Garner Hotel Hamburg Wandsbek Marktplatz by IHG

We found the room very clean, the bed comfortable, and the staff friendly and helpful. Breakfast had a decent range and good-quality ingredients, so it felt like good value for the money. The U-bahn and bus stops are right nearby, and the center is about 15 minutes away. Soundproofing is okay, though how much noise you hear also depends on the other guests.

It does the job and is clean, with public transport very close by. The single room was much smaller than I'd expected, about the size of a dorm room. Since the hotel is old, there's a musty, mildew-like smell, and the rooms get extremely cold in winter, which isn't acceptable for German weather. The room safe didn't work, there was no phone to call reception, and there wasn't a mini fridge. I asked for a late checkout and it was agreed, but the employee didn't add it to my booking, so another employee thought I was leaving later than I actually was. An okay place, nothing more.

Breakfast staff were friendly, but I heard them arguing with each other behind the kitchen every day. The atmosphere among the team seemed difficult, and some receptionists were rude, both on the phone and in person. The rooms are noisy. Street sounds come through, and if you're near the elevator, you'll hear that too because it's quite loud. I wouldn't stay here again.

The staff at the entrance were lovely, and the hotel is close to the metro with a few restaurants nearby. Still, I didn't have a pleasant stay and won't be back. The place looks uninviting from outside, and inside there's a strong damp smell in the stairwell. I was on the fourth floor, which is also where the elevator stops, an unusual arrangement. The rooms feel dated and cluttered with unnecessary tables and chairs. The bathroom is impractical and needs a full renovation. Beds were alright, but the walls are thin enough that I heard corridor conversations and people's TVs. Breakfast was disappointing, with few options and really bad croissants.