Review: Hotel Fiester Hannes Burbach-Holzhausen

2 things particularly interest me about this review.
1) You don't consider this a hotel apparently?
2) You very rarely are asked to pay at the end of your stay.

I admit, when I go to the states, I am almost always asked to pay up front. (Which is particularly annoying as they also tend to ask for some deposit amount, which is just ridiculous) However, in Europe, unless it is a non-refundable reservation, I don't normally pay until checkout. But I tend to stay mostly with Accor or with independent hotels, perhaps the US chains have different policies.

@ Grey -- 1) I didn't put that much thought into it, and didn't mean much by it. I would generally consider this to be more of a guest house than a hotel, but then again, I'm not sure there's that important of a distinction. 2) While paying for your stay after the fact is normal, I can count on one hand the number of times I've stayed at a hotel and wasn't asked to provide a credit card prior to check-out, whether it be at check-in or during the booking process.

@Ben, what did you eat for breakfast? Cheese & bread? The cold cuts seem to all be pork...

This hotel looks very nice and service seems to be very good. What surprises me, is that apparently, they invest into their rooms. At least your room looks refurbished, with walk in shower, wooden floors etc. That's what I'm most often missing in small, privately owned hotels. Many owners simply cannot afford major renovations.

Thank‘s for the unusual review. I grew up in the small town of Herborn, which is nearby. I will go for dinner at the Villa next time I visit.

Actually love how random this review is.

Those square European pillows though - I don't know how anyone sleeps on them?

As someone with strong family history in the Siegerland and family still living in Burbach-Wahlbach, I was surprised and delighted to see this. Brings back memories, thank you.

me too! this is what makes Ben's blog stand out among others.

I have always travelled with a credit card. In all my travels to date the card was used to reserve a guaranteed amount of credit commensurate with the possible final tab amount. There was no actual charge done prior to check out. The charge is put through the early morning before checkout but even so most businesses finalize their charges later in the evening,
Payments with debit cards differ.
People might confuse the credit reserve with payment. Long term stays, over one week might work differently.

Love this review Ben. This is the area where I grew up as well (just a few towns over). Next time I'm back visiting family, I'll definitely have to give Villa Busch a try - had not yet heard of it opening.

Ah the two beds pushed together. Not uncommon in Germany.

I have memories of one or the other of us ending up over the "crack." Sometimes if the floor is slippery the beds push just enough apart for the unlucky one to begin to fall into the abyss. Hilarity for one and dirty looks by the other ensues.

Awesome review, good memories of my childhood too. Spent summers visiting my aunt outside of Mannheim

Should we alert the authorities that Rick Steves has hijacked Lucky's blog?

Really enjoyed this change of pace, Lucky.

The review was so refreshing to read Ben!

Cute!