Escape to Germany: Alexxander's Hotel & Restaurant Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups! Because we're about to dive headfirst into the (presumably luxurious) world of Alexxander's Hotel & Restaurant. "Escape to Germany: Alexxander's Hotel & Restaurant Awaits!" they say. Okay, Alexxander… I'm listening. I'm ready to escape. I've escaped from my desk this morning, so technically, they're already winning! Let's dissect this thing, shall we?
First, the boring bits (but essential for some of us, alright?):
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible? Yes, please, let's hope so! Vital. Essential. If a hotel claims to be luxurious and doesn't have this sorted, I’m outta there faster than you can say "Bratwurst." Gotta have details though. Ramps? Elevators? Accessible bathrooms? SPECIFICS!
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Again, yes, yes, yes!!! But again: details, details, details. Are we talking grab bars in the shower? Lowered sinks? Braille signage? Come on, Alexxander, give me the good stuff!
Internet, Baby! (And the Perks of the Modern Age):
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Bless you, Alexxander. Bless you. This is basically non-negotiable these days. I'm a digital nomad, a blogger, a serial procrastinator… I NEED the internet!
- Internet [LAN] & Internet Access: Okay, LAN might be a relic of the early 2000s, but hey, if it works, it works! And in-room internet access is basically a must-have. It better be fast though. Slow internet? That's a recipe for disaster. I’ll be yelling at the router more than I yell at my kids.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Another win. Though, let's be real, I'll probably be glued to my room most of the time, judging by past experience…
Cleanliness and Safety: (Because, Hello, World…):
Okay, this section is where things get serious, because gestures wildly at the global situation We’re living in a time when you REALLY have to pay attention.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Physically-distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Safe dining set up, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Individually-wrapped food options: Phew. Okay, Alexxander’s, you’re speaking my language. This is what I want to hear. I want to feel safe. I want to know I'm not eating off a plate that's been, you know, handled. This is about peace of mind, and honestly, it's a HUGE selling point.
- Room sanitization opt-out available : A good sign. Some guests will simply take precautions on their own, and a hotel that is aware of those preferences gives me some confidence.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (The All-Important Fuel):
Okay, here’s where my stomach starts to rumble. Food is life, let's be honest. This is crucial.
- Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar: Okay, sounds promising. Variety! I like it.
- Breakfast [buffet], Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, Buffet in restaurant,: Breakfast buffet? Oh, yes! That's my kind of party. I’m a sucker for a good buffet. Give me all the pastries, the scrambled eggs, the bacon, the… you get the idea. Western and/or Asian breakfast options? Bonus points for catering to tastes.
- **A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: ** Love A la carte as it offers a more personalized experience than a buffet, but I always look for Soup! And, of course, Desserts in restaurant and salad too. Yes to Happy Hour!
- Room service [24-hour]: 24-hour room service? Alexxander, you beautiful genius. This is the stuff of dreams. Especially when jet lag hits and you're battling a sudden craving for a midnight burger.
- Vegetarian restaurant: A must.
- Restaurants: I Need names, cuisine and overall descriptions.
Things to do (And Do Not Do):
- Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Okay, Alexxander, I'm starting to sweat. This is the good stuff. Fitness center? Check. Pool with a view? Yes, please. Spa? Ooooooh, yes. Give me a massage, a sauna, and a body wrap, I'll be in heaven. The steam room is a good addition too. Let's face it, this is an escape, right? I need to unwind.
- The Pool with the view thing. Okay, that’s an escape, and a half. Picture it: You, sipping a cocktail, the sun kissing your skin, and an absolutely breathtaking view. That would be a game-changer. One of those moments you remember forever… Right?
- I am a bit worried about the gym/fitness. I could become a total sloth. Then again, the pool and the view… hmmm.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things That Matter):
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Airport transfer, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Taxi service, Terrace, Valet parking, Xerox/fax in business center, Wi-Fi for special events, Elevator: Okay, Alexxander is really trying to think of everything. Contactless check-in/out? Yes, please! Convenience store? Handy for midnight snack runs. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely. That's the luxury feeling, right? The stuff I'd never do at home.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I'm not traveling with kids, but the fact that the hotel offers these things suggests they are family-friendly. I can't stand hotels that don't consider families.
In-Room Goodies: (Where the Magic Happens – or Doesn’t):
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Deep breath. Okay, so it's got everything. Bathrobes? Yes! Blackout curtains? YES! A mini-bar? (Don't judge me). A laptop workspace? Essential for the aforementioned working-from-hotel lifestyle. Interconnecting rooms? Good for families. And a window that opens? Yes! Fresh air is always a good thing. The scale? Well, that might be more terrifying than delightful. This is a pretty extensive list. Let's hope things work!
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Car park? Nice. Airport transfer is a huge plus.
Safety and Security: (Because We Need to Feel Safe!)
- Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Security is a must. Front desk 24-hour is another must. Non-smoking rooms? Praise be!
Let's talk about that "Proposal Spot"… Now, that's intriguing.
**Now, the Big Question:
Hadana Boutique Hotel Vietnam: Your Dream Vietnamese Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your Aunt Mildred's perfectly-planned trip to Germany. This is… well, this is my attempt at surviving Germany, specifically the hallowed halls of Alexander's Hotel & Boardinghouse. Wish me luck, I might need it.
My German Disaster/Delight (A Work-in-Progress):
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic (aka "Where's my luggage?")
- Morning (Early – Like, Painfully Early): Landed in Berlin. Ugh, airports. They're like purgatory with duty-free shops. Already hating the jet lag. Took the train, which, surprise, was on time (for now… foreshadow much?).
- Afternoon (The Luggage Gambit): Arrived at Alexander's Hotel. It's… charming. In a slightly dusty, "grandma's attic" kind of way. The lobby smells faintly of old books and ambition. Sadly, my luggage decided to take a scenic route to… I don't know, Fiji? The desk clerk, bless her heart, gave me the blank stare of someone who's heard this story a thousand times. (She also smelled like fresh-baked bread, which was the ultimate culinary tease).
- Late Afternoon (The Great Clothing Crisis): Decided to channel my inner German efficiency. So, I bought a toothbrush and some emergency underwear. Found a tiny, slightly-too-tight t-shirt at a nearby shop. I feel so exposed, like a newborn… in a very unfamiliar city. Ate a Döner kebab from a place down the street. Heaven. The meat was perfect, the bread warm, the sauce… slightly mysterious. Ate it so fast, almost choking on it! A true culinary adventure… or near-death experience.
- Evening (Hotel Room Hell/Heaven): The room is small, but clean. The shower, though? Tiny. Like, I had to contort myself to wash my hair. But… the view! Overlooking a quiet street with these old buildings – pure Berlin magic! I tried to nap, but the jet lag won. Watched some dreadful German television (I could barely understand anything, but the commercials were GREAT!), then wrote this so you had context.
Day 2: History, Heartbreak, & Bratwurst Bliss
- Morning (Museum Mayhem): So, I went to the East Side Gallery, a piece of the Berlin Wall completely covered in art. Gorgeous. Moving. I took about a million photos, then nearly got run over by a cyclist twice. Lesson learned: always look both ways, even if you think you're safe.
- Afternoon (Emotional Overload at the Brandenburg Gate): Walked to the Brandenburg Gate. It's… BIG. And beautiful. And full of tourists doing the "holding up the gate" pose. (I did it too, don't judge.) Got a bit choked up thinking about history, the Wall, the reunification… then saw a pigeon poop on someone's head, snapped me right back to reality. Never trust a pigeon.
- Late Afternoon (The Great Bratwurst Experiment): Found this tiny little sausage stand. God, the smell! I ordered a Bratwurst. And another. And another. The first one was okay, the second one was better, the third? Pure, unadulterated, porky perfection. So, I thought, "Why not try one with Currywurst sauce?" The spice. The taste of the sweet sauce and sour sausage. Oh my goodness. This is the epitome of a perfect afternoon.
- Evening (Hotel Hustle and The Restaurant): Back at the hotel. Took the elevator… which got stuck! For, like, five minutes. I was trapped with a very grumpy-looking German gentleman who just sighed and stared at the ceiling. Finally, it lurched back to life. Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Okay, I may have gotten a bit enthusiastic. The food was fine, but the service… patchy. And the schnitzel? Not the best schnitzel. It tasted like a deep-fried shoe. I'm going to give them another chance, though.
Day 3: Hidden Gems & Misunderstandings
- Morning (Coffee Crisis): I REALLY needed coffee. Wandered around, found a cute little cafe. Ordered what I thought was a "latte.” Got something that looked like a milk-bath with a hint of coffee. Oh well!
- Afternoon (Trying to speak German): I wandered into a vintage shop down the street. Saw this beautiful coat. I tried to ask the owner about it. My German is… let's call it "aspirational." Cue a series of broken phrases, confused looks, and frantic hand gestures. I think I ended up accidentally insulting her family. I'm still not sure. Didn't get the coat.
- Late Afternoon (The Hotel's Hidden Treasures): I spent the time I should've been enjoying the city wandering Alexander's Hotel, and found all these lovely little things that have been missed. The library with the oldest books in Berlin. The courtyard. The bar. And, the best part? The room with the secret window.
- Evening (Failed dinner attempt): I decided to try making dinner at the hotel myself. Tried a recipe from a cookbook. The end result? Disaster. The smoke alarm went off. I hid in the bathroom, hoping nobody would notice.
Day 4: The Quest for Acceptance and the Perfect Pretzel
- Morning (Pretzel Perfection): Found a real pretzel. Like, the kind of golden-brown, salty, chewy heaven that makes you weep with joy. Ate two. Maybe three. Still smiling.
- Afternoon (Taking a Train): Because of my poor German skills, I ended up on a train to the wrong city. Got off at the nearest stop. I tried to get to the right train, but failed. I'm stranded now.
- Evening (Stuck in a Coffee Shop): Waiting for the next train, and found a coffee shop. The most awkward, yet endearing, conversation I have ever had.
- Night (Dinner, Alone): Back at the hotel restaurant, alone. Ordered the schnitzel again. This time, it was edible. Still not the best, but better.
Day 5: Final Thoughts
Departure: Oh, I am done. Leaving Germany.
Final Thoughts: Germany is a place of contrasts. The historic, the modern, the messy, the beautiful. My stay has been a hilarious mess. But, it was mine. And for all its chaos, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Note: Things change… I'll keep updating this. Wish me luck. I'll need it.
Escape to Germany: Alexxander's Hotel & Restaurant - Your Slightly Chaotic Guide to Bliss (and Bratwurst!)
Okay, so, "Escape to Germany"... What's the *real* deal? Is it all lederhosen and fairytale castles?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. "Escape to Germany" is the name, but the reality? Well, it's more… *interesting*. It's at least *mostly* lederhosen and fairytale castles, especially if you choose right. Alexxander's? Well, it *promises* that cozy, Bavarian charm. And honestly? They mostly deliver. But let's be clear: Germany isn't just one big, cuckoo clock-filled wonderland. It's got its quirks. And Alexxander's? It's got *its* quirks too. More on that later. (Spoiler alert: the quirks are part of the fun.) My trip? Well, it started with a train that was *supposed* to depart at 6:00 am...but, you know how it goes.
Alexxander's Hotel – What's the "vibe," exactly? Is it stuffy or… relaxed? I can’t handle stuffy.
Relaxed, *mostly*. Thank the heavens. Think... warm wood, a crackling fireplace (depending on the season - I went in summer, sadly), and a general air of "come in, relax, have a beer and forget your troubles." It's not *perfectly* relaxed, mind you. There’s a certain… *professionalism* about the staff. They're efficient, which I appreciate after the train fiasco, but not exactly the “let's-all-be-best-friends” type. Mostly, you'll find a clientele who have a good sense of humor and appreciate a well-made sausage. And that's the vibe I was after.
Tell me about the food! I'm a foodie – should I even *bother*? And is it all just… sausage? Because I *love* sausage.
Yes! Absolutely bother! And yes, there's sausage. Glorious, magnificent, *varied* sausage. I am a sausage aficionado; I've made it my mission the past 30 years to eat the best sausage in the world. And Alexxander’s? They *know* sausage. But it's not *just* sausage (though, a lot of it is sausage). Think hearty stews, perfectly cooked schnitzel, fresh bread, and *amazing* pretzels. I had a potato salad that I'm *still* dreaming about. Seriously. Dreamt about it last night. (And no, I'm not kidding). There’s an amazing local beer on tap. Don't be afraid to go big!
Okay, the rooms. Are they… clean? Because I have a *thing* about cleanliness. Like, a *strong* thing.
Yes! Yes, they’re clean. I’m right there with you on the cleanliness thing. My first thought after the train ride and the slight panic about the room I booked through booking.com was, "Please, *please* be clean." And they were. Spotless. I'm talking linens that smelled like sunshine and fluffy towels. No rogue hairs, no questionable stains. Pure, unadulterated cleanliness. Bonus points for the cozy, traditional décor. My room had a balcony that looked out over the cutest village square. Worth every penny.
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with a tiny terrorist… I mean, a small child.
Hmm, depends. They *say* they are kid-friendly. There was a playground nearby, and the restaurant had kid-friendly options (that’s a relief). But, and this is a big *but*, the atmosphere is… well, it's somewhat *sophisticated*. If your "tiny terrorist" is prone to epic meltdowns or projectile food, you *might* want to reconsider. I saw a family there with a little one who, bless his heart, spent most of dinner screaming. Not the hotel's fault, of course, but… it did make for an interesting dining experience. My advice? Call ahead, ask if they have high chairs, and maybe pack some noise-canceling headphones for *yourself*.
What's the best thing about Alexxander's? Besides the sausage… because I *know* about the sausage.
Okay, besides the sausage. *Tough* question. I’d say… the location. It’s central, which is perfect for exploring the town and even going on day trips to nearby destinations. I spent a day in a beautiful town nearby (I'm blanking on the name, typical). I took some amazing pictures, but, honestly, I was so focused on the next meal (sausage, of course) that everything else felt a bit surreal. I think it was something about a gorgeous river and brightly coloured buildings... Anyway, after a long day out, coming back to Alexxander's feels like coming home. It's cozy, welcoming, and just a little bit quirky. And that quirky-ness makes all the difference.
And the worst thing? Because nothing's perfect, right? (Except maybe sausage).
Okay, here’s the truth. The service, while efficient, can be a *little* slow. And I had a minor incident with the internet. It went out. I nearly had a crisis. I needed to respond to an email and, you know, scroll endlessly. It was frustrating, but hey, it's Germany, not Silicon Valley. They have a different pace of life. And I guess it forced me to, you know, **look up**. Remember the view from my room? The lovely village square? Yeah, I appreciated it later. The internet came back on. But the slow service? It's the only real black mark.
Is it worth the money? Because travel can be… pricey.
Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally, *yes*. It's not budget-friendly, mind you. But considering the location, the quality of the food (and the quantity!), the cleanliness, and the overall experience? Worth every single Euro. Think of it as an investment in your sanity and your happiness. Plus, you get to eat all that sausage. That alone is worth the price of admission! Honestly, I'd go back tomorrow if I could. Take my money, Alexxander's!
