Wiesbaden's BEST Hotel? This City Gem Will SHOCK You!
Wiesbaden's BEST Hotel? This City Gem Will SHOCK You! - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on a hotel that actually surprised me. I'm not talking about some cookie-cutter chain – this is Wiesbaden's "It" spot, the one everyone whispers about, the one that… well, SHOCKED me. And honestly, it wasn't all perfect. But that’s what makes it real, right?
Accessibility, the First Hurdle (Almost Smooth Sailing!)
Right, let's get the serious stuff out of the way. I always look closely at accessibility because, frankly, it should just be standard. And LISTEN, this place gets it. Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely. Now, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I saw the features. The elevators were spacious (important!), the public areas were easy to navigate, and it felt like they actually thought about it. Score one for thoughtfulness. Of course, I'm not in a wheelchair so I can't give you the full story, but visually, it seemed solid.
Internet and Tech – The Good, the Slightly Clunky, and the Free Wi-Fi Glory!
Okay, internet. Internet access is available, yes. And free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! I need that like air. Let's be real, I'm a millennial hotel reviewer, so internet is my lifeblood. Did it always work flawlessly? Nope. I had a minor hiccup trying to upload a particularly hefty file one evening, but honestly, for the price and how generally awesome this place is, I’m not going to hold it against them. They also have Internet [LAN], which, let's be honest, is a throw-back. But hey, some people still appreciate it, and the option's there. Internet services in general were pretty darn good.
Cleanliness and Safety - Can We Trust Them? (Yes, Absolutely!)
Listen, in this post-pandemic world, this is paramount. And they get it. This isn’t just a cursory "we wiped down some stuff." They're doing the real work. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services? Check, check, and check! They also have Hand sanitizer readily available, which is a HUGE plus in my book. I mean… I saw Sterilizing equipment when I passed housekeeping, that was kind of awesome. They even have Room sanitization opt-out available if you want to be extra conscientious. Oh, and a First aid kit - always a good sign of competence! Staff trained in safety protocol – I witnessed it, the masks, the distance… it felt safe. Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items… yes, they put the effort in! They even had a Hygiene certification. Makes a nervous traveller like me feel much better.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food, Glorious (Mostly) Food!
Alright, let's talk fuel. Because let's be honest, that’s a huge part of the hotel experience, isn't it?
- Restaurants: Oh boy, the restaurants. There's a Restaurant a decent Breakfast [buffet] that was actually GOOD. We're not talking sad, rubbery eggs here. It was a Breakfast service that I enjoyed. They also offered A la carte in restaurant which is a fantastic option.
- Drinks: I’m a fan of a good Bar, and this one didn’t disappoint. They make a mean Negroni. The Poolside bar was a great touch.
- Snacks: Also have a Snack bar. Now this is where some of the imperfection comes in. I went for a snack one evening, and they were a bit short-staffed, with a slightly limited menu. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but it was a reminder that even the "best" hotel has its off moments.
- Other Good stuff: They had Coffee/tea in restaurant (crucial), Happy hour (always a win), Desserts in restaurant (yes, please!), and Asian cuisine in restaurant! And Vegetarian restaurant.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax – Spa Dreams, Poolside Bliss, and Fitness Struggles
Okay, this is where the hotel really shines. Prepare yourself, because this is where I went a little… overboard.
- Spa? Yes, please! Spa/sauna and a Steamroom were heavenly after a long day. Seriously, melting into a Body wrap was pure bliss. But the real star was the Pool with view. It’s an Swimming pool [outdoor]! The sun was setting, the water was perfect temperature… it was the kind moment that I just wanted to freeze in time.
- Fitness Center: The Fitness center was… well, it was there. It definitely had the stuff, weights and machines and the whole deal, but I did get the feeling that few people venture in there. It was clean, that mattered.
- Sauna: They offered Sauna!
- Massage: Yes, the Massage was wonderful. A bit pricey, but worth every penny.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Okay, what made this experience good? A lot of small things that really add up.
- Awesome Stuff: They had a Concierge who was actually helpful – a real person, not just a robot. Daily housekeeping was perfect. Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and Ironing service? Lifesavers! A Currency exchange desk was there. Cash withdrawal? You bet.
- Other helpful things: They had a Convenience store with all sorts of necessities, a Luggage storage, and Safety deposit boxes.
- Check-in/out [private]: Excellent!
For the Kids? – Not My Department, But They Seemed Set Up
I don't travel with kids, but I saw families enjoying themselves. They had Babysitting service, they are Family/child friendly, Kids meal.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy
- Airport transfer: Very valuable.
- Car park [free of charge]. Always a win! They also had Car park [on-site] if the free one was full. Taxi service and Valet parking – all the bases covered!
Available in All Rooms – The Nitty-Gritty (And The Luxuries!)
This is what you're really paying for. The details.
- The Essentials: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens– essential.
- The Luxuries: Bathtub (I LOVE a bath!), Blackout curtains, Extra long bed, Interconnecting room(s) available, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Reading light, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Sofa, Soundproofing, Umbrella.
- The Little Things: Additional toilet, Bathroom phone, Closet, High floor, Laptop workspace, Linens, On-demand movies, Socket near the bed, and a Visual alarm.
My Quirks & Anecdotes: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Odd
Okay, so I'm a messy traveler. I leave stuff everywhere, forget where I put my phone, and generally make a mess. This hotel, despite its excellence, had a few moments of delightful (and occasionally frustrating) imperfection.
- The Bedding: I’m a sucker for good sheets. And the sheets here? Divine. Seriously, I’m considering writing an email to the hotel asking about purchasing them. But on the first night, the duvet was a bit too warm. I had to toss it off!
- The View: The view from my room was (insert exaggerated sigh) breath taking. Overlooking the city as it lit up in the evening? Perfection.
- The Little Things: A sweet note, some fresh fruit… little touches that made a difference.
Overall Verdict: Wiesbaden’s City Gem? Absolutely!
Look, this isn't a place for the ultra-fussy. This hotel is a diamond in the rough. It's not perfect, but it's real, it's beautiful, and it leaves a mark.
Here's the Catch: Book Now! This place isn't going to stay a secret for long.
**My Offer – The "
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Alpinae's Arlberg Escape!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because a "Wiesbaden Wanderer's Rambling Retreat" is about to unfold, and let me tell you, it ain't gonna be pretty. More like… authentically me. Prepare for a schedule so loose, it's practically wearing a toga. And the feelings? Oh, honey, they're comin'.
Wiesbaden Wanderer's Rambling Retreat: A Glorious, Messy, and Utterly Me Itinerary (aka, Pray for Me, Wiesbaden)
Hotel Basecamp: City Hotel Wiesbaden (fingers crossed it's not a total dump, I've stayed in some places…)
Day 1: Arrival & the "Accidental" German Lesson
Morning (ish): Arrive at Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Ugh, airports. Always the same: stale air, stressed people, and the overwhelming urge to buy a ridiculously overpriced bottle of water. Train to Wiesbaden? Yes, gotta navigate the German rail system. Note to self: download the DB Navigator app before I get there. I'm not the best at planning, and now I'm already falling behind, it seems…
Afternoon: Check into City Hotel Wiesbaden. Pray for a room that doesn't face a dumpster. Seriously, I have a weird aversion to the scent of garbage. Unpack (sort of… more like… toss everything onto the bed and decide "I'll sort it later").
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The "Accidental" German Lesson. Wandering, aimless, with no plan at all… Perfect start. I'm wandering around, trying to find a cafe. My German is… rusty. Okay, it's nonexistent. I approach the cafe, and stammer out a clumsy "Entschuldigung, können Sie…?" (Excuse me, can you…?). The barista, God bless her, is a sweet old lady with eyes like warm chocolate. She immediately switched to English. But! She saw the attempt. We chatted about the weather, the architecture, and my general cluelessness. She even gave me a tiny lesson: "To say 'thank you,' it's 'Danke.' Easy, yes?" Absolutely. A simple moment, but it already made me feel human after a stressful travel day. And later, while walking, I repeated "Danke, Danke, Danke" to the buildings and the air, it was fun!
Evening: Dinner! I’m aiming for authentic German cuisine. I've heard sausages are involved. Pray for my stomach. (And pray for a decent Wi-Fi connection to look up what to order). I'm hoping for good food, but also a bit of a cultural experience. I want to eavesdrop on local conversations, catch some German phrases, and generally feel like I’m in something, not just observing it from afar. Maybe some pretzels.
Day 2: Bathing in History (and Slightly Embarrassing Moments)
Morning: I'm thinking of visiting the Kurhaus Wiesbaden, with its spa and casino. I'm torn. I would love to enjoy a spa but, also, going to a Casino, might be an absolute waste of money. Decision-making is hard. I have a feeling I'll end up just walking around admiring the architecture, and making a mental note to maybe splurge on a massage later. Or not, because… budget, you know? And my bank account.
Mid-morning/Afternoon: Neroberg Mountain & the Russian Chapel (Plus the Great Falls of Misery). Hiking! (Again, let's see how this pans out). Up the Neroberg. The views should be stunning. I am not a natural hiker. I envision myself becoming breathless, but hey, the view! The Russian Orthodox Chapel. Photos! (Maybe even one of those corny "arms-wide-open-embracing-the-world" poses – cringey, but unavoidable).
I have to climb back down. A lot. I'm already tired. I'm making a mental note to pace myself.
Evening: Dinner… and a meltdown? Okay, maybe a mini-meltdown. So, I was trying to be adventurous and found a restaurant in the old town. The food was… not great. And I accidentally ordered something I definitely didn't understand (it involved pickled herring). I kind of stared at it for a while and it was like my stomach was asking: "what is this?" I did a quick Google translate of the menu, and the results was not a tasty meal. Then, I tripped trying to make it to the bathroom. I am the clumsiest human. Now, it's time for a walk and some comfort food such as ice cream, and a bit of people-watching to make me feel better.
Day 3: Wine, Books, and Existential Crises
Morning: Wine tasting! Wiesbaden is in the Rheingau wine region, so this is a must. I'm picturing myself gracefully swirling wine glasses, nodding knowledgeably. The reality? More likely: spilling it down my shirt, giggling uncontrollably, and asking the sommelier the dumbest questions.
Afternoon: Exploring the local bookstores. Second-hand stores are my weakness. This trip also means a great chance to read a book in my (small) free time! I get a good book and a coffee, sit in a park, and read for a while.
Late Afternoon/Evening: The Existential Crisis Hour. You know, those moments when you're alone in a new city, surrounded by beauty, and suddenly you start questioning everything? Yeah, that's me. Sitting somewhere, staring at the Rhine, and pondering the meaning of life (or at least, where to find the best strudel). Maybe I'll write in a journal – a real, actual, paper-and-pen journal. Or maybe I’ll just stare at the sunset. Either way, I promise to fully feel the moment, even if that feeling is a little bit… melancholic.
Day 4: Departure (and Post-Trip Regrets)
- Morning: One last breakfast in Wiesbaden. I'm thinking about that tiny cafe and the chat with the lovely barista. I'm going to go there again, wish her a good day, and say thank you in German. "Danke!" One last walk around the city, maybe I will buy a souvenir.
- Afternoon: Train to Frankfurt Airport. The same airport routine. The same overpriced water.
- Evening: On the plane. Post-trip regrets? You bet. Did I eat enough schnitzel? Did I buy the right souvenirs? Should I have been more adventurous? Absolutely. The beautiful parts and the embarrassing moments. It was so me.
Important Notes (Because I Forget Things):
- Pack: Comfortable shoes. Seriously. You'll be walking. And probably getting lost. So, comfortable shoes are essential.
- Learn: A few basic German phrases. Even if you butcher them. The effort makes a difference.
- Embrace: The unexpected. That's where the best travel stories come from.
- Most Important: Be kind to yourself. You're allowed to be a clumsy, slightly lost tourist. Everyone is. Just enjoy the ride. And for the love of all that is holy, don't judge the pickled herring.
So, there you have it. My Wiesbaden adventure. It'll be a beautiful mess. Wish me luck. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll learn to say “Danke” with proper pronunciation.
ibis Bethune Centre Gare: Your Dream Stay Opens September 2021!
Okay, okay, spill. What's the actual NAME of this "City Gem" and why is it such a big freakin' deal?
Was this your first time in Wiesbaden? Because honestly, it's not exactly a "hot" destination... or is it?
Let's talk specifics. The room. What was it *really* like? Don't just say "nice."
The Food! You MUST tell me about the food. Because every hotel pretends to be good at that.
Did anything go wrong? Because no hotel is perfect (and frankly, I'm suspicious if you say it is).
What about the spa? Every fancy hotel has *that*. Did it live up to the hype?
Give me the hard sell. Why should *I* go? Why is it worth the money?
Any tips for the uninitiated? Like, things to know *before* I go?
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