Mercure Hotel Duisburg City

The outdated rooms and tobacco smell were minor compared with the service. I paid €80 for a supposed special deal on a two-course meal for two, but the restaurant was closed and its most expensive item cost only €16.50. We ended up paying €47 more by booking the special price. They said they'd get back to me, but never did. I'm now a Platinum member, which says a lot about how they value guests. Judging by other reviews, I'm not the first to have this experience and won't be the last. The service was terrible. The official website replies with promises to do better, but nothing seems to change.

The hotel itself is good, but the staff were bad. I travel all over the world and have never encountered such an unfriendly attitude from the lady manager. The hotel wouldn't take responsibility for a sad misunderstanding and literally threw me out because they hadn't recorded my reservation for an extra day. I'd gone to check on this when I arrived at the start of the week, and the receptionist wrote down that everything was arranged and promised me it was set. She wasn't working that day, and the others offered no help or patience. They said it wasn't their problem and told me to take my luggage and leave. This gave the hotel a very bad reputation. I hope nobody else needs their help. I don't think I'll go back.

The city center location is ideal, with shops and supermarkets close enough to walk to, especially during the Christmas market. The pool and sauna are okay, with room for up to 10 people.

Breakfast was the one bright spot, with a good choice and fresh food. The rest of the stay was disappointing. Dust, carpet stains, dirty lampshades and damaged furniture made the room feel neglected and poorly maintained. The air conditioning never worked, and there was no air coming from the vent, so the room got stuffy. I told a staff member at checkout, but he brushed off the complaint and made excuses instead of taking it seriously. The hotel feels dated and needs renovation and better hygiene. For this price, there are better options nearby. I wouldn't recommend it.