Scala Turm Hotel Restaurant

Scala Turm Hotel Restaurant, Jena: A Review of the Michelin Key Selected Property

Perched atop the iconic JenTower, the Scala Turm Hotel Restaurant offers a unique and elevated experience in Jena, Germany. This modern hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently praised for its breathtaking panoramic views and central location, providing guests with a memorable stay high above the city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Scala Turm Hotel Restaurant generally receives a "Very Good" to "Excellent" rating from guests, with an average score often around 8.4 out of 10. The overriding sentiment is positive, largely driven by the spectacular views and prime location. Many describe their stay as cool, exceptional, and a great way to rediscover Jena.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Spectacular Views: The most frequently highlighted aspect is the "extraordinary" and "stunning" panoramic views of Jena and the surrounding Saale valley from both the rooms and the restaurant on the upper floors.
• Central Location: The hotel's position in the heart of Jena is a major draw, offering easy access to attractions and public transport.
• Modern Design: The bright rooms and overall interior are noted for their modern and stylish design.
• Amenities: Air conditioning in all rooms and free Wi-Fi are appreciated.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 17 unique rooms, including single, double, and a junior suite, situated on the 27th floor of the JenTower, approximately 120 meters above the city.

• Comfort and Design: Rooms are described as bright, modernly designed, comfortable, and often featuring "large windows". Some guests specifically mention the comfortable beds and fun, modern bathroom designs.
• Features: All rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms with hairdryers, and offer panoramic views of Jena. Soundproof windows ensure a quiet stay despite the central location.
• Space: Double rooms offer around 25 square meters (269 sq ft), while Junior Suites are more spacious at 55 square meters (592 sq ft).

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Scala Turm Hotel Restaurant is a significant highlight:

• Restaurant Scala (28th/29th Floor): The restaurant, located on the 28th or 29th floor, specializes in international and modern cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dinner often takes the form of a sharing menu with three to five courses (vegetarian options available), fostering a communal dining experience. An Asian-inspired halibut has received rave reviews. The ambiance is elegant and inviting.
• Breakfast: A breakfast buffet is offered each morning, often served in a room with "stunning" views from the 29th floor. Guests frequently praise the "nice and fresh" breakfast selection and "fantastic coffee."
• Bar: The hotel also features a vibrant bar, perfect for unwinding.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is generally positive, with many guests describing staff as "friendly" and "attentive". The check-in process is often noted as seamless. However, some guests have commented on a perceived lack of "warmth" or visible hospitality, suggesting a more private atmosphere that might not suit everyone looking for extensive interaction. There have been isolated complaints regarding the quality of service, particularly at the reception.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location within the JenTower at Leutragraben 1 places it in the absolute center of Jena.

• Attractions: It's incredibly convenient for exploring Jena, with the Zeiss-Planetarium, Jena Botanical Garden (300 meters), and the 13th-century town hall (5-minute walk) all nearby. The historic city center, Optical Museum, and Schillers Gartenhaus Jena are also easily accessible.
• Transport: The hotel is a 10-minute walk from both Jena Paradies and Jena West Train Stations. Public transport stations are within 460 meters, and a bus stop is just a 5-minute stroll away. The A4 motorway is a 10-minute drive.
• Parking: A spacious and secure paid car park is available in the hotel's underground garage.

7. Value & Pricing

While exact prices vary, rooms at Scala Turm Hotel Restaurant can range from approximately €99 to €283. The "value for money" is typically rated around 7.8 out of 10. Guests generally consider the experience, particularly the views and location, to be worth the cost, although it is not consistently rated as the cheapest option in the area.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Cleanliness: A few reviews mention concerns regarding the cleanliness of the rooms.
• Service Warmth: As mentioned, some guests felt a lack of "warmth" or personalized hospitality, perceiving a more private or less interactive atmosphere.
• Reception Service: There have been occasional complaints about the quality of service specifically at the reception.
• Noise Levels: Despite soundproof windows, a small number of guests have reported noise as a concern impacting their experience.

Sources

1. booking.com
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4. momondo.com.au
5. novacircle.com
6. booking.com
7. saale-unstrut-tourismus.de
8. kayak.ie
9. thuringiahotelspage.com
10. jentower.de
11. fast-and-luxurious.com
12. reserving.com
13. michelin.com
14. michelin.com