Modern and functional hotel, shame about breakfast | Review hotel Marriott Bonn

Hotels in Germany are expensive, so much. If one then travels during the period of fairs, they are even more so. The reason for my trip was really a fair, my first live fair since the pandemic: the Dmexco in Cologne.

I have been attending this fair for years and sleeping in the area is so expensive, as it always is when there are fairs of this type. Having a car, I decided to move a few miles and to sleep in Bonn, at the Marriott, one of the largest hotels in Germany with nearly 350 rooms and suites.

Reservation

Hotels in the Cologne area, of any chain, had a cost of about €400 per night. Of course, I could have also slept in a normal hotel without aiming for points, or booking with Rocket Miles and gain some miles, but the race to Marriott's Titanium level convinced me to stay at this hotel.

The room cost only 166, and on balance the 60km to get to the Cologne Fair, I might as well have invested 20 thousand Bonvoy points, but in this case it would not have been an exciting conversion. Moreover, with this stay I triggered the fall Bonvoy promo e from the next I will also earn 2000 points bonus at every check-out. Of course as a benefit I chose 1000 points and not the 10€ to spend in the facility.

The structure

This hotel is inspired by the history of the former West German capitalde, which was precisely Bonn, and to the most famous chancellor of the pre-unification era: Konrad Adenauer. The restaurant on the 17th, and top floor of the hotel is named after him, not to be confused with Conrad, the first name of the creator of the Hilton hotel chain.

Opened in 2016, it overlooks the bank of the Rhine River, a river that runs through Germany, and is in the center of the area that is also home to the famous Museum Mile, the United Nations building and the headquarters of many companies-from Deutsche Welle to the DHL skyscraper.

It is easily reached from the highway and is equipped in an underground parking lot directly connected to the hotel.

Check-in and room

Paperwork done in a matter of minutes, although for the first time it happened to me that the reservation lost all my data, including my status.

The attendant asked me if I could give my Bonvoy number, and as soon as I entered it, she had to change my badge and room because my basic room had just become an executive room, which cost 80€ more. I really like that Marriott's card holder is different between non-elite guests and those enrolled in the loyalty program: is a finesse that makes the guest feel special, as is the signage reminding you that you got a better room than the one you booked.

The room was on the 15th floor and overlooked the Rhine, definitely a beautiful view For people like me who are used to sleeping overlooking the sea. The river is always water but does not make noise.

In the center of the room, a king-size bed, mattress "made in Marriott," but strangely no topper. Immense window, hidden by heavy blackout curtains.

Basic bathroom, with walk-in shower and an almost total absence of plastic, and dispenser for products in the shower.

The room is nice, but cold. There is nothing inside that warms as there is in the common areas, in the hallways. There is a coffee maker, kettle, but there is only one pod! Empty minibar and one water bottle (in glass): the equipment is just the bare minimum, and for a 5-star hotel a little bit.

Obviously smart TV hanging on the wall, but small in size compared to what is now found in even lower category hotels.

The executive lounge

Having the status, at least platinum, we have already explained that it opens the doors to the lounges when present. In this hotel it is located on the second floor: it is not large but it is all glass and with a view even of the reception area, which is very impressive.

The lounge is open h24, although of course the highlight is offered at breakfast and for aperitif (or frugal dinner) in the evening.

Discreet offerings of sweet and savory snacks. I had some cheese and spring rolls and drank a glass of wine and finally pampered myself with a chocolate mousse and a glass of Pepsi. Nice candy bar as well. However, breakfast is not served in the morning, and for us elites it's better that way because that way you have access to the main restaurant.

The Spa

The hotel also houses a 1500sqm spa in the basement. Here there is a small gym open h24.

There is a fitness center complete with everything from 8 am to 8 pm. There is also a swimming pool here, a second gymnasium, massage and treatment rooms, as well as the old Roman walls discovered during the construction of the hotel.

Food & Beverage

Of the lounge I have already written. On the 17th floor is the rooftop bar with a rooftop terrace, but in September it is not the hottest place in the world, and the Kornad restaurant.

I would have liked to have a drink but it was always full, also because I don't like to make reservations and it is open to guests and non-guests.

Breakfast is served in the main restaurant on the ground floor. There are two rooms, but not too large and I wonder how they can handle all the guests when the hotel is full.

The buffet is also small and underwhelming. I had the impression that everything was in reduced mode:, we are in a 5-star hotel and not even the possibility of having an omelet is offered, really unacceptable. The quality is also not from hotels in this category.

In conclusion

If there are no events and conferences this hotel is definitely competitive in terms of prices. Of course, it is not convenient for being a tourist in Cologne, but if you have to travel by car it can be a viable alternative and can also save several euros compared to sleeping near the fairgrounds.

Breakfast is to be improved and there should also be more staff, both at the front desk and at breakfast, because lines form everywhere. From people looking for a place to eat to people waiting to check out.

• Bonvoy