H+ Hotel Stade Herzog Widukind

Parking was the main drawback. The garage can't be booked and only had 12 spaces, if I remember right. We were lucky to find one, but I wouldn't count on that. The other choice was public parking, including the spots right outside with a limit of about three hours. The hotel is central, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Our three-bed room had plenty of space for our family of four and was very clean. Breakfast was great. For me, herring at breakfast makes it top notch.

I stayed for quite a while on a business trip and was satisfied with the rooms. Breakfast was fine, and the staff were generally friendly. Parking at the hotel is very limited, and spaces can't be reserved, so you may need to use nearby public parking, which is free overnight. Also, the hotel closes from 11pm to 6am. During those hours you can enter only through a back door using your room key, and the elevator is switched off. If you arrive then, you'll need to collect the key from the other H+ hotel in town, a five-minute walk away.

The hotel has a bit of a corny eighties feel, but the rooms are very spacious by European standards. Its spot in an alley is excellent and quiet. As usual in Germany, the breakfast is superb.

By far the worst hotel I've stayed at. For a four-star place, it's a disgrace. We had three major problems during our stay, but there was no real customer service. Reception staff could only smile and nod at what we told them. I tried for two days to reach the manager, without success. Staff need training. If the manager can't be bothered to show herself at the hotel, maybe the problem starts at the top. International guests should try somewhere else in Stade.