Kempten's BEST Hotel? CityHotel Review Will SHOCK You!
Kempten's BEST Hotel? CityHotel Review Will SHOCK You! (Spoiler: Maybe)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea on Kempten’s "BEST" hotel, CityHotel. And listen, I'm not just some travel blogger hawking free stays. I'm a REAL person who just spent a week there. I’m talking sweatpants-and-coffee-stained-robes real. So, prepare for a review that’s… well, let’s just say it’s not going to be your grandma’s TripAdvisor pleasantry.
First, the disclaimer: "Best" is a subjective term. And CityHotel? Let's just say it's complicated. But hey, I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, the good, the bad, and the truly bizarre.
(Disclaimer 2: SEO Stuff - Accessibility, Cleanliness, and COVID-19 Safety)
Look, in today's world, safety is paramount. And CityHotel seems to be taking it seriously. They had the whole shebang going on:
Cleanliness and Safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. (I didn't see them, but the smell… definitely strong.)
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Seemed like it. The lobby always gleamed.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Supposedly. I'm assuming. Hope so.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services? Again, fingers crossed.
- Hand sanitizer? EVERYWHERE. You can practically bathe in it.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? They seemed attentive, I caught a glimpse of some cleaning procedure or something.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They tried. It's hard in a crowded breakfast buffet.
- Safe dining setup? Tables spaced apart. But the buffet… more on that later.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yep, lots of them. Mostly pre-packaged croissants.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? Didn't see it, but didn't really look for it either. I wanted my room cleaned!
- Cashless payment service? Yes, thank god – I hate fumbling with cash.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Well, the silverware looked shiny.
- Hygiene certification: Didn't notice any. Not sure if they have one or not.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible? Yes, elevators and (I think) ramps. BUT getting from the ground-level entry to the reception… hmm, that was a little confusing.
- Facilities for disabled guests: I didn't test any.
COVID-19 Specifics: Overall, they tried. And that's something.
(The Real Meat and Potatoes: My Experiences and the Nitty Gritty)
Let’s dive in, shall we? I'm going to go room by room, buffet by buffet! Oh boy…
Rooms: Where the Magic Happens (Or Doesn't)
I booked a standard double. It was… okay.
The Good:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I’m always happy to see this.) And it actually worked, unlike some hotels where you spend an hour trying to get connected.
- Air conditioning: Crucial! Even in Germany.
- Blackout curtains: Saved my sanity (and sleep) on those sunny mornings. I hate light!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for a caffeine addict like myself.
- Hair dryer: Saved me from looking like a drowned rat.
- Mini bar: Well stocked, overpriced. But hey, it’s there.
- In-room safe box: Always a plus.
- Desk, and a laptop workspace: Necessary for writing my super-duper authentic reviews!
- Non-smoking: This is something I really, really appreciate.
- Towels, Slippers, Toiletries, Bathrobes: Pretty standard. Not spectacular or anything, but all there and useful!
- Alarm Clock: Always nice to have, but I have a phone now, do I even need it?
- Window that opens: Air is life!
The "Meh":
- Carpeting: Showed its age. A bit worn, and I really, REALLY hoped it was clean.
- The Bed: Comfortable enough. Not the best I've slept on, not the worst.
- Mirror: Ok size, nothing special, but I could see my face so that counts right?
The "Uh…":
- The view from my window? A brick wall. Seriously. The charm of Kempten, in all its glory!
- Bathroom was… small. Like, you had to maneuver carefully to avoid elbowing the wall.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Confusing)
Okay, here's where things get… interesting. Let's start with the buffet, then the other places.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The highlight… and the lowlight. HUGE selection, which is great. But chaos reigned. People everywhere. Germs probably flourishing. And the scramble for the good pastries was a bloodsport. Buffet in restaurant: Yes. Vegetarian restaurant: I didn't see any. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Nope. Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
- A la carte in restaurant: Available, but I never tried it.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Yes. Basic, but free.
- Desserts in restaurant: Yes, and slightly depressing.
- Restaurants: Yes, but no real specialty I could tell.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes, but again, probably limited.
- Snack bar: I think they had one, but I didn't find it.
- Poolside bar: Only in my dreams.
- Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: Basic.
- Bar: Yes. The cocktails were strong, which was a plus. And happy hour was a thing, finally!
- Happy hour: The only thing that gave me pure joy.
- Bottle of water: Provided.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They offered, but I didn't need it.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Probably. There were a lot of options.
Oh, and one thing… I went for dinner one night at their only sit down restaurant: It was weirdly empty, which should have been a sign. I ordered the schnitzel. The schnitzel arrived… and I swear to god, it looked like a giant, flattened, sad, breaded… thing. It tasted… underwhelming. Bland. Generic. Strong Negative Reaction Alert! My expectations were not even MET. Not even REMOTELY. The service was slow, even though the restaurant was mostly empty. And the ambiance? Let's just say it didn't exactly scream "fine dining." Just let it be known: the schnitzel let me down, but good!
Things to do, ways to relax (Or Not)
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Yes, but tiny and dated. I saw one treadmill and a few weights.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool: There was no pool view, sorry, but the swimming pool looked nice, but I didn't have time.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Yes, but I didn't try any.
- Massage: Nope.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Not that I could see.
Services and Conveniences: Hit or Miss
- Services and conveniences: Lots of facilities. Concierge, Cash withdrawal, Luggage storage: Nice. Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Ok. Elevator: Crucial. Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: They had them. Food delivery: I think so.
- Business facilities: They had them.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Contactless check-in/out: Available.
- Convenience store: Nope.
- Currency exchange: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Doorman: Yes.
- Invoice provided: Yes.
- Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator: Yes.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Yes.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Yes.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Yes.
- Xerox/fax in business center: Maybe? I didn't check.
- **Safety deposit
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is a Kempten, Germany, adventure, warts and all. And trust me, there's some fascinatingly weird stuff in those Bavarian hills. We're staying at the CityHotel Kempten – apparently, it’s the place. We'll see about that.
Pre-Trip Ramblings (Because, let's be honest, that's where it all starts):
Okay, so, Kempten. Never heard of it before the cheap flights popped up. But hey, spontaneity is my middle name (well, it's actually Louise, but "Spontaneity Louise" sounds way cooler). I packed way too many sweaters. Bavaria. Mountain views. And, according to my over-enthusiastic friend Sarah (who’s already sent me 6 different "Must-See!" lists): "You HAVE to try the beer. It's life-changing." Challenge accepted, Sarah. Challenge FREAKING accepted.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Culture Shock (Plus, the Search for Caffeine!)
Morning (Like, REALLY Morning. 6 AM Flight, Ugh.): Land at Memmingen Airport (which, by the way, is closer to… well, not Kempten. But hey, connections are fun!). Border control was a breeze. A surprisingly chatty German man in the queue kept telling me all about the best sausages in the region. Now I'm hungry.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Train to Kempten. Oh, the trains! Swiss clockwork precision. Clean. Efficient. Almost… too efficient. My internal clock is still screaming "GET COFFEE." We're talking full-blown coffee withdrawal here. And Google Maps is letting me down. The hotel's nearby is a lie. Turns out the CityHotel Kempten is, well, a bit farther than the map lied, and my luggage is suddenly feeling like lead.
Afternoon: Check-in and Attempted Calm (aka, the caffeine crisis continues): Finally! The CityHotel Kempten. It's… pleasant. Bit old-school. Think "grandma's living room, but in a building." The staff are lovely though - definitely helpful. There’s a tiny, tepid coffee machine in the lobby. I chug the lukewarm (and barely caffeinated) result like it's Elixir of the Gods. It barely makes a dent. Must. Find. Real. Coffee.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Altstadt (Old Town) Exploration & Beer-Induced Euphoria: The Altstadt is charming. Seriously, cobble-stoned streets, colorful buildings, the works. But the real magic? Found it. A tiny, hole-in-the-wall cafe called "Kaffeelust" (Joy of Coffee, how apropo). The coffee? PERFECT. The pastries? Even better. Feeling human again. Then, came the beer. Oh dear. Sarah was right. Local brewery "Zum Stift" (highly recommend!) We ended up chatting with a local who regaled us with stories of Kempten's history – something about Roman settlements and monasteries and a whole lot more beer. My brain decided to focus on the beer. Good decision.
Evening: Dinner & Bewildered Navigation: Decided to "wing it" for dinner. (Famous last words, right?) Found a restaurant serving traditional Bavarian food. The portions are HUGE. And I swear, I ordered something that sounded nothing like "sausage platter," but here we are. Attempted the "walk back" to the hotel. Got hopelessly lost. Ended up wandering in circles, giggling at the street signs. Ended up befriending a very friendly dog, who led us back to the general vicinity of the hotel. Hero.
Day 2: Mountains, Museums & Minor Meltdowns
Morning: Neuschwanstein (The Fairy Tale Castle) – The Tourist Trap That's Surprisingly Worth It (Mostly). Okay, yes, it's touristy. Ridiculously so. But Neuschwanstein Castle? It's breathtaking. We took the train to Füssen (the nearest town). The crowds? Debilitating. The walk up to the castle? Hilly. But the views… the architecture… the whole story behind Ludwig II's obsession with fairy tales and Wagner… worth it. Just get there early. Or, you know, embrace the chaos. (I chose chaos, and it worked out fine.)
Mid-Day: Lunch and Unexpected Emotional Baggage: After the castle we found a cafe for some sustenance. I had a Bratwurst. But more importantly, in the cafe, through a window, I saw a family, fighting. Like, screaming fighting. I am the product of a broken family, and just seeing them triggered something in me. Tears welled up in my eyes. I wanted to scream, to argue, to hit something. Instead, I had a meltdown in the cafe. I had to leave.
I walked around. I sobbed. I needed time alone.
Afternoon: Kempten's History Museum – Trying to Ground Myself in Reality (and Learn Something). Back in Kempten. The museum was a balm. Learning about the city's Roman roots, its industrial past, and seeing some genuinely cool artifacts helped to ease the pain. Distraction works.
Evening: Another Beer Garden & Attempted Cultural Immersion (Plus, a near-miss with a Dachshund). Found a beer garden (surprise!). Trying to master the art of "Prost!" (Cheers!). Attempting to understand the local dialect. Failing miserably. Someone tried to sell us some hand-knitted socks. Almost got taken out by a hyperactive dachshund who clearly thinks the beer garden is his personal playground. The evening felt chaotic but good, like a real life.
Late Night: The Hotel’s Quirky Charm Revealing Itself: The CityHotel, now at night, is different. The creaky floors, the slightly odd art on the walls, the quiet hum of the building… it's got a certain charm, I think. Someone left a half-eaten apple on a window sill. Felt very European.
Day 3: Departure & Lingering Impressions (and a last, desperate attempt at coffee!)
Morning: Farewell Coffee Quest & Souvenir Hunt: Last morning. The hotel breakfast, strangely, was pretty decent. Still, MUST. HAVE. COFFEE. Raced around the Altstadt one last time, desperate for caffeine and a souvenir that wasn't a tacky snow globe (although, I did consider it). Found a charming little shop selling handmade wooden ornaments. Found a decent coffee shop. Success!
Late Morning: One last stroll in the Altstadt: Last stroll. Saw the Roman things again. Thought about the beer. Walked to the train station feeling like a person, even if a little hungover.
Afternoon: Travel Home: Took the train to the airport.
Final Thoughts:
Kempten? Not exactly the romantic getaway I envisioned. But it was real. It was messy. It was funny. It was, well, human. The CityHotel Kempten? It grew on me. I recommend it. I'm not sure what I'll do with all those sweaters. And I'm already dreaming of that beer… and secretly, of going back to Kempten. Maybe next time, I'll try the sausages. And I'lI bring a bigger suitcase. And maybe, just maybe, I'll pack some tissues. (Just a little advice!)
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Okay, Spill the Tea: Is CityHotel Kempten REALLY Worth It? (Or Should I Just Sleep in the Car?)
Alright, alright, let's get real. I just got back from CityHotel Kempten, and my brain is still processing... mostly good things, but buckle up, buttercup, because this review is gonna be as chaotic as my suitcase after packing. First off: worth it? Hmm. Depends. Are you expecting the Ritz? Then no. Are you expecting a solid, centrally-located, generally pleasant experience with a few… quirks? Then yeah, maybe. Let's dive in.
The Location: Kempten's Beating Heart... or Just Another Street Corner?
The location? HUGE win. It's like, smack-dab in the middle of everything. Seriously, you step out, and boom, the old town is right there. Loved it! Everything – shops, restaurants, the damn *market* – was within stumbling distance. I even found a ridiculously amazing bakery that I visited... okay, multiple times. (More on the pastries later. I'm getting distracted.) The only *tiny* downside? Parking. Oh, the parking. It's like a treasure hunt… and the treasure is a parking spot that won't cost you your firstborn. Be warned. Plan ahead. Seriously.
The Room: Cozy Chamber or Crime Scene Candidate?
The room… okay, let’s be honest. It wasn't palatial. My room at CityHotel Kempten was… compact. Like, "could barely swing a cat" compact. (I don't own a cat, but you get the idea.) It was clean, though! And the bed was surprisingly comfortable. I slept like a log. A very *sleepy* log. The decor? Let's call it “classic.” Think… solid furniture, maybe a slightly dated painting on the wall. Not exactly Instagrammable chic, but perfectly functional. Bathroom? Small, but clean. The water pressure was a lifesaver after a day of hiking. No complaints, just… a general sense of "this is a room."
Breakfast: Fuel for the Day… or a Hangover's Worst Enemy?
Ah, breakfast. This is where things get interesting. The breakfast buffet at CityHotel Kempten... alright, let's be honest about the breakfast, okay? Yes, there was a continental spread - the basics, really. Bread, cheese, ham and those little yogurt cups. But here's the deal: the *coffee*. Oh. My. God. It was… weak. Like, "whispering in a cup" weak. Luckily, they had a machine for cappuccino and espresso which I needed for the first 3 waking days! Beyond the coffee crisis, the food itself was *fine*. Nothing to write home about, but again, it's a solid base to work from. The staff was lovely though - always replenishing the food, smiling through their bleary-eyed customers.
The Staff: Angels or Just People Trying to Make Rent?
Honestly? The staff at CityHotel Kempten were pretty great. Friendly, helpful, and they put up with my terrible German attempts without visibly cringing. (Okay, maybe *one* slight cringe, but I digress.) They were always willing to help, from directions to restaurant recommendations. One guy even helped me figure out how to use the washing machine (which I desperately needed after a particularly messy gelato incident. Don't ask.) Seriously, hats off to them. They were a highlight.
The Biggest Surprise? (Good or Bad!)
Okay, so the biggest surprise? (Prepare yourself. I’m about to get very specific). I was really impressed with what I would call the "Quiet Factor". You hear so many horror stories about hotel noise, right? Crashing doors, loud neighbors… But honestly? It was quiet. Like, *eerie* quiet. I think I heard a gentle breeze whisper through the window one night. And that's it. Seriously. That was the loudest thing. Blissful! This is huge for me. It's a huge win. Sleep is gold, people!
Anything That REALLY Annoyed You? (Be Honest!)
Besides the parking and the coffee I mentioned earlier? Hmm. There's one tiny, nitpicky thing. Okay, two. One: The Wi-Fi. It was… spotty. Sometimes it worked like a dream, other times it was slower than a snail crawling uphill. I did manage to upload some photos, so no disaster. Two: The TV. Limited channels and a remote that felt like it was about to fall apart. But really, who watches TV when you're in Kempten to explore?! So, yeah. The Wi-Fi and the TV weren't ideal. But these were minor issues.
Overall Vibe: Would You Recommend CityHotel Kempten? (Be Brutally Honest!)
Okay, the million-dollar question. Would I recommend CityHotel Kempten? ...Yeah, I would. With caveats, of course. It's not a luxury hotel, and it's not going to blow your mind. But it’s clean, the location is fantastic, the staff is lovely, and the price is reasonable. It’s a perfectly fine base from which to explore Kempten. Just don’t expect the world, grab your own French press for the coffee, and you'll be golden. I'd go back. Especially if I could score *another* one of those pastries. (Seriously, they were incredible.) 7.5/10. Definitely go. And if you see a guy lurking near the bakery, it might be me.
