Monopol Hotel - Dusseldorf, Germany 

I stayed here for three nights with some friends, one of whom booked the trip. It is very conveniently situated for the main station (Hauptbahnhof), as you can either walk (about 5 mins) or take the underground (U-bahn) and then walk about 2 mins. It makes a big difference if you have a heavy case! Check-in was no problem, and the gentleman at Reception was very pleasant, speaking good English if needed. I think my friend had requested quiet rooms, so we were all at the back of the hotel, and my room was certainly quiet at night. It was also on the top floor, so had a sloping roof with a skylight. I couldn't get a good photo as it was a strange shape. There were two single beds, and a radiator which went off in the early morning. This meant the room was somewhat cold in the morning, but not a great problem. The room was clean, but the furnishings were a bit jaded, and could do with updating. The bathroom was okay (with a fan heater) and always very clean. Two of my friends had much larger, more attractive rooms. Breakfast was very generously served until 11am, and quite adequate. Another nice touch was that there was always free coffee available in the Lobby for guests - very welcome after a hard day's sightseeing! There is no restaurant or bar in this hotel, but there are so many good places to eat in D?sseldorf that it doesn't matter. There is also a very good, reasonably priced pub (actually a brewery serving its own beer), that also does food, literally a couple of doors down the street, called Schumachers. My first impression of this hotel was okay but not wonderful. However, on reflection I would consider staying here again. I would make sure to get a different room, though.

The Monopol is good for one or two nights and if you're just looking for a basic, no-frills room. The bed is two twins pushed together, which is the case in most of Europe, and the bathroom was sufficient. Good location- about 10 minutes' walk to the Aldstadt and a block from the subway. I was pleasantly surprised with the breakfast buffet in the morning- typical German foods but also American choices (cereals, yogurt, etc). Park at the parking garage across the street I think it's 11 euro for a 24-hour period. They advertise internet access but we couldn't get the wireless to work.