Hannover, being a convention city, is loaded with hundreds of hotels and short-stay apartments .What is common though - even 4 star establishments are not what you expect of truly upscale accommodation. I find that average German 2 star differs from 4* : a) in amount of cheap laminate built-ins , b) thickness of a duvet that is too small anyway .c ).selection of sausages and hot dogs at breakfast buffet.
You can safely bet that either one ( budget or luxury ) will be very clean , will have a small shower stall , pink liquid soap/shampoo that can double as paint stripper, and narrow hard mattresses covered in plastic.
Once we establish these common grounds we can fairly evaluate Pelikanviertel.
I have stayed in probably most of Hannover popular hotels over last few years. After spending 10 days here I said to myself , this is my home in Hannover from now on. ( By the way , they offer long term rentals - up to six month , where price drops to almost nothing ).
The hotel is in the nicest area of a city - in List district. Everything is within reach either by car or by SBahn tram. Parking is free and abundant. The windows are facing either courtyard or very residential street. The only noise I heard sleeping with windows open was an amorous bird signing serenades while perched on a light post. A really, REALLY, great food is in the same old factory building- XII Apostel.Don't miss it .
If you want to use your kitchenette or just get a refill of cold beer , a well stocked and super-cheap ( I was explained that this is a grocery shop for poor - be careful, the low prices can give you a shock) supermarket is on the corner of Podbielski street , open late.
Rooms... if you are afraid of big open airy spaces and would rather hole up in something dark and dingy with paisley drapes and dust mites, like old grand style Holiday Inn- from 80s this place is definitely not for you. Do not attempt.
The rooms are huge, not in terms of floor footage but in terms of height. The windows are spectacularly huge - be sure to use black-out roller shade if you want to sleep late in summer when Northern nights are very short. It helps to fight jetlag though :)
I will not go into description of beds and shower ( see above ) they are adequate.
Wireless free internet worked flawlessly.
Breakfast is excellent for non-carnivores ( see above re:hot dogs ). There is a usual selection of cold cuts and sausages , plus some boiled eggs. The absolute winner is muessli table. You can mix and match yours ad infinitum - all kinds of dried fruits, nuts , seeds , yoghurts...it looks like an isle in Whole Foods.
Coffee and bakery goods are abundant and good quality.
Staff. They have implemented a wonderful policy of hotel staff as a family. Their names and faces are in your hotel guide book. They are made to remember your name as well, so after a first meeting they greet you by name. There are few people in a shift and they work really hard.
I am booking this hotel for my September trip to Hannover right now. The price and value is hard to beat.
