Kiel's Hidden Gem: Premiere Classe Hotel Review - You Won't Believe This!
Kiel's Hidden Gem: Premiere Classe Hotel Review - You Won't Believe This! (Actually, Maybe You Will)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to drop some truth bombs about the Premiere Classe hotel in Kiel. Forget those glossy travel brochures – this is a real-world, warts-and-all, stay-at-the-door review. And trust me, it's a wild ride! (SEO keywords: Kiel hotel review, Premiere Classe Kiel, accessible hotel Kiel, budget hotel Kiel, Kiel accommodation, Kiel Germany hotels)
Let's start with the Accessibility because, frankly, that’s a HUGE deal.
Accessibility: Okay, here’s the skinny. This place advertises accessibility. I'm always skeptical, so I called ahead, and they seemed to get it. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Check. But be warned, folks, while technically accessible, some areas might be a squeeze. Think of it as a "mostly accessible" scenario. Double-check with them if specific features are essential for you. They do have Facilities for disabled guests, which is a massive plus, but assess your needs before you commit.
Wheelchair Accessible: See above! They TRY. Seriously.
Now about the Rooms which are the core of any hotel experience.
- Available in all rooms: This list is exhaustive, so let’s break it down…
- Air conditioning: YES! Hallelujah, I hate sleeping in a sweatbox.
- Alarm clock: Useful. But I use my phone, like, everyone else.
- Bathrobes: Nope. Don't expect fancy. This is Premiere Classe, not the Ritz.
- Bathroom phone: Seriously? Does anyone actually use this?
- Bathtub: I think it depends on the room but I didn't get one.
- Blackout curtains: YES! Thank the heavens for those. Needed them. A LOT.
- Carpeting: Uh, yeah. Standard stuff.
- Closet: Basic, did the job.
- Coffee/tea maker: No. You're on your own. Embrace the instant coffee if you must.
- Complimentary tea: Nope. Definitely instant coffee territory.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, thankfully. Otherwise, it'd be a disaster zone.
- Desk: Functional. I got some work done. Nothing glamorous.
- Extra long bed: Always a bonus. A taller person can chime in as well!
- Free bottled water: Nope. You're on your own. Stock up at the store.
- Hair dryer: Yes! Saving you from the dreaded towel-drying dance.
- High floor: Depends. Get the lowest floor if you have accessibility concerns and want peace.
- In-room safe box: Not that I saw. My valuables were with me.
- Internet access – LAN: Probably exists. Who uses that anymore?
- Internet access – wireless: YES – and free! Praise the Wi-Fi gods!
- Ironing facilities: Probably a community ironing board. Expect to share.
- Laptop workspace: See "Desk." It’s functional.
- Linens: Clean! And that's what matters!
- Mini bar: HA! You WISH.
- Mirror: Yep. Check your face before facing the world.
- Non-smoking: ABSOLUTELY! Thank God!
- On-demand movies: Don't count on it.
- Private bathroom: Yes, thank goodness.
- Reading light: Check. For, ya know, reading.
- Refrigerator: Nope. See: "Mini-bar."
- Safety/security feature: Smoke detectors for SURE, and I'm pretty sure there was a peephole.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes. Some English options. Surviveable when you just want to zone.
- Scale: Not observed!!
- Seating area: In my room, no.
- Separate shower/bathtub: My room did not have this.
- Shower: YES! Good water pressure. A win!
- Slippers: LOL. No.
- Smoke detector: Present! And a welcome one.
- Socket near the bed: YES! Essential for the modern traveler.
- Sofa: Nope. Not in my room.
- Soundproofing: Surprisingly decent. I didn’t hear much from the hallway.
- Telephone: Yep. Probably for calling reception, if you dare.
- Toiletries: Basic. Bring your own stuff. Trust me.
- Towels: Clean towels! A must!
- Umbrella: Nope. Pack your own.
- Visual alarm: Probably available, check with reception.
- Wake-up service: Probably. Use your phone.
- Wi-Fi [free]: YES! The best thing in the entire room!
- Window that opens: Yep. Fresh air is always welcome!
Let's delve more into the Internet Access & Services
- Internet: Duh. Free WiFi available.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: HELL YEAH! This is a MAJOR win!
- Internet [LAN]: Probably available in select rooms, if you're into that 90's tech.
- Internet services: It has the internet. That's the service.
Next, some thoughts on Cleanliness and Safety
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I would hope so, but I didn't see anyone actually cleaning, lol.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I'll take their word for it.
- Hand sanitizer: I think there were some by the breakfast buffet.
- Hygiene certification: Probably. This is Germany, people. Hygiene is a thing.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Hopefully. Though, I didn't see it happen myself.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Possibly. They seemed to know how to check me in…
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms: Yep! Always a good start!
- CCTV in common areas, Security [24-hour]: Always important.
- Non-smoking rooms, Soundproof rooms: Yes and yes!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Expect the Bare Minimum!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes! A buffet! And it's… well… it's there. Cereal! Bread! Coffee! Yoghurt! Meat! It's not the gourmet experience, but it gets you going. My main breakfast complaint was the lack of any sort of flavour that might wake me up at 08:00!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, at breakfast. And it’s passable.
- Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Snack bar: Nope, nope, nope, and nope. Embrace the Kiel food scene. Walk. Explore. Trust me.
- Room service [24-hour]: Don't count on it.
Services and Conveniences - Practical Stuff, Nothing Fancy!
- Air conditioning in public area: Yep.
- Cash withdrawal: Probably. There are usually ATMs around.
- Concierge: Nah. You're on your own, champ.
- Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage: Yes to all three. Necessary.
- Elevator: Yes! Another HUGE win for accessibility!
- Facilities for disabled guests, Front desk [24-hour]: Score!
- Free parking: Yes.
- Wi-Fi for special events: If you can host a special event IN this hotel, you're much better than me.
For the Kids - Probably Not a Child's Paradise
- Family/child friendly: See above.
Getting Around - A Taxi Situation, Maybe
- Car park [free of charge], Bicycle parking: Yes, and yes!
- Taxi service: Sure.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax - Kiel Awaits!
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Spa, Spa/sauna, Swimming pool: LOL!
- Pool with view: If you stare long enough, you MIGHT see some sky.
- Things to do: Explore Kiel! It's a great city.
So, the Big Question: Would I Recommend It?
Okay, the Premiere Classe in Kiel is not going to blow your mind. It's not luxe. It's not fancy. But if you're on a budget, need a relatively accessible room, and prioritize a clean bed, free Wi-Fi, and a decent breakfast, then YES. It'
Anapa Paradise Found: Your Dream Cozy Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. We're going to Kiel, Germany, baby! And the battlefield of my (potential) sanity: Premiere Classe Kiel. Prepare for… well, you'll see.
The "Kiel, Please Be Kind to My Soul" Itinerary (subject to extreme revisions, because, life.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Hotel Gamble
14:00 – Arrival in Kiel (allegedly): Okay, first hurdle. Get to Kiel. Plane? Train? Pigeon post? Details… details. Let's assume I arrive at Kiel Hauptbahnhof (train station) because I’m on a budget (and pigeons are a logistical nightmare). Hopefully, the train isn't delayed. Last time I relied on German trains, I ended up in a sheep field in… well, let's just say it wasn't my destination.
- Emotional Reaction: Anxiety levels: Moderate. I'm hoping the train gods are feeling generous.
14:30 – The Hotel Hunt (and the Prayer): Walk (or stumble, depending on baggage weight and general exhaustion) to the Premiere Classe Kiel. This is the moment of truth. Will the room look like the pictures? (Spoiler alert: they never do.) Will it smell vaguely of disinfectant and regret? (Most likely.) Will the Wi-Fi even exist? This is crucial. My sanity depends on it. I sincerely hope they give me a room that isn't directly facing the highway, because that would be torture, I swear.
- Quirky Observation: I always judge a hotel by its lobby furniture. If the chairs look like they've suffered more than I have, it's a good sign. If they look suspiciously new and uncomfortable, prepare for battle.
15:00 – Room Reconnaissance and the First Meltdown (Maybe): Unpack. Survey the damage, I mean, the room. Take mental notes. Is the bed a torture device? Is the shower a death trap (I’ve encountered some truly terrifying showers in budget hotels). Is there a working TV? And the all-important: Coffee. Coffee, coffee, coffee. If there's no coffee, there will be tears. Lots of them.
- Messy Imperfection: Last time in a Premiere Classe, the "double bed" was two twin beds shoved together. I ended up sleeping in a trench in the middle. Romantic, right?
- Opinionated Reaction: If the shower doesn't have decent water pressure after my long trek, I'm going to lose it.
16:00 – Kiel City Center (Attempt One): Okay, now that the hotel survival is sorted (hopefully) – go explore Kiel. Head to the city center, or Innenstadt. Hopefully, it's not a complete ghost town, because, German cities are known for this.
- Rambles: I'm really hoping the walk from the hotel isn't too long. I'm already feeling the effects of travel fatigue, so I need to take this slowly.
16:30 – Shopping and Exploring (if energy permits): Wander the streets. Maybe look for souvenirs. Definitely search for a decent bakery. Because, carbs.
- Emotional Reaction: The first time I visited Kiel, I just wandered, unsure of what to do. I felt like an alien. I was so completely overwhelmed by the culture shock. Today, I am determined to feel more at home.
18:00 – Dinner Dilemma: Find a restaurant. Eat some German food. Bratwurst? Schnitzel? Whatever the local specialty is, I'm in. (Unless it's… I don't know… sauerkraut soup. I am not a fan of sauerkraut.)
- More Rambles: Last time I tried to get a table in a German Restaurant, I got looks like I was the plague, it's like I had to knock and beg. I'm hoping I won't have to today. I'll try to be polite, I promise!
19:30 – Evening Stroll (or Collapse): Fresh air! Or a return to the hotel, if the day has completely defeated me. Let's be honest, it is the most likely scenario.
- Mood: I'm pretty sure I'll be in a food coma, so, who knows?
20:30 – Early Bedtime (The Plan): Sleep. Sweet, glorious sleep. Pray that the hotel room doesn't spontaneously combust.
Day 2: The Museum Mayhem (or, Breakfast & a Disaster)
- 08:00 – The Breakfast Battle: This is where things get dicey. The hotel breakfast. Is it included? Is it worth it? (It probably isn't, but I'm too lazy to go find actual food.) This can go south very quickly. I always expect soggy bread and lukewarm coffee. Will there be anything remotely edible? Will I fight another person for the last croissant? The suspense is killing me.
- Emotional Reaction: My mood depends entirely on the quality of the coffee.
- 08:30 – A Quick Stroll: Walk around the city center again. Take a walk.
- 09:00 – The Marine Museum (or, the Art Museum – I forget): Kiel's got museums, right? Let's aim for something maritime-y, because, Kiel is by the water. It's kind of the thing. It's going to be cool. Right?
- Anecdote: Last time I attempted a museum, I got hopelessly lost. I spent an hour wandering around a hallway filled with old maps. I'm not sure what I was looking for, but it certainly wasn't history.
- 11:00 – Lakeside Lunch: Find a restaurant that overlooks the water and order something delicious.
- Opinionated Language: I'm not saying German food isn't good, but it's heavy. So, something light, please and thank you.
- 13:00 – More Exploring (and the afternoon slump): More Kiel. Maybe a boat tour if I feel particularly adventurous (and the sea isn't too choppy. I get seasick.) Or maybe I’ll just sit in a park and judge the locals.
- Messier Structure: Or maybe none of this happens. Maybe I just stay in the hotel and watch terrible German television. Don't judge me.
- 16:00 – The Great Departure Prep (Maybe): Pack. Double-check everything. Resist the urge to buy a giant, impractical souvenir. (It's so hard.) This is when the "I need to come back here" feeling kicks in.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I'm going to miss Kiel. It's such a beautiful city.
- Departure: Whatever time I have to go.
- Quirky Observation: Hopefully, I'll leave with my sanity intact.
- Emotional Reaction: The end.
Important Caveats:
- This itinerary is a suggestion, not a law. My mood, the weather, and the availability of coffee will all influence the actual events.
- Expect detours. Expect delays. Expect me to get lost.
- I'm aiming for "charming chaos." If things go smoothly, I'll consider it a bonus.
- Above all, enjoy the experience!
- Disclaimer: If you follow this itinerary and end up in a ditch, don't blame me. Blame the unpredictable nature of travel, and my inherent clumsiness.
So, here's to a trip to Kiel that's filled with good food, exciting (and terrifying) adventures, and hopefully, a decent night's sleep – even if it's on two beds pushed together! Wish me luck! I'll need it.
Escape to Fairytale Germany: Hotel am Schlossplatz Hechingen Awaits!
Okay, spill the beans! Is the Premiere Classe Kiel *really* a hidden gem? Don't give me the PR speak!
Alright, alright! "Hidden gem" might be a *slight* overstatement. Let's call it a... well, a surprisingly decent option in a pinch. Think of it like that dodgy old vinyl record you stumbled upon in a dusty crate. It's got some scratches, skips a bit, but there's a weird charm to it. The Premiere Classe Kiel? That's the vinyl. The charm? The price. And the scratches? Oh boy, we'll get to those. Generally, it won't blow you away, but it's more than survivable if you're on a budget and tired of the usual cookie-cutter hotels. I recently stayed there!
Seriously, though, what's the *biggest* positive? Gimme something good!
Okay, the biggest win is the **price**. It's *usually* dirt cheap. Think of it as the bargain bin of Kiel hotels. I booked last-minute and practically gasped when I saw the price. I almost felt guilty! It's the kind of cheap that lets you splurge on that massive German sausage at the market, or grab an extra beer (or three!) without feeling like you're blowing your budget. Speaking of which... beer...
And what about the downsides? Be brutally honest. No sugarcoating!
Oh, where to begin... Okay, buckle up. The **location** is, let's say, *slightly* outside the city center. You're going to need a bus, a taxi, or a good pair of walking shoes. I walked. It *was* quite a walk, especially after a few too many pints of that aforementioned beer. Then there's the **decor**. Think… minimalist. Like, so minimalist it borders on feeling institutional. The room I had was clean-ish. There were no visible stains! But seriously, you're not gonna be marveling at the interior design. It’s functional, and that's about it. The bed? Firm. Very, very firm. I'm not sure if it was a bed or a slab of concrete disguised in a sheet.
The breakfast situation? Is it even worth it? I *need* my morning coffee!
Breakfast... ah, yes. It *is* available, for an extra fee. And… I wouldn’t call it a culinary experience. Think continental, bordering on basic. Coffee? Let's just say the coffee machine was *not* the hotel's finest offering. I'm a coffee snob, okay? So, I'd recommend skipping it and finding a proper coffee shop in town. Seriously. Save yourself the disappointment. Or, bring your own instant coffee! I didn't, and I regretted it. Badly. Very, very badly.
Was there any noise? I'm a light sleeper!
Oh, noise. It depends. My room faced the street, and let me tell you, there were some late-night revelers (Kiel's got a lively nightlife, it seems!) and a few early-morning delivery trucks. So, earplugs are your friend. Seriously. Pack 'em. They'll save your sanity. And if you get a room near the elevator, let's just say you'll *know* when people are coming and going. It's a budget hotel, after all. Walls are thin. Everything's thin. My patience also...
What about the staff? Were they helpful at least?
Honestly? The staff were... present. They weren't overly chatty, but they were efficient enough. They checked me in, handed me a key, and that was pretty much it. They weren't exactly overflowing with local knowledge, but they did their job. I have no complaints, but I wouldn't expect personalized service. Think airport hotel staff. Functional but not overly warm. You're not going to become best friends.
Tell me something good! Was there *anything* you actually liked?
Okay, okay, I'm not *totally* negative. Listen, there's something about this hotel. Its unpretentiousness! It knows what it is: a cheap place to crash. And for that? It delivers. You get a clean(ish) room, a bed (a very firm bed!), and a roof over your head. It's perfectly serviceable if you're spending most of your time exploring Kiel. Also, the parking was easy, which is a huge win. Driving in Kiel, is a pain!
I am thinking of taking my kid! Should I bring my kids, with this hotel?
Hmm...Kids? That depends on your kids! Are they adventurous, not too fussy? Great. Do they need top-notch amenities, and a soft bed? Pass. The rooms are small, so you might be cramped. The lack of frills might bore the little ones. The location, a bit of a trek, may be a pain. For me? No way! I would go crazy! However, some people would do fine with kids.
Okay, so, overall verdict? Would you stay there again?
It depends! If I was on a crazy budget and all other hotels were booked solid? Absolutely. If I just needed a place to sleep and didn't care about luxury? Yep. If I had more options and a bit more cash? Probably not. It's the kind of hotel you're either going to love (for its price) or hate (for its lack of, well, everything else). But hey, it's a Kiel experience, right? And the memories? Priceless… (though the actual price was very reasonable, so there's that).
Give me one *very* specific anecdote. Something that sums up the whole experience.
Okay, here's one. Picture this: I'd spent the entire day exploring Kiel, walking along the harbor, soaking up the maritime atmosphere. I was exhausted, utterly shattered. I came back to my room at the Premiere Classe, and the TV… wouldn't work. Remote had no batteries. *None*. I went down to reception, half-asleepStay Collective
