I was very disapointed by this hotel. It was booked by the organizers of a conference I attended in Essen. I made arrangements with the hotel directly to upgrade the room (of course at my own expense) so that I could stay with my family. I was told to pay an extra 45 euros for my husband and 2 children to stay with me. This seemed a bit exaggerated since the site said children were free but, for professional reasons I avoided arguments and just accepted and booked by e-mail. Upon arrival there was a mistake with the booking and we were told we had to pay 90 euros extra (breakfast would be 45 euros extra over those 90 euros: price for one adult, one child and one baby since my breakfast was already payed for). The room was really outdated and very small with only 2 single beds. My children were supposed to sleep on the floor or share the bed with one adult. Besides, the room was very uggly and had a view to an inner courtyard, it was truly unacceptable. Of course we declined, so I decided to go walking around Essen to try to find a hotel for our family. Next door Ibis would be 69€ but they did not have family rooms. Movenpick was full, I was walking around Essen with tears in my eyes without knowing what to do when the hotel finally called me and said they would respect the previous price that we had been appointed to.
We had breakfast at a nearby coffeeshop for 9 euros for the whole family. Since my breakfast was already payed by the organizers, one of the days when I left early I had breakfast but the staff was unpleasant, trying to rush me, I ended up just having a croissant and a cup of coffee because they were in such a hurry.
I found this hotel to be very cold, without atmosphere and the rooms to be unconfortable and very outdated (plastic, sort of formica furniture from the 80s). The hotel has nothing interesting except from beeing located near the train station. We found that the hotel lacked on simple services like internet, or a living room. The staff is polite but cold and making you feel unwelcome. I wouldn't come back.

The location opposite the train station is very convenient. The hotel has been extensively renovation and makes a very modern and airy impression. The rooms are small but very comfortable. LAN connection is provided. Breakfast is good with a large selection.

Located across the street from the railway station with easy access to the airport and the exhibition centre. Pleasant first impression and friendly staff. Room was spacious with a double bed which I did not find very good. Desk and free Internet access. Two high chairs and a small round table were not very comfortable. Spacious, bright and pleasant bathroom. There was no A/C and as windows could only be tilted it may get hot on warm days. Had dinner as the only guest in the restaurant and it was only OK. Breakfast buffet was very good.

Got given a smoking room and could not change as fully booked. However, staff were very nice and as my husband has mobility problems, they took our luggage all the way to the station platform the next morning. Also helped us upgrade our train tickets to 1st class as we were travelling 5 hours the next day to Freiburg. Very convenient for the station- one minute walk away.

Breakfast was really very good- a superb choice. The bar was small but friendly- rather pricey but bar meals were not available despite stating in their brochure that bar meals were available. With some negotiation, the meals were served. There is a restaurant too.

Not quite sure why it has been classified 4 star- probably more a 3 star aspiring to 4. However I note German hotel classifications tend to be higher than British or North American, for example what could be classified a 2 in Britain would be a 3 in Germany. However, what I cannot fault is that the quality of food and beer is better than the average hotel in the UK.