October 2024. During a week-long whistle-stop tour of Germany, we visit Dessau-Roßlau in Saxony-Anhalt, Weimar in Thuringia, Coburg in Upper Franconia (Bavaria) and Kassel in Hesse. Smaller cities, yes. But each with their own significance. Untouched by overtourism. We’re avoiding using the white trains of DB Fernverkehr, Deutsche Bahn‘s long-distance section and opt to use the red trains of DB Regio and other regional operators.
In Dessau we elected the Radisson Blu Fürst Leopold Hotel, it is one of the better hotels in the city and located close to the station. It was built as a part of the city redevelopment right after the German reunification and oozes mid-nineties vibes.
Upon arrival at an early 9 AM after our good night train ride on European Sleeper, our room of course wasn’t ready. The very kind receptionist however offered to store our bags and immediately showed us where the toilets where, which was very much appreciated.
It’s the first time I ever arrived at a hotel when the room wasn’t ready that they told us where the lobby toilets where in case we were in need of a toilet break, in hindsight a very simple yet appreciated gesture that more hotels should do.
When we returned in the afternoon for a proper check-in, there was an offer of cucumber and lime scented water and ‘normal’ water alongside some leftover croissants from breakfast, a rather generous welcome offer in the lobby.
We were quickly checked in and off to our room on the third floor.
Our room was very spacious and overlooked the interior courtyard. There were two separate beds pushed together with the typical German separate duvets. At the head end next to each bed where light switches and a European style power plug.
In front of the window was a big desk, as well as a relaxing chair with ottoman. Surprisingly there where two chairs in the room, ideal if you are two wishing to eat room service in the room.
The hotel also offered both a still and sparkling bottle of complimentary water as well as a kettle with tea bags, powdered coffee and chocolate milk.
The bathroom contained separate alcoves for the shower and the toilet with the wash basin in between.
Products where from Radisson Blu branded multiple use bottles attached to the wall. The complete offering of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash and body lotion was present and had a nice scent.
The only negative point was the infrafred lamp in the bathroom which we hadn’t found a way to turn on or off and the fact that the bathroom was closed off with a frosted glass door that didn’t latch properly.
Wellness area
The hotel offered a nice wellness area on the first floor. There it had saunas and steam rooms as well as relaxing areas and a whirlpool. The whirlpool’s temperature however was rather cold while the bubble function barely lasted a minute.
The gym room in the wellness area was very bare bones and only offered three machines while also being stiffly hot, thus Timothy decided to opt out on working out there.
Breakfast
In the morning the breakfast was served in the restaurant on the ground floor. Served in buffet style it contained the basic hot items of egg, bacon, sausage, mushrooms and pancakes. Of course a big offer of different types of bread and cold cuts. The sweet offering was rather limited with only a few cakes and pastries. They did do the effort of adding some local specialities. All in all a solid offer which you would expect to get from a Radisson Blu hotel.
The entire hotel was spotlessly clean and maintained to a high standard. While the design and colour scheme clearly dated back to it’s opening in 1993, the condition and lack of wear and tear didn’t make it feel as an outdated hotel. It’s a very solid offer and a good place to rest your head when in Dessau.
Have a great Sunday !💙
Than you. You too.