, and it's a perfectly located place to spend the night. A few things could be better. At check-in, my digital key was added to Apple wallet, then overwritten by a physical key. I later learned I should have told them I already had the digital one. After a long travel day, I didn't know to ask. Staff should have checked, especially since it's common. There was dust everywhere, even on top of the toilet paper holder. The air quality felt poor, and I think housekeeping may be the issue. Check the ribbons on the sauna lamp if you sit on the top bench, they look like they haven't been cleaned in years. The sauna area is nice, but only the Finnish sauna worked and there was just one shower. At €4, I expected more, or for it to be free. I've been around Germany, and saunas are usually free with at least two options. Breakfast also felt a bit poor, mostly fats and carbs, with eggs either hard-boiled or hard-cooked. I'd have liked more salad or fresh food. I love my 3 minute eggs ;) The TV had only German content. Other hotels let me pick subtitles or audio, or cast from my tablet, laptop, or phone. Here the HDMI port wasn't accessible. The high-tech USB chargers didn't work, at least USB-C, which would have been a plus if it had. There was a stain on the ceiling above the bed, an easy fix with a new soft tile, so I don't know why it was left. The included minibar was almost funny: one apple juice, one Coke (I'm not into sugary drinks), one sparkling water, and one still water. That's no bargain, and they could at least add a small bottle of decent white wine. It was even funnier on a stay of more than one night. The toilet paper holder was in a really bad spot and I kept hitting my hand on it. Not sure who that setup works for. I visited during a quiet period, so there wasn't too much to complain about. It may get more complicated when it's busy.

Everyone was ready to help, and the service was fantastic throughout my extended stay. It was great. They also have pet-friendly rooms, and dogs are allowed at breakfast.

I really liked the comfortable rooms, the beautiful hotel, and the friendly staff. The spa is great at only 4€, and they give you a nice bag with extra towels, slippers, and your own robe. The steam room wasn't working during my visit, though. Breakfast was the one real downside. It's extremely expensive if you have a food allergy. I have celiac disease and asked one hostess and two different cooks, but none could tell me whether the food contained allergens. They just kept offering gluten-free bread, and I found their lack of knowledge concerning. The service was excellent otherwise and the location very good. I'd definitely return, just without breakfast.

I always look forward to returning to Welcome Hotel in Darmstadt. It's a favorite of mine anywhere, with wonderful beds and an excellent breakfast at a competitive price.