Nice Hampton Inn with friendly staff

Booked this hotel for 1 night as I was planning to visit Aachen and the surrounding areas over the weekend.  Was also curious to try out the Hampton Inn brand in Germany (my first Hampton Inn stay in Germany).  The rate I booked was not too bad (although I was surprised it was not lower especially with the current situation - but I did noticed that the hotel was quite full, so I guess demand is still there)

The hotel is located in what seems like a new housing area (the housing area at the back of the hotel is clearly very modern) and very close to the (again seems new) football stadium for the city football club, Tivoli.

From the hotel it is about 20-30 mins by foot to the city centre of Aachen - I would recommend to do this walk if you are in Aachen by car, able to walk and do not want to pay the car parking fees (I just realized at quite a number of large German cities that even on Saturday's street parking is payable until 9pm and they don't seem cheap).  Although there seems to be also payable street parkings at the housing area around the hotel - although I am not sure until what time and if it's the same as the city centre.  I find the move of these German cities quite strange even with the understanding that they are trying to green up the city centre and not encourage car usage.

I was actually surprised that for such a rather new property, no digital key was on offer.  I did still however do an online check-in and selected my room (as booked).  Arrived late afternoon after 5 pm and there was quite a line at the front desk.  Waited for about 10 mins before it was my turn.  At check-in, the usual run down of current operations was done and I had to make a reservation for breakfast the next day - which for the first time, I could not get the time I wanted as it was already full, however luckily they do have also the option that you can come down and grab what you want and bring it to your room, which increased the flexibility of it.  

I was also informed of my benefits as an elite member (only snacks/drink from the pantry and none from the bar - which I believe it was closed)

The room size and design was the exact same cookie cutter as the Hampton Inn's that I've stayed in the Netherlands.  Even down to the brand of toiletries on the wall mounted bottles (Spa Thermal).  

The room did still have a water boiler and 2 cups and 2 glasses, however there was no tea/coffee sachets. There was however a note offering guests complimentary coffee/tea down at the front desk (which I believe is actually at the bar/breakfast area) - I did not partake in this.  It was however a very good (and inexpensive) alternative compared to even some full service hotels within the Hilton change (looking at you Hilton Dusseldorf) for removing completely this facility with no alternative.  

Furthermore, there was another note in the room informing guest that they understand the reduced in service/facilities but if there was anything, guests are free to approach the front desk 24 hours.  Which in my opinion was a nice (inexpensive and effortless) touch.

Wifi and TV was functional and with the usual local and international options.  The only small complain was the climate control, which I had expected for such a modern property, would have no issues, but what I noticed was that the room never cooled lower than 22/21 deg C, even though it was set to 18 deg C.  So in the end, a few times during my sleep, I had to wake up to adjust the duvet (which was also on the thicker side).  

Shower pressure and temperature control was good and the shower head did seem to be slightly of a better quality and functional one with more options compared to other Hampton Inn's I've stayed in Europe.

I was actually quite surprised that they were offering the normal buffet style breakfast - which was very welcomed.  The breakfast spread was very good with 3 hot items.  When arriving before my allocated time to bring breakfast back to the room, I was actually surprised that they could offer me a place - I guess this is because quite a number of guests did not come on time or were sitting outside at the open terrace (which I guess was not part of the places taken into account as it's weather dependent). 

I found the whole operations in current times to be efficient and well executed by the hotel as it tables were cleared and disinfected when guests left.  Did notice later when I was going back to my room, the line for breakfast was quite long - so I guess I was lucky to have arrived before the peak hour. 

All in all, I was happy with my stay here at this property.  It was of reasonable value for the price paid with friendly staff and breakfast offerings.  I would not hesitate to stay at this property if I were to return to the area.