I had planned to stay in the Sheraton during a recent work trip but it was booked out - a frequent occurrence as there as so many conferences in the city. My clients suggested the Gastresidenz Pelikan, situated in a former factory. We were in one of the basic rooms which provided basic accommodations if not a high level of comfort. The walls admit every sound from the hallways which means sleeping with ear plugs are required. The curtains in the room wouldn't close - the helpful staff used clothes-pins to provide a dark night - but of course in the day time, had to be laboriously unpinned to let in the daylight. Positive points: the very kind, friendly and helpful staff and the free internet was fast and reliable. Kudos also for the excellent breakfast included in the reasonable price charged for the room.

I probably will not choose to stay here again unless circumstances demand it but I've stayed in worse and as a basic hotel with a modicum of comfort, it might work for a short stay.

I stayed at Gasteresidenz for two weeks while working in Hannover. And to say it upfront, I enjoyed my stay very much. Gasteresidenz is not really a hotel but more like a boarding house, geared towards guest who stay for longer periods of time. I had a room on the 4th floor: Large layout, plenty of closet-space, an office area with a desk, plasma tv, the bathroom was rather small, though. Each room has a kitchenette, pots and utensils can be borrowed from the front desk. However, the kitchenettes are rather poorly equipped. There is a sink, a fridge/freezer, two hotplates and cabinets. There is no microwave, no toaster and no coffeemaker. Coffee to go is available in the lobby for a Euro per cup. The breakfast-buffet in the morning costs 9 Euros. There is an inhouse laundromat...one load of washing and drying including detergent costs 7 Euros.

Gasteresidenz is located fairly close to the city center. The tram stop is 250m walking-distance and then its just 4 more stops to the main train station and city center. A supermarket is just accross the street from the tram. There are also bakeries and restaurants very close to Gasteresidenz. They offer on-site parking for 5 Euros per day, but in my experience there is plenty of free parking in the surrounding streets.

Gasteresidenz being not a hotel but a boarding house, towels are only changed twice a week and sheets only once a week. There is no room service, but menus from various delivery services are in every room. Wireless Internet is available, but it gets horribly slow in the evening hours. But I was told, they are working on it.

And if you think, this is just a so-so review...consider this: I got an incredible rate at Gasteresidenz, that made up for all the minor inconveniences. Less than 50 Euros per day, which was just awesome. However, if you are coming to Hannover for the annual Cebit trade-fair, expect to pay a lot more.

So if you are looking for a comfortable, efficient and reasonably priced place to stay in Hannover, Gasteresidenz is the place for you. Staff are very friendly and helpful. But If you want the full business-hotel experience, make reservations at the Sheraton down the street. Next time I'm in Hannover, I will definitely stay at Gasteresidenz.

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.

Its only €35 a night when staying off peak above 7 nights. I was in a basic room. Single bed but decent size room generally. Digital TV with lots of stations and you can link your laptop or smartphone to it. Supposed to be wireless internet but couldn;t connect, not good for business guests.