ART HOTEL KOERSCHEN

I booked a room by emailing the hotel directly. At the time of booking, they had advertised a special offer for walking/hiking in the Ruhr valley including care parcel and hiking/walking information, with prices starting from Euros 38.50 per person. The hotel manager offered a room for 94 Euros, 12 Euros more than the rate on their direct booking system on the website for a room. As the email did not mention any extras, I double-checked what we were being offered for the extra money. I was informed that the offer was not available at Euros 38.50 per person at this time, but I was left with the impression that we would get the offer for 94 Euros. I was prepared to pay a little extra to treat my husband after a positive experience with the hotel in the past. However, in subsequent correspondence, I was told that the offer was not available at all. The manager said he had given us a care parcel "for free". (By that time, the price for a room without any extras had gone up from 82 Euros to 94 Euros on the hotel website...) I had hoped to discuss the confusing/misleading correspondence with the manager in person, but he was on holidays when we got to Essen. When we arrived at the hotel, we were informed that NO room had been reserved for us! Luckily, the lady at reception still found a room for us... It was once again confirmed hat the offer was no longer available - even though I later discovered that it was was advertised on a poster in the hotel... The offer is also STILL mentioned on the hotel's website - though prices have been removed. Extras apparently include a care parcel and touring information with insider tips regarding exhibitions, museums, and evening programmes... Our care parcel consisted of the opportunity to take away a bread roll, piece of fruit and small flapjack after breakfast... I would have NEVER agreed to pay 12 Euros extra for this. On the plus side, the hotel still serves a generous breakfast hence the 3 star rating. Would I stay again? I am not sure. If I were to book another room, I would definitely reserve a room via the booking system on the website to get the best deal and avoid making arrangements via email. I would also avoid booking a room in the hight of summer, as our room had no air-conditioning. There are a lot of building works around the hotel and drilling started early in the morning.

Everything is just right here. A small family hotel with individually designed rooms. The Service is simply excellent. The breakfast buffet leaves nothing to be desired: No crowds and enough space. Everything is quickly replenished. The train station and the city center with good gastronomy are within walking distance.

All in all fine and well located for a visit to Essen. The decor of the quite spacious room was a bit old and worn out. Breakfast also fine. Choice, however, not very large and rather “classic” with some sausage, cheese, cereal. Highlight was salmon. It was regularly refilled and re-covered. The staff deserved a better rating. Very friendly and accommodating.