What to know when staying in a hotel in Germany

Traveling to Germany is not only an adventure of discovering new landscapes and cultural riches but also an opportunity to deepen your understanding of local life by staying in a hotel. While choosing hotel accommodation might seem like the simplest part of your trip, understanding local nuances can significantly enrich your experience.

In this article, we will highlight the key stages of staying in German hotels, emphasizing the importance of familiarizing yourself with local traditions and rules for a comfortable and safe stay. From check-in and room features to check-out and lasting impressions, let’s explore how to properly enjoy your hotel stay in Germany.

Check-In and Registration at the Hotel

Checking into a hotel in Germany is the first step toward a comfortable stay, so it’s important to be prepared. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will need to go to the reception. Here, you will need to provide your documents and booking confirmation.

There are generally two types of bookings:

Prepaid Booking: If you have booked the hotel and prepaid for your stay. Most hotels in Germany require advance payment for accommodation. However, if the booking is made a day before check-in, it is still possible to reserve without prepayment.

Non-Prepaid Booking: This option is less popular in most European countries, but sometimes, especially in the low season, you can find offers with payment upon check-in. Be ready to have the reservation amount in Euros with you.

What Documents Are Needed for Hotel Registration in Germany?

Passport or Other Identification Document: Registration practices may vary, but generally, you will need to present an identity document. For foreigners, this can be a passport. In some cases, a driver’s license may suffice, but it’s best to bring your passport to avoid any issues.

Booking Confirmation or Reservation Number: If you have booked a room in advance, it’s important to have your booking information for quick and efficient registration. We recommend always booking in advance to avoid situations where the hotel has no available rooms or the price is significantly higher than what you saw online.

Credit Card: Some hotels may require a credit card as a guarantee or to cover any additional services or unexpected expenses. Make sure to have a credit card with a credit limit, as debit cards are not always accepted due to the lack of payment guarantee.

Registration Address: In some cases, you may be asked to provide your home address and contact details. You won’t need a separate document for this, but you should know how to write your address (country, city, street) correctly in English (or German), as well as your postal code.

Proper preparation for check-in will help avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and allow you to enjoy your stay in a German hotel comfortably. If you have any doubts, you can always email the hotel to clarify the required documents for registration. Here is a sample email:

Subject: Questions about booking a room for (Your Name)

Email Text:

Good day!
I have a room reservation at your hotel.
Can you provide a list of documents that will be required upon registration and is there a requirement to have an active credit card? Best regards, (Your Name)

Room Standards and Services

German hotels are known for their high-quality service and comfortable living conditions. Room standards usually include amenities such as a television, telephone, air conditioning, safe, and a well-equipped bathroom with a shower or bathtub. Most hotels also offer free Wi-Fi and other conveniences for travelers.

The category and equipment of the room depend on the type of accommodation. To ensure a hassle-free stay, choose accommodations with at least a 3-star rating. Rooms in this category (and higher) include:

• All rooms must be equipped with private bathrooms.

• At least 3 towels per guest.

• Color television in every room.

• Bar or restaurant on-site.

Check-in time usually starts in the afternoon, and check-out is typically before noon the next day. Keep these times in mind to avoid additional charges or misunderstandings.

Smoking is prohibited in all German hotel rooms, including both traditional cigarettes and any electronic variants. If you need to smoke, ask the reception if there is a designated smoking area on the hotel premises.

Some hotels may have established quiet hours during which guests are advised to avoid loud conversations or music. This ensures guests can relax and enjoy the tranquility.

By understanding and respecting these local customs and regulations, you can ensure a pleasant and enriching stay during your travels in Germany.
Dining in German Hotels

Depending on the category of the hotel you choose, there are various dining options available during your stay.

We will consider two meal plans that are most in demand in German hotels:

Breakfast Only

We recommend choosing this meal plan for several reasons:

• Cost: The price of breakfast in German hotels can vary significantly depending on the hotel's level and the type of breakfast chosen. Usually, the average cost of breakfast ranges from 10 to 25 euros per person. Some hotels include the cost of breakfast in the room rate, which is more economical than using cafes or restaurants.

• Time-saving: Having breakfast at the hotel saves you time for your activities. All breakfasts are served buffet-style, so there's no need to place orders and wait for your meal.

• Quality: The quality of breakfasts in German hotels is very high. While it depends on the hotel's level, even the simplest option will allow you to enjoy delicious coffee or tea and fresh pastries.

Pay attention to the type of breakfast:

• CB (Continental Breakfast): A light and elegant breakfast option. You are offered a choice of tea, coffee, or juice, along with a roll with butter and jam. This option is ideal for those who prefer a light and unburdened breakfast in the morning.

• AB (American Breakfast): An American or English breakfast, more commonly found and highly popular. This breakfast is for those who believe the first meal should be hearty and full of flavors.

No Meals

This option is suitable for those who want to explore German cuisine and enjoy the ambiance of local cafes, bakeries, and restaurants.

Dining Options Near the Hotel

• Local Restaurants: Explore local restaurants and cafes to try traditional German cuisine and local dishes. It is easy to find a charming place in Germany that introduces you to the traditional dishes of the region you are staying in.

• Cafes and Bakeries: In the morning, visit local cafes or bakeries for fresh bread, coffee, and sweet pastries. A great advantage of such places is that they open very early, usually from 7:00 AM.

• Supermarkets: If you prefer self-catering, visit local supermarkets to buy groceries. The most common supermarkets in Germany are Aldi, Lidl, Edeka, Kaufland, and Rewe.

To find a suitable place in the city where you are staying, you can ask the hotel reception to recommend a good place to eat, or use one of the restaurant-finding apps:

• Tripadvisor: A popular app for finding accommodation and dining options. The app is very user-friendly: select the city and type of establishment you are interested in. For each place, you will find its rating, photos, menu, and reviews from other visitors.

• Google Maps: This app is convenient because you can choose your location and select the "Restaurants" category. It will show you a list of nearby dining places with ratings and types. You can also quickly view interior photos, menus, and read reviews.

Communication with Hotel Staff

When you step into a hotel in a foreign country, the most important factor for creating a pleasant and safe experience is communication with the hotel staff. It's important to understand that a language barrier may arise, especially if you are in less touristy areas. In this section, we will discuss how to effectively interact with hotel staff, overcome possible language difficulties, and why politeness and etiquette are key elements to ensuring a pleasant visit in Germany. We will look at the nuances of hotel communication that will help make your stay even more pleasant and efficient.

Don’t expect the staff to understand Ukrainian. However, it is a great advantage that almost all hotels have staff who speak not only German but also English.

If you do not speak either German or English, we recommend learning basic phrases that will allow you to feel more confident in Germany. You can find some useful phrases here.

Also, using the official Google Translate app is quite convenient. Its functionality allows you to record your interlocutor's conversation in real-time and immediately translate the language you understand. This will also allow you to convey your message to the hotel staff.

In Germany, politeness and adherence to etiquette are highly valued. Communicate with hotel staff politely and kindly, using standard greetings and thank you phrases.

Check-Out and Billing

During check-out, it is important to follow the check-out procedures. Before leaving, you should familiarize yourself with the check-out time, which may vary from hotel to hotel.

The main steps of check-out include returning the keys at the reception and checking the room for any personal belongings. Billing for your stay is also important and is usually done during registration or check-out.

Additional expenses, such as the cost of extra services or restaurant bills, may be included in the final bill. Be sure to ask for a receipt confirming your payment.

Reviews and Feedback

After check-out, it is important to leave a review about your stay at the hotel. Your impressions and feedback can be useful for other travelers. In your review, you should mention your overall impression, what you liked, and what you didn’t like during your stay.

Staying in German hotels is not only a time for rest but also a deep dive into the local way of life. Check-in and registration determine the convenience of your stay, and features such as room standards, hotel rules, and additional services make each visit unique.

Daily dining rituals offer delicious dishes and the opportunity to discover local cuisine. Communication with hotel staff, considering the language barrier and the importance of politeness, is a key aspect of interaction.

Staying in German hotels leaves unforgettable impressions of culture and hospitality that leave lasting memories in the hearts of every traveler.