Racket Inn Sport Sporthotel

I stayed two nights and enjoyed it, so I’ll definitely come back. It’s a nice sports hotel on a quiet northern edge of Hamburg, close to a park. There’s a bus stop across the road, though getting to the city center takes a while, and a large free parking lot. The rooms are spacious, with good beds, a nice bathroom, TV and video player. Sports facilities are open to hotel guests and local members: squash and tennis courts, lots of fitness equipment, a sauna area and a small pool. There’s a restaurant that also serves breakfast. My dinner there was okay, as was the breakfast, with a good selection of rolls, yogurt and fruit. Reception closes at 10 pm, but guests can check in at the restaurant until 11 pm. I usually spend 10 to 25 nights a year in hotels.

The first night was rough, though the hotel did eventually clean my room thoroughly, offered my friends a better room, and comped that first night as an apology. On arrival, our single and double rooms were surprisingly dirty, with several spiders and webs. Staff said they come in because the hotel is surrounded by nature, but after the rooms were properly cleaned I didn’t see any more for the next four days. My bed frame cover had a visible blood stain, and my colleague’s room smelled as if a whole bottle of cheap air freshener had been emptied in it. When we spoke to the manager, she gathered the cleaning staff and discussed who was responsible in front of us. That was highly unprofessional, and reprimanding staff in front of guests is not okay. I also had only a tiny hand towel. When I asked for a larger one, I was told they were short of big towels on the day my room was prepared, a very odd excuse. There were more problems after that. The hotel was an official exhibition hotel, but when we returned from the fair on the first day, which ended at 11 pm, the bar was already closed. They knew 90 percent of guests would be back around midnight, so closing it so early made little sense. The next evening we came back hungry and tried to eat at the restaurant at 9:30 pm. The website said the kitchen served food until 10, but the receptionist said it always closed at 8:30. She acted as if we were foolish for not knowing and didn’t apologize even when we showed her the information on their own site. It was a strange stay with some poor business decisions that could cost them the next official exhibition booking.

A great spot for a short stay or for sports. There are indoor and outdoor tennis courts, three squash courts at 15€ an hour, a huge gym, and an outdoor heated pool. The shower and changing area are massive and five star. There’s plenty of free outdoor parking too. Reception staff were very friendly and helpful. I’ll be back soon.

The rooms were comfortable, the food was good, and the breakfast was the best I’ve had. It’s a very nice hotel with excellent sports facilities. There’s a bus stop right by the hotel, taking you to what I think is Europe’s best city transport system.