Recently had a long weekend stay at the Sofitel Bayerpost. Was on a promotional step rate that included breakfast and an upgrade subject to availability.

I liked the hotel a lot and will happily return, even though I have two minor things I didn't like so much.

Building and location:

The hotel is literally next to the Hauptbannhof (central station). It is not particularly glamourous (but not dodgy either) but is very convenient. It's about 7-10 minutes walk to the Altstadt (old centre) and the main pedestrian street. The area around the hotel is modern and a bit charmless so not much in terms of views either, but it is very central.

The front building is beautiful but it is mostly a facade and in fact, most of the hotel is located in a joined up modern building which sits between the front entry and the station. Lobby area is nice but nothing special, and there is a big atrium type space in between the entrance are and the main building.

Check in and room

Staff were very nice and friendly. When I checked in, room was not ready and they had not given any upgrade (subject to availability based on the rate) despite quite a lot of availability in higher categories (I knew because I checked on my way to know what to expect). I did not say anything but the check in agent noticed, and was so surprised that I did not complain that she organised a great upgrade to a suite (note that I had booked a relatively high category in the first place) if I was ok to wait a little longer for the room.

Suite itself was wonderful, striking modern decor, large windows overlooking the railtracks (I know, it sounds weird but it's fascinating in a weird way) loft style space but with two different lounge areas, bedroom area, bathroom area etc. One thing to note is that it is great for a single guest or two people who are comfortable with each other in all situation but anyone more prudish might find the set up a bit intimidating (though there is a sliding frosted glass door you can use to close either the toilet or shower area at any given time). Bathroom was great, with pleasant bath and separate rainshower, Japanese washlet, etc. Toiletries are Diptyque in large (no "take away") bottles. Equipment includes two very large tvs, nespresso machines with three pods, table, etc. Plenty of bottled water. Two mini fridges but with one of those automatic systems and only tiny space for "personal use" so beware if you like buying something to keep in the fridge.

Rooms are serviced twice a day and in my case unlike one of the reviews above, it was spotless though they did not replenish the nespresso capsules once or twice. Staff very efficient.

I was also given a small box of 6 macaroons presumably as the loyalty gift (alongside the usual drinks voucher)

Fitness and spa:

I loved the fitness and spa area. Changing rooms are clean and well maintained, bathrobes and slippers provided (though most people arrive from their room in bathrobe already). The swimming pool as a very unusual snail like shape which means it's narrow and hard to swim (except in one area) if it is crowded, but you often find yourself able to not see others if there are not too many people. Water temperature was pleasant. Then there is a sauna-hammam-showers area. As noted at the entrance, it is a nude area (as is totally standard in Germany). I mention it because a few of the foreign tourists were coming with swimsuits in and I could see the German guests getting very angry (they consider it dirty) so please be mindful of the (well signposted) rule, and if it is an issue for you, just don't use it rather than embarrass others. There is no issue keeping a towel wrapped around you if you want (though nobody else really does it). Two minor things to note. First, the hammam part (which is otherwise pleasant) was closed on a couple of occasions and I read in other reviews elsewhere this doesn't seem too unusual. Second is that the swimming pool area gets quite crowded on weekends (especially Saturday) with lots of children so if you want peace and quiet that can be a bit of a challenge. However, kids are only allowed till 7pm so in practice, early in the morning and late evenings tend to be more quiet even on weekends. I didn't use the gym.

Food:

Breakfast was nice as is typically the case in Germany but I did not find it as exceptional as others did. Food was good but a little repetitive. Sparkling wine offered as well as decent juices (think the tropicana "fresh" section stuff but not actual freshly squeezed things). One thing that surprised me is that I was told I could not get soft boiled eggs (one of the French breakfast staples!!) as the staff cited worries about salmonella with shortly cooked eggs! I must say that it is the first time it's happened to me in a 5* hotel let alone one from a French brand! Worth noting that some dishes are available to be ordered but there was no visible menu and nobody mentionied it to me,so it's only when I asked if they had any pancakes that I was told, almost by chance, that some dishes could be ordered!

I also used both the restaurant and room service. The room service menu is the same as the bar menu which is itself a small sub-section of the restaurant menu (unfortunately, not including most of tempting things within the latter!) The food (both in restaurant and in room) was good and creative. Cocktails were excellent. However, I found the prices really high. The menu is divided into small, medium, and large plates. Small plates are really small and around €15, medium plates around €25-30 and for large plates you get thing like a burger for over €30 (seriously?!) or steak for €48. The price that shocked me most however was that of water. Sparkling water is ubiquitous in Germany, very cheap, and of excellent quality. In the restaurant they serve you San Pellegrino in 0.75 bottles at a cost of €12 per bottle!

So really, food and drink prices would be my only complaint in an otherwise excellent hotel.