Holiday Inn Express Hamburg South A7 AS42 by IHG

This is my second stay here and it’s been absolutely brilliant again. Check-in is always great, and the staff are ready to help. They accept dogs, which is a real bonus. The hotel is just off the motorway, so it’s easy to get to, and there’s loads of parking at the back. I drive a lorry from the UK, so that space is especially useful. I’d highly recommend it, you won’t be disappointed. As I’ve said before, the staff are brilliant.

A decent stay, though barking dogs at breakfast? Really? The receptionist was friendly and welcoming, and the small room was clean. The hotel is new and shares a building with a roadside diner and fuel station. Breakfast was basic, and the freshly made pancakes advertised in the elevator weren’t available. I’m fine with pets staying in rooms, but they shouldn’t be in the dining area. Guests should be able to eat breakfast without noise or hygiene worries. The hallway carpets already have large yellow-brown stains, which seems a bad sign for a brand-new hotel. If pets are causing that, the policy needs a rethink.

We had a nice stay until we tried the ATM. It took money out without asking for confirmation, yes, really, and the exchange rate and interest were awful. 😅

The room was a happy choice after reading the reviews. It was spacious, clean, and still had that new-room smell. We asked for twin beds since a queen is usually too snug for us. A nice surprise was being able to share our phone screen. We were warmly welcomed by Sabina, and Insa handled checkout quickly. The double windows kept out almost all the autobahn noise, though we could sometimes hear people talking elsewhere or doors slamming. Since the hotel is right off the autobahn, there isn’t much else to do, but we could stretch our legs walking around the grounds. Breakfast was nice, with cold cuts and spreads, müsli, yoghurt, and warm rolls. You can also pack some breakfast if you’re in a hurry.