Living Hotel Kanzler Reviews

Stayed at the Kanzler for 4 nights on a recent business trip. It certainly is a homey place and has a very nice old-fashioned atmosphere. My room (212) was quite spacious and functional. It had good natural light, a desk to work at, and the Internet connection was problem-free. Typical of many European hotels, the bed was rather spartan and narrow in one corner. The carpet was a bit worn out. The lobby has good style with a spiral staircase leading up. There are also all the pictures of the (West) German chancellors and presidents (Olaf Scholz has not yet made it), which provide interesting historical reading (I didn't remember that Willy Brandt, important as he was, only served for 5 years, 1969-1974). The breakfast was excellent, especially for us northern types who enjoy a solid savory breakfast with breads, cheeses and cold cuts. There's a nice bar as well as a restaurant, although I did not try the latter. Apart from that, there are no restaurants or bars in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, which is close to the university. I ended up walking to the old town on three of the nights -- about a 20 minute brisk walk. My meetings, on the other hand, were with German institutes and the UN, which were about another 20 minutes' walk to the opposite direction. I was initially frustrated with the location but, given the above, maybe it was a good compromise -- and one could walk along the beautiful riverside. I also want to acknowledge that the youthful staff at the reception, as well as those working in the bar, were extraordinarily friendly and helpful.