This hotel does what all the reviews say. It gives you a room that is in a great location for the centre If you want luxury there are other hotels. If you want amenities there are other hotels. This has a small cafe and a sauna and you get a reasonable room equal to any average chain hotel. The staff were nice and helpful and right outside the door you are in the aldstadt. That's what you pay for so it did what I wanted and I am pleased with my stay.

Chose this hotel for 4 star rating, closeness to Altstadt and U-train to Messe. We booked 2 rooms. My room, for 10 Euros a night more than my colleagues got me a tiny, dark room with a coffee maker that did not work. I was also put in a smoking room, even though I had requested non-smoking. Regarding the bed, the pillows were so thin that we had to request extras (which were grudgingly brought up). Also, mattresses were wrapped in plastic under the thin bottom sheet - not a very nice sleeping experience. One morning, completely out of toilett paper. You'd think this would be a basic thing to check off the list when housekeeping comes through your room.

My colleagues, for 10 Euros less a night received a large room on the top floor. When I complained to the front desk about the non-working coffee maker, I was shrugged off without any attempt at resolving my issue. I didn't ask to be moved, only that the extra 10 Euros a night be reduced from my bill for the non-working coffee maker. The breakfast bar was the only redeeming quality of this hotel.

A brief stop at this hotel confirmed my reseach: The Carat is the best located hotel in town. That is if you lke the Old Town, the Shopping and the Rhine all within easy walking distance. This trip was just an autumn weekend but the combination of location, value for money breakfast and easy parking (at a price) made it a good one. You wouldnt want to spend a week here, but for a weekend break its fine. The rooms are basic but have everything you need, the bathroom clean and adequate, the breakfast plentiful and was included on our rate. The staff were helpful, supplied maps, and also gave the tip that if you have a car its better to pre-book parking via the hotel. That way you get a discount on the public parking lot next door, which is where you will have to park anyway - unless you want to chance street parking and a ticket.
So, all in all very pleased. This hotel is a useful little gem for the traveller in this town.

Spent 4 nights in this hotel in May, 2007. A bit expensive but located perfectly (old city, river, center), quiet, clean room, bathroom not gorgeous but OK, good breakfast.
Wired internet just didn't work in my room and complaints didn't help - though stuff was very friendly overall, they were feared of word "internet" or something... They also have wireless (looked very expensive to me) in the room and 1 "business guest room" - you should take keys on receiption and have wired fast internet for free when you need (if it is not busy - there is only 1 point to connect).
Overall - nice place to stay if their price fits your wallet. Not sure about their 4 stars, I'd say good 3 stars hotel.