Alster City Garden Villa

Very friendly and helpful host in a beautiful location

It was very challenging to find because the pictures online appeared to present itself as a much larger facility with pools etc. It’s a very nice 3 bedroom 1.5 bedroom + small kitchen and 2 sitting rooms on ground and basement floors. If you bring a vehicle parking is a challenge but the host will help you with that so ask in advance.

Fantastic location. The apartment was super clean and very well equipped

The apartment was a bit cluttered

I had not read the fine print at the very bottom of the link to say that in addition to the booking.com fee, I had to pay Euros 300 deposit plus the city tax via paypal prior to arrival. Karl messaged to say I need to pay it, but then in my error, I thought I could sort it out when I arrived as I did not have paypal. This created a major issue and great unpleasantness for my colleagues who arrived before me. They had to draw Euros 300 cash to pay in order to get access to the apartment.

The host was EXTREMELY rude to my colleague. Amongst other discriminatory comments, Karl called my colleague OBESE and HANDICAPPED (she does not have a handicap)- on a number of occasions. He then proceeded to say that she could not sit on some of the furniture as she was obese and he is not insured if his furniture breaks. She was so upset and humiliated, and felt completely unwelcome and unsafe staying in the apartment. She left immediately and was forced to pay to stay in a hotel for the 6 days. Not only did this have a massive financial impact, this completely ruined her 6-day visit to Germany. She felt unsafe on her own and didn't venture past the hotel and the conference venue in fear that all Germans were as cruel and discriminatory as Karl. This obviously also ruined our stay. To make matters worse, we were forced to stay due to our financial constraints and the no cancellation policy. Although he reimbursed us for her tourist tax, he didn't offer to reimburse us the portion of the accommodation that was not used.

Exceptional old Hamburg home in a great neighbourhood. It is close to everything and has everything needed inside the apartment including a fully stocked kitchen. Karl was a wonderful host and very thoughtful.

It was quiet

The landlord was difficult. Easily upset if I had a question or concern. Took it personally. Also, the main doors locked from inside so in case of fire, this would be dangerous. There were several safety code violations( light bulbs that were separated from their sockets and taped )- in kitchen and bathroom. Living room chair was broken- it would only recline not pull up. One light bulb out in living area.

Before moving in, all tenants need to fill out personal and passport information related to taxation. Additionally, you need to print it out and provide it to the landlord. The first floor plumbing motor was broken on the first day we arrived, so we had to stay on the top floor. Overall, the top floor is not bad, although it is smaller than the first floor, but the lighting is much better than the first floor. Overall, it is also very clean. We originally booked for four people to stay, but the other two came a few days later. When they came, the first floor had been repaired. The landlord let them live on the first floor, except for the kitchen. The landlady keeps the rooms very clean. They include drinks and coffee in the refrigerator for no charge.

In summer, if you stay in the house during the day, you might feel very hot. There is a small fan on the roof but it cannot be used. It is recommended not to stay in the house during the day in summer.