Excelsior Bochum: Germany's Hidden Gem? You WON'T Believe What We Found!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the "Germany's Hidden Gem" – Excelsior Bochum! – and let me tell you, it's a wild ride. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs, this is the real deal, warts and all. Prepare for a messy, honest, and hopefully helpful (if I can stay focused) journey into what Excelsior Bochum actually offers.
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Right, let's get this started.
First Impressions (and a slight panic about accessibility)
Finding Excelsior Bochum…well, it wasn’t exactly a breeze for this perpetually directionally challenged traveler. The website promised this hidden oasis, but I had a minor freakout about navigating a new city. Google Maps was my friend, my enemy, and my occasional savior.
Accessibility: Okay, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. They claim to be wheelchair accessible, right? (Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator) This is a huge deal for many, and I made a point of quizzing the staff. The elevator is there, which is HUGE, trust me. The common areas seem decent enough, but I didn't have a wheelchair with me (thankfully!). They do mention accessible rooms, but call ahead and VERIFY. Don't just trust the website! Double-check the bathroom setup, door widths, and everything. Seriously. Because a "claimed" accessible room and a truly accessible room are two very different beasts.
The Stuff That Really Matters: Internet, Internet Services, and Staying Connected in the 21st Century
- Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events: Oh thank GOD. In these days, WIFI is as important as air. They're offering free wifi in all rooms, and the connection was pretty solid. Like, I could actually stream videos without wanting to throw my laptop out the window. Important for a travel blogger like myself (or anyone who needs to stay connected!). The LAN access is there if you want to go old-school. They offer Wi-Fi for special events, too -- useful if you’re throwing a conference or something.
The Relaxation Station: Spa, Gym, and Pool (Oh my!)
Okay, this is where things got interesting. Excelsior Bochum bills itself as a spa hotel. (Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Spa/sauna) I'm a sucker for a good spa. They had a sauna, which I love, and a steam room, which is a bit more…intense. The outdoor pool? Stunning, they said. And, honestly, the view from the pool was definitely the highlight. I'm not a big fan of getting wet, but the view.. wow.
The Pool with a View: Oh. My. God. The view. It overlooked something, I’m not entirely sure what. Trees? Buildings? It was all a blur of relaxation.
The Massage: I booked a massage. It was decent. Really, it was. It loosened me up, worked out a knot I didn't even realize I had, and was generally pleasant. But I've had amazing massages, and this wasn't one of them. Perfectly adequate, though.
The Fitness Center: They had one, and I glanced in. Looked… functional. Treadmills, weights, the usual. I, however, was in full vacation mode and opted for more of the "pool-side relaxation" workout.
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Personal Food Adventures)
Dining, drinking, and snacking: (A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant) Let's just say I took full advantage of this. The breakfast? Chef's kiss. It was a buffet--a good buffet, which always means success. There was everything. I piled my plate high with everything from pastries to fresh fruit. I even tried the Asian breakfast. The coffee was good.
- The Bar: Now, the bar. I stumbled in one evening after a particularly exhausting day of… well, existing. They had a decent selection of beers and cocktails. The bartender (bless his heart, I can't remember his name) was friendly and made a killer gin and tonic.
- Restaurants: They have on-site restaurants. I have had a wonderful meal, with a salad.
- Room Service: Excellent. If you are like me, it's a lifesaver.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Because, You Know, 2024)
Cleanliness and safety: (Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment) Okay, I got a chance to really examine this after all of the horror stories. The Excelsior Bochum takes it seriously. They had hand sanitizers everywhere, the staff was masked and incredibly careful. My room was spotless. I felt genuinely safe. This is such a relief.
Room Sanitization: I even saw them sanitizing the rooms between guests. They offered the option to opt-out, which is a nice touch.
The "Things To Do" – Beyond the Hotel Walls
- Things to do: (Airport transfer, Babysitting service, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Car park, Concierge, Dry cleaning, Express check-in/out, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Taxi service, Terrace, Valet parking) The concierge was wonderfully helpful with tips on local attractions and, most importantly, how to get around. Bochum itself? Plenty to explore, you definitely won't just be stuck at the hotel.
Rooms: The Sanctuary! (Or, What You're Actually Paying For)
- Available in all rooms: (Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.) I had a high-floor room, which was great. But the blackout curtains? THE BEST. I slept like a log.
Services and Conveniences: (The Bits That Make Life Easier)
- Services and conveniences: (Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center) The concierge was a lifesaver. The daily housekeeping was impeccable. Contactless check-in/out was smooth.
The Imperfections (Because, Let's Be Real)
- The minor imperfections. Like every hotel, there were a few minor downsides. Not major issues; more like quirks. The air conditioning in places.
My Verdict & A Bold Offer
Excelsior Bochum? Is it a
Shanghai Nanxiang's BEST Hotel? Jinjiang Inn Select Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me, in Bochum, Germany, and it's probably going to be a glorious mess. Buckle up.
The Bochum Blitzkrieg: A Week (ish) of Errands, Emotions, and Bratwurst (Probably)
Day 1: Arrival and Awkward German Greetings (and the Train from Hell)
- Morning: Arrived in Dusseldorf. The airport was… fine. German efficiency, you know? Except, of course, for the train connection to Bochum. Seriously, I swear the Deutsche Bahn trains are sentient and actively try to thwart your sense of hope in humanity. Delayed, overcrowded, the whole shebang. Just when I was about to lose it, I saw an elderly woman knitting with a fury I'd only ever witnessed in a James Bond movie. Found myself staring at the knitting lady as my personal beacon.
- Afternoon: Finally, finally landed in Bochum. My Airbnb looked like it had been decorated by a minimalist with a severe aversion to color. White walls, white furniture, so white you'd swear it was trying to blend in with a blizzard. Made some coffee. Burnt it. (Don't judge me, jet lag is a beast!) Then, the REAL fun: buying groceries. My German is… let's just say it leans heavily on the words "bitte" (please) and "danke" (thank you). Attempted to buy bread. Apparently, there are FIFTY different types. I just pointed and hoped for the best.
- Evening: Found a kneipe (pub) not too far from my place. Tried to order a beer. Apparently, my pronunciation of "bier" was… off. The bartender, a man who looked like he'd seen some things, just sighed and grabbed a Pils for me. Bless him. Spent the evening attempting to learn German with the help of a very loud local named Horst, who mostly told me stories about his questionable youth. By the time I stumbled back to the white void that is my Airbnb, I was exhausted but also strangely elated. The place feels empty, but full with just getting here.
Day 2: The World of Entertainment (and My Utter Lack of Direction)
- Morning: The plan was to explore the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum (Mining Museum). Big mistake. I was already feeling lost. Then I started to become more lost in the depths of the museum itself. The enormous, claustrophobic, simulated mine shaft nearly gave me a panic attack. The whole thing was really cool, but also… intense. Plus, I got stuck in an elevator. For a good five minutes. Alone with my existential dread.
- Afternoon: I heard there was a nice park somewhere. Went to find it. Turned into a half hour of me wandering aimlessly with the map turned the wrong way. I felt like a lost Labrador pup.
- Evening: Managed to find a decent Italian restaurant (because sometimes, you just need pasta). The food was good, but honestly, the best part was the people-watching. Germans are fascinating creatures. I saw a couple arguing passionately with arm flailing, and 3 toddlers trying to eat the table they were sitting on. And a dog carrying a whole loaf of bread, as if it was a small child. Honestly, it was better than any Netflix series I'd ever watch. The night ended in me finding my way to my empty room.
Day 3: The Ruhrstadion and the Sound of Roaring Crowds
- Morning: Decided to be a responsible adult/tourist for once. Got tickets to a local football match. (soccer, for those of you from across the pond). The atmosphere at the Ruhrstadion was electric! It was, hands down, the highlight of the trip so far. The chanting, the energy, the sheer passion of the fans… it was utterly contagious. Even though I barely understood what was going on, I was yelling and waving with the best of them.
- Afternoon: Tried to locate the Starlight Express Theater, I heard it's supposed to be good. Got COMPLETELY turned around. I walked past a bunch of abandoned buildings. I even met a lost cat.
- Evening: Recovered from the football frenzy with a much-needed restorative beer and some fries. Realized that I had completely failed at planning the day, but honestly, I was too happy to care.
Day 4: The Mining Museum Revisited (Sort Of…)
- Morning: Okay, so I felt like I owed it to myself to give the Mining Museum another shot. This time, I focused on the above-ground exhibits and, you know, avoided the claustrophobic mine shaft of doom. Found out Bochum's history is fascinating, but still the whole time, I had weird images of German history coming back to mind.
- Afternoon: Walked through the Botanischer Garten (Botanical Garden), which was exactly what I needed. Green, serene, lovely. Met a very chatty old woman who insisted on telling me the entire history of every rose in the rose garden. She had a beautiful smile though.
- Evening: Trying to get out of my Airbnb was such a hassle. Thought I'd try a local restaurant. Ended up getting lost on the way and stumbling into a karaoke bar. My singing voice is… not good. Let's just leave it at that.
Day 5: The "Culture" Day (and the Existential Dread Returns)
- Morning: Went to the Kunstmuseum Bochum (Art Museum). Modern art, eh? Some of it I got, some of it… not so much. I spent more time staring at the other museum-goers, trying to decipher their expressions. The whole place felt… pretentious.
- Afternoon: Strolled through the city center, which was charming in its own way. Bought some random souvenirs I don't need. Felt a pang of "what am I even doing with my life?" Decided to buy a very large pastry to combat the existential angst.
- Evening: Failed miserably to cook myself a simple meal. Ended up ordering pizza delivery. The delivery guy was a very nice young man, who, when he saw my sad apartment, tried to give me dating tips. He'd seen through my utter despair, apparently.
Day 6: Packing and Pretending to Be Organized (Spoiler: It's a Lie)
- Morning: Attempted to pack. My suitcase currently resembles a chaotic explosion of clothes and random purchases. Found a sock that I'm pretty sure I lost sometime around 2008. Also wrestled with the train schedule back to Dusseldorf.
- Afternoon: Panic setting in. Wander through the city once more to get a "final" meal. I just got some more Bratwurst.
- Evening: Final packing. Tried to get the stuff together. Failed.
Day 7: Departure and Final Reflections (Maybe)
- Morning: The journey back to Dusseldorf was better than the first one. Not perfect, but better.
- Afternoon: Arrived back at the airport, made it through security, and now here I am, waiting for my flight.
- Evening: So, Bochum. Did I have a perfect, flawless, Instagram-worthy trip? Absolutely not. Did I navigate the public transportation system with grace? Hardly. Did I eat my weight in Bratwurst? Likely. But I laughed, I (occasionally) learned, and I experienced something real. And let's be honest, isn't that the best kind of trip? Probably. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
Okay, So… Excelsior Bochum? What *IS* This Place Supposed To Be? And Why is it "Hidden"? (Because honestly, the title's a bit much.)
Alright, let's be real. "Hidden gem" is thrown around like confetti these days. But Excelsior Bochum… it actually *feels* a little hidden. It’s a former coal mining town, now a city trying to reinvent itself. Think gritty industrial vibes mixed with a surprisingly vibrant arts scene. And the "gem" part? Well, that's the kicker. Finding the truly cool stuff isn't exactly easy. You won't stumble onto a tourist trap here. You have to *seek* it out. Which, frankly, is what makes it so appealing.
I went in expecting… well, not much. I’d heard whispers, seen a few photos, and thought, "Meh, another industrial city trying to be cool." Boy, was I wrong. But it took a while to *get* it. First few days? I was lost. Lost in translation (thank you, my high school German!), lost in finding good coffee (why is decent espresso SUCH a struggle in Germany sometimes?!), and lost trying to understand the local dialect. It's a journey, not a sprint, folks.
Is it REALLY worth the trip? (Asking for, uh, myself.)
Okay, here's the thing. If you're expecting pristine castles and fairytale forests, you’re in the *wrong* place. If you crave the predictable tourist experience, run screaming. But if you’re looking for something… real? Something with character, with soul, with a bit of a rough edge? Then YES. Absolutely yes. It's not perfect, far from it! But that imperfection is part of its charm. It's a place that gets under your skin.
I remember my first truly "Bochum" moment. It was raining (of course), and I was hopelessly lost, wandering through a weird little market filled with things I couldn't identify. I bumped into an elderly woman with the most amazing, warm smile. She didn’t speak a lick of English, I butchered my German, but somehow, we communicated. She shared a piece of cake with me (deliciously crumbly!), pointed me in the right direction, and wished me "Glück" (good luck). That, right there, was Bochum. Raw, genuine, and utterly charming.
What's there to *do* in Bochum? Besides getting lost and eating cake (though, yum to the cake!)?
Okay, okay, besides cake! The *Starlight Express* musical? It's a Bochum institution, and, honestly, a spectacle. Don't judge it until you see it. Then maybe judge it! (Just kidding… mostly). It's wildly popular for a reason, but not my cup of tea.
Then there are the museums! The German Mining Museum is a must-see (even if you're not into mining – it's surprisingly fascinating). The Art Museum? Hit or miss, depending on the exhibit. And the local pubs! Oh, the pubs… That's where the real magic happens.
One night, I wandered into a tiny, smoky bar (I can’t even remember the name, honestly – I probably missed it in the haze), and the atmosphere was electric. Live music, locals singing along, beer flowing… It was pure, unadulterated Bochum. The kind of experience you just don’t get in cookie-cutter tourist towns. Pure chaos...pure joy.
The Food! Tell me about the food! (Because a bad meal can ruin a trip.)
Alright, food is important. Don't get me wrong. Traditional German fare is, well, traditional. Expect plenty of hearty portions of meat and potatoes. But Bochum also has a surprisingly diverse food scene. Vietnamese Pho? Delicious! Turkish Döner? Ubiquitous and fantastic.
One word of warning: portion sizes are… generous. I, being a relatively small human, often found myself struggling to finish a single meal. Seriously, if you’re sharing a plate, no judgement. Also, watch out for the currywurst. It's a German classic, but let's just say… it's an acquired taste. I loved it. But I can also see why people hate it... I spent a week happily eating it... and then suddenly, boom. I understand the hate.
Okay, Real Talk: What's the *Worst* Part? What Should I Know Before I Go?
Okay, time for some honesty. Bochum isn't all sunshine and roses.
1. **The Language Barrier:** Outside of the tourist hotspots (and even in some of those!), English isn't widely spoken. Brush up on your basic German phrases. You'll get by, but it'll be a lot smoother with even a little bit of the language. I still have nightmares of ordering beer and getting *something* else entirely (it was something like Radler… I'm still not sure what it was, but it was not beer. Bleh!).
2. **The Weather:** Let's face it: Germany can be grey. Prepare for rain. Bring a good raincoat. And maybe a healthy dose of Vitamin D supplements. Seriously.
3. **Finding The "Good Stuff":** It takes effort. You won't just magically stumble upon the best restaurants or the coolest bars. Do your research! Ask locals! Embrace the adventure of getting a little lost.
4. **The "Industrial" Factor:** It's a former mining town. There's an inherent grittiness. That's part of the charm, but if you're expecting pristine, picture-postcard perfection, you'll be disappointed. It's real, with all the bumps and bruises that come with that.
Okay, I'm intrigued… but how do I *get* there? And is it even accessible?
Getting to Bochum is relatively straightforward. It's in the heart of the Ruhr area, well-connected by train (and to Frankfurt Airport) to other major German cities. The train station is right in the city center.
Accessibility? Well, it's a city, so it really depends on your individual needs. Public transport is generally pretty good, but be sure to check the specifics for your needs. Many of the older buildings might not be fully accessible, but there's a definite effort to improve accessibility. Do your research beforehand. And be prepared to walk. A LOT. Your legs will thank you… eventually.
Is it safe? (Because I'm a worrier.)
Overall? Bochum feels safe. As with any city, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. You can use common sense. The crime rate is relatively low. I never felt threatened. I walked around by myself at night, though I wouldn’Hotel Safari
