Hotel Koenig – Old World Charm in Passau

Hotel Koenig is well situated for anyone departing for a river cruise from Passau Germany. I chose it for my one night stay in Passau both for its location and because of its uniqueness as an older independent hotel. Walking from the train station to the hotel along Danube River, my first glance of the hotel did not prepare me for the inviting, cozy interior.

Once inside, I found the hotel met my expectations for old world charm with the bonus of modern amenities.

Location

Only a one kilometer walk from the Passau rail station, the hotel is located on the Danube River, one of three rivers that converge in Passau. Many cruise ships are docked directly in front of the hotel. Because of the high volume of river traffic, some ships are also located at a dock area on the outskirts of the town.

Passau, established in 739, has a mix of architecture from across many centuries.  There are sidewalk cafes, museums, and shopping making this town worth at least a couple of nights stay. St Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest cathedral organ with 17,974 pipes and 233 stops.

Passau is built on a hill with the old city located on the higher points of the town. Guests at Hotel Koenig can exit out the second floor directly into the old town area.

Check In

I was greeted warmly by the reception staff. Within a few minutes I had the key to my room, an overview of the layout and amenities of the hotel and a map of town (the map is available in several languages).

Room

I was very pleased on entering my room to see that the old city ambience enhanced with modern features was evident in the rooms as wells as the reception area.

The furniture is made of cherry wood and every room contains a seating area, desk, satellite TV and telephone. Wi-Fi is available in most rooms. If this is a must for you confirm that need when making your reservation. All south facing rooms are air conditioned.

Each room also contains a minibar.

Every room in Hotel Koenig had been remodeled to include a modern bathroom. The double rooms have bath tubs (with showers), single rooms have showers only.

The closets are spacious and include a safe.

Bar and Public Areas

The lounge area is larger than it appears in this photo. There is Wi-Fi access in the lounge area and there is a PC available for use if you have not brought your own.

There is a well stocked bar where you can also order tea and coffee. The bar service is provided by the reception staff. The reception area is just around the corner. My experience was that I never waited more then a few minutes to be served.

Food Service

The breakfast room is located next to the hotel lobby, reception area and hotel bar. It is a large area with room to seat all hotel guests. The wide array of selections at the breakfast buffet includes both cold and hot dishes including fresh baked pastries and fresh fruit. There are also eggs, meats and breads.

I was not feeling well during my stay at Hotel Koenig, so I skipped breakfast. I did have tea service from the bar a little later in the day. There are also snacks such as pretzels or cookies for your tea available at the bar.

There are no full service restaurants in the hotel. You will find many restaurants within a two block area of the hotel, including a lovely restaurant just steps away out the second floor exit to the city side.

Hotel Amenities

There are Finnish saunas available for guests. Book your time with the reception desk in advance. As mentioned before there is Wi-Fi in most rooms and in the lobby and a PC available for guests use on the main floor.

There is a garage on the bottom level of the hotel. You enter the hotel at the street/garage level from the sidewalk. There is an elevator directly inside the front door that takes you to the reception area. All floors in the hotel have elevator access.

One of the best amenities for guests who will be staying at Hotel Koenig either before or after a river cruise is the hotels handling of luggage and transportation to the cruise ships. They have large storage closets next to the reception area where you can store your luggage once you have checked out of your room.  Check out is at 11am and most cruise ships depart much later in the day.

The morning of your cruise, check in at the reception area and let them know the name of your ship and what time you are leaving. The hotel receives information from both dock areas in the morning advising them of where each cruise ship is docked. The reception staff will let you know which dock area and slip you are departing from and will also arrange for a coach to transport you and your luggage for 3 Euros per person.

I was departing at 4pm on a Highlights of Germany Cruise with Avalon Waterways. I left my luggage in the lobby area all day making sure I was back at the reception area in time to board my coach at 3:30. I was efficiently delivered to my ship with my luggage handled for me.

Rates

Hotel Koenig has 30 double rooms, 3 triple rooms and 8 single rooms. At the time of this posting prices for single rooms range from 69 to 90 Euros, doubles range from 89 to 120 Euros and triple rooms range from 120 to 149 Euros. The daily rate includes the hotel’s extensive buffet breakfast and Wi-Fi.

There are packages and specials available that vary with the season. You can contact Hotel Koenig for up to date information before booking.

Summary

I have no hesitancy in recommending Hotel Koenig if you are going to be in Passau, Germany.

The location is central with access to the river on one side and access to the historic old town on the other.

There are many sites in Passau worth exploring in addition to being the hub for river cruises in the region.

There is limited food service which could be a drawback if having your evening meal at a restaurant within the hotel is important to you.

The prices are reasonable and the staff friendly and helpful. The location and services provided make Hotel Koenig an exceptional choice for guests who are in Passau to join a river cruise.