"So this is the first Holiday Inn of my Europe trip. It definitely is not as posh as the Hilton in Vienna, Kimpton in Budapest, or the Sheraton Grand Salzburg. However it was very adequate. Front desk at check in was friendly and I appreciated the gesture of a welcome gift (local soda, mints. and beef jerky).
As a diamond member I also got the choice of 500 points or a "snack and drink" at the bar. That's a no brainer. Though I was shocked that the snack included a wonderful hot pizza with nicely toasted crust. It was delicious! Certainly the best "snack' I've had at IHG. It usually involves something pre-packaged from a chilled fridge and this was much better.
Room was good. Bed was comfortable with two pillows, one thinner and one thicker for choice. Air conditioning works well. View was nice. In general small, but perfectly fine. In general Holiday Inns overseas are much better than what you get in the US though also more expensive.
It's pet friendly. If you are traveling with your cat, know that they can fit under the bed. Luckily I had two twins so he was always in reach. There is also a nice ledge in front of the window inside that they can sit on. I kept the window closed for safety and coolness since it's in the mid 80's. Litter box fits well under the bathroom sink but you will need to prop the door open since it closes. I used a string tied to the handle and opposite wall.
Parking is underneath and you will need to drive around to the back side, on the street below to find it. I hit both holiday inn buttons to get the door to open. Park in the Holiday Inn section taking a ticket and they will give you information at check in once you pay for parking. 20 euros a night. Not bad. Please note in Germany there are two cross walls, one for pedestrians and one for bikes. Also you can not turn right on a red light unless there's a sign expressly giving you permission (I only saw this once). Oh and going through yellow lights is also subject to fines though I saw people do it a couple times in Munich, but certainly not in Austria or smaller towns. Some lights have cameras.
Now for the best part. The breakfast was outstanding for this type of property. Easily the best Holiday Inn breakfast I've had. Eggs were tasty, granted they only had either sausage or potatoes (excellent potatoes) alternating each day, but they also had cold cuts and cheese, cereal, fruit, cappuccino machine, etc. I think it was the quality of the bread that really got me. They had fresh pretzels. Luckily my friend said to try the Bavarian pretzels and bratwurst while I'm here. The pretzels were crispy and light on the outside and believe it or not, kinda fluffy on the inside. The last day I came late so they were out but the pretzel bread (like a criss cross bun with pretzel type outside) was equally fabulous. Then I noticed more croissants had come out. They were fresh baked and incredible! Bakery quality. The ones at the kimpton were amazing too so maybe it's a European thing. I'm at a Holiday inn next in Switzerland so I'll find out.
Anyways, I would certainly stay here again. With the IHG fourth night free it's a good deal."
