Markthotel Jena 

We were quite weary of this hotel as it has a few reviews that suggest travellers had difficulty getting into the hotel when reception was closed. However we were sent a comprehensive email on the morning of checkin saying exactly where to find the key and the room. ( I’ve included a photo of the key box which is very easy to see if you know what you’re looking for). The hotel itself was clean, friendly and the room was large and airy. The bed was extremely comfortable but I did find the pillows a bit strange ( my husband described them as duvets for baby beds!) One drawback is the unmanned reception desk. We had a fire alarm and had to evacuate at 11:30pm. There was no staff to oversee the evacuation or check the rooms were vacated. Also I accidentally broke a glass and had to clean it up with toilet paper as there were no other supplies and no one to ask where they were, not even a telephone number. However the following morning when I spoke to the lady on reception it wasn’t an issue and the room was thoroughly cleansed of galas shards. We chose not to eat breakfast as we felt it was expensive and we aren’t bit eaters. Also there is a (normal) charge for changing towels out which isn’t mentioned anywhere. As will most of the old GDR land an understanding of the German language is helpful, but not essential. The lady on reception spoke very passable English.