The only 4-star stay in town, it’s an easy suitcase-lug from the main station.

Free WiFi keeps us from getting the tech withdrawal shakes.

Get the night (or afternoon) started without leaving the onsite bar.

Get the night (or afternoon) started without leaving the onsite bar.

Crisp and clean, the décor rocks a modern palette of whites and greens.

Leave far more cultured than you came, thanks to nearby artsy must-do’s like the Philharmonie concert hall, Aalto Theatre & Folkwang Museum.

Primo spot close to the pedestrian centre here in the gateway to Sauerland, just outside the Ruhr region.

Spot-on location in the heart, near the River Ruhr between the Essen and Dusseldorf Fair buildings (if you happen to be here for an event).

Nice-n-close to the Mercatorhalle complex, casino, main station and shops (in case you get the sudden urge to buy a new pair of pants – or maybe pjs).

Just outside the city centre, with three (yes, three) U-Bahn stops within blocks, and an S-Bahn stop close by, too.

Located steps from biggies like the Konzerthaus, the German Football Museum, and Dortmund U-Tower (former brewery turned art gallery).

Come for the great location, stay for the design

Steps from Friedensplatz with its old & new town halls, and the old market cafes. But don’t overdo it – save room for local fare at the onsite Brasserie.

Sweet central perch. Biggies like the opera house and Florianturm Tower are all quite doable.