Hotel Sachsen Anhalt - Magdeburg, Germany 

Stayed overnight 6/12/07, arranged by booking.com, requesting a double close to the lift (my wife was recovering from a hip replacement). Very easily found (3 minutes from Autobahn), ample parking space and friendly, efficient receptionist. Large, well-equipped room and bathroom on the first floor next to the lift. Smallish but cosy bar with obliging and chatty young staff. Well-appointed dining room with well-spaced tables, extensive (for Germany) menu and prompt service. Tasty soup and main courses but the portions far too big and overfacing. Good European and New World wine list. Attentive waitress (chased me down the corridor to return a bag I'd left behind)! Comfortable bed and EXCELLENT pillows.The breakfast bar next morning was the best we have ever enjoyed in 40 years of continental touring. The cold display included shellfish, smoked salmon, eel, herring, rollmops, calamari, etc., etc., as well as the usual meats, cheeses, sauces, cereals, yoghourts, salads, cakes and pastries. The hot buffet had several different sausages, mushrooms, proper bacon as well as the usual frazzled stuff, eggs and potatoes of all description, tomatoes, and so on.... And, toasters for the huge variety of breads on display. A choice of several juices, coffees and probably forty varieties of tea. Fast, easy check-out with lots of brochures of Magdeburg. All the staff were fluent English speakers, friendly and helpful. And, the bottom line: 47 euros for the room, 9 euros each for breakfast . The hotel was by no means full and perhaps increased occupancy will dilute the feeling of personal service and attention, but; that breakfast.......