Hotel Astoria - Essen, Germany     

This hotel was closed due to bankrupcy not so long ago (our locak taxidriver told us) but is back open for business. My colleagues and I stayed here for a number of nights, as all other hotels in a 100km radius were sold out due to a large industry fair in Düsseldorf. That only this place was still available should have warned us... The rooms we were given were terrible. Mouldy smell, worn-out mattrasses/furniture, ripped curtains and more. One colleague got serious allergy problems, probably caused by dust and a general lack of cleanliness. I checked the wardrobe top for dust, and was literally showered with dust. We got the feeling that the rooms we were given are usually "closed to public" during off-season, but sold at totally over-priced rates (ca. 200 US-$) during busy periods. There seem to be more modern rooms somewhere in the house, but the receptionists were very cryptic concerning the various types/standards of rooms. Pricewise, they don't seem to differentiate, and we were told that our rooms "belong to the best"... Moreover, they don't distinguish between smoker/non-smoker rooms... The employees are disinterested and unfriendly. This place seems to want to make a quick buck before they close again for business. I hope they do so quickly... P.S. I spoke to various client employees in town who had made similar experiences with this place. I haven't even started mentioning the remote location in the shabbiest part of town (Essen). Stay away, unless they offer the room for no more than €30 (50 US-$) ...

there was very very nice and comfortable, I was with disables on wheelchairs and they felt very comfortable there, of course me too. There are also very nice staff. everyone is very smily and friendly. I love this hotel. If I go in Essen I`ll always stay there