The next category of award is for accommodation. It was an interesting year with plenty variety – all in the hotel world. I did not use any Airbnb type places or guest houses or bed & breakfasts.
I stayed in a couple of Marriott hotels but within different brands. I returned to the Residence Inn for an overnight stay in Aberdeen. I had stayed there a couple of times during the pandemic and enjoyed being back under normal conditions.
Then in Köln I stayed in the Deutz twice. It is one of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio hotels. Yes, I enjoyed it a lot and that explains the second visit.
I used B&B Hotels for the first time and sampled the brand in Poznań, Wrocław and Düsseldorf. They are in the cheap and cheerful market, but that suits me fine in certain situations. I liked the Poznań one best. I stayed in it twice too.
The last of the chain hotels I used was an Ibis in Gdańsk. It had been ages since I stayed in one, and I really enjoyed it.
Last but not least comes the Schulz Hotel in Berlin. I have only stayed there once, but I am going back later this month. It is stylish. It is a little different. It is relaxed. Its location is great – across the street from Ostbahnhof, right by the river. The breakfasts are lovely. The staff are excellent.
Yes, you guessed. The winner for 2024 is the Schultz Hotel in Berlin.
ⓒ iain taylor, 2025
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