Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf

The sauna was great for unwinding after a lot of walking, or just because it was so cold outside. They could even switch it on early with about 20 minutes' notice. The gym has basic machines and was empty every time I went. My superior room was bright and spacious, with a rooftop view, and the staff were friendly. Breakfast had an adequate selection and quality. The fresh fruit sometimes looked unappealing, especially the pineapple, but that's a minor gripe.

The breakfast was simple, mostly processed food, and cost 26 euros. At 9 p.m. on 14 January, I was told the restaurant was still open, but it was closed. The bar only had nuts and drinks, and there was no room service. The hotel was supposedly fully booked, yet my room had no heat on when I arrived. It took two hours to warm up. If it was the last room available, they could have turned the heating on ahead of time. I had also asked that evening for a wake-up call and a taxi for the next day. Neither was arranged, so I woke up late to my own alarm and had to order an Uber. When I mentioned it at checkout, nobody apologized. I won't stay here again.

The location worked very well for me, and the hotel looked good overall. My room was nice apart from a few issues: power didn't work on one side, there was a bottle left in the bathroom by the previous guest, and the cleaning smell was quite strong. One elevator was out of order. Breakfast was good. Parking was quite an experience, the tightest car park I've ever used, though I got out without a scratch. I'd probably park elsewhere next time, and it may be cheaper.

The breakfast incident was the most upsetting part. On Friday, my second day, I arrived around 9:30-10:00 a.m. A male reception staff member with blond hair, in a suit and looking quite formal, told me coldly that breakfast ended at 9:30 because it was Friday. I've stayed in many hotels around the world, and nearly all serve breakfast until at least 10:30 or 11:00. When I asked if I could at least buy a coffee and drink it there, he kept saying aggressively, “No. We have nothing. No. Nothing at all.” There was no explanation or courtesy, just a disrespectful, arrogant manner toward a paying guest. The rooms were freezing, and the heating barely worked even on its highest setting. I complained and asked to change rooms, but the replacement was just as cold, so I had to put up with it. For a hotel in Germany in cold weather, that's unacceptable. The staff's rudeness and the ineffective heating made for a stressful, unpleasant stay. This property doesn't live up to its Radisson name or the price, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who expects comfort and basic hospitality.