Hotel Zum roten Ochsen

The promised breakfast was butter, strawberry jam, and two dry rolls from the day before. When we asked if that was everything, we got a rude response that anything else cost extra. The price list showed that sausage or cheese was included in the standard breakfast, so we were eventually given two slices of sausage each, including salami and two slices we couldn’t identify, with dry edges. After that balanced meal, we found the shower sprayed everywhere except downwards. The shower head looked like it was from the 1970s too. Our room had ashtrays, as did other parts of the building, so we thought it might be a smoking hotel. Asking about it got us another rude answer: the ashtrays supposedly meant nothing. We couldn’t find a no-smoking sign anywhere. The room also had no TV, even though one was included in the €85 price. The owner told us that if we were going out, we didn’t need one, but said she’d sort it out after we insisted. When we got back shortly after 9 p.m., there was a 17-inch tube TV that didn’t work. We didn’t ask again. We plugged in our laptop instead, and the socket popped out. We were greeted by an unfriendly owner who seemed annoyed to have guests. She didn’t tell us when to leave or what time breakfast was, but asked whether we planned to go out and how long we’d be gone. She said she’d have to explain the locking system if we returned after 10 p.m. We wanted to go out and be back before then. As we were leaving the next day, she suddenly became overly friendly, but by then we’d had enough. This was the worst and least friendly hotel we’ve ever stayed in. How did it get two stars?

The room was on a main road, so getting a good night’s sleep was impossible. The bed was old and squeaked with every move, the bathroom and bedroom hadn’t been cleaned, the bin was overflowing, and the toothbrush cups were filthy. There was no free Wi-Fi or TV, all for €80, with a 1970s GDR feel throughout. Breakfast for €6 meant two rolls, butter, and coffee or tea. Sausage or cheese was only available if you asked, and a boiled egg cost extra. The hotel itself is very outdated. Just terrible.

I paid in advance and had to say exactly what I wanted for breakfast. Fresh rolls weren’t an option. After getting the key and seeing the room, I just left. The service was extremely unfriendly and completely unacceptable. Not recommended.

The room smelled of cigarettes and old socks, and the bathroom was a nightmare. The rooms look like they’re from 1920, and the TV might as well be from 1900, its screen was smaller than my hand. The staff were unfriendly too. Worst hotel in Solingen.