Hotel Peine-Salzgitter

Parking was quoted at the phone booking price, then came as an extra charge, even though the hotel is outside the city center. It felt like being charged for standing in your own field. After 25 years as a loyal guest, with my Golden Rewards card now mainly useful for leveling a wobbly table, I barely recognize the place. Best Western Peine used to be decent and welcoming. Now it feels like an East German nostalgia museum, with tired rooms, an elevator that hesitates, and staff as charming as a damp dishrag. If faded glory and paying for things that used to be free sound appealing, this is your dream spot. If you've got taste, self-respect, and a car, keep driving. Best Western? More like Past Western.

The rooms were surprisingly quiet despite the hotel being just 200 m from the A2 motorway between Berlin and Hannover. Parking right outside was plentiful, and check-in was quick and easy with friendly, professional staff. Rooms were clean and warm, with comfortable beds. The hotel may not be new, but the value for money was a pleasant surprise. Breakfast was a highlight, with a great range of continental and German options. I also found a great Asian buffet within walking distance and would highly recommend it. A handy stop for travelers, and I'd stay again on my next trip through the area.

A Danish bus group was doing the same thing, stopping for a night while traveling north or south. The hotel is fine for that, with okay rooms and breakfast. Nothing special, but acceptable. Still, I'd have given it four stars if they hadn't started charging extra for parking, especially in a location outside the city center. We paid 130 euros for one night, breakfast included.

Check-in took about 30 seconds, and our baby's cot was already waiting in the room. Great service. The hotel is perfectly located for travelers, with convenient parking just outside. Our room was spacious, clean, and nice, with a comfy bed. The bathroom was on the small side, though the shower itself was quite nice. The only thing missing was slippers. The hotel as a whole could use renovation.