Garner Hotel Essen - Handelshof by IHG

Essen Hbf is right next to the hotel, and communication was easy since the staff who checked us in spoke several languages. All the receptionists speak at least German and English. A few things could be better. The bathroom heating worked better than the room heating, which hopefully can be looked into. There was also a power cut around 3 a.m. on our checkout date, lasting a few minutes. Housekeeping should double-check the bathroom and make sure all amenities have been replenished. Still, it's a nice hotel and I'd recommend it.

The room was a decent size and breakfast was decent too. With air conditioning and a convenient location, this is an above-average business hotel. But comfort and security matter to me as a business traveler, and the area outside felt dystopian and lacked both. There was no minibar or complimentary water, which was a letdown after a long trip. Over three nights, courtyard noises woke me up. With enough renovation, this could be really good value.

Breakfast was nice, and the staff were friendly. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the noise level was okay. It's right beside the busy train station, though, so light sleepers might want earplugs.

Please book somewhere else. There was no customer service at all, and I couldn't find the hotel. They took my money, but the place seemed not to exist. No one answered the phone, so I had to go home. The listed street wasn't reachable, and there was no parking nearby. I asked people around, but nobody knew the hotel. I locked the doors while driving around the area, with junkies and homeless people everywhere. I think some of the reviews here are fake.