INNSIDE Leipzig, a new Meliá property, couldn’t be better located for sightseeing or business. It’s on Leipzig’s inner ring, the main street encircling the compact Old Town, less than five minutes’ walk from the main square. Right across the street is one of the city’s most popular attractions, St. Thomas Church, where Johan Sebastian Bach was choirmaster. Double-glazed windows keep out the sound of the morning bells, but not the eye-to-eye view of the majestic church.

The beautifully restored exterior of INNSIDE’s heritage building hides a bright, modern hotel. Check-in was fast, the only delay while we chose from the several room options offered. As we stepped out of the card-activated elevator, a cheery cartoon wall painting in bright colors greeted us, assuring us we were on the third floor. Our room wasn’t huge, but it had plenty of space for two, and a good-sized desk with two chairs, multiple outlets and USB ports. The large windows had room-darkening shades, and heat/air-conditioning was whisper-quiet.

The king-sized bed had Germany’s usual twin down comforters with high-count damask linens and individual goose-neck reading lights. In the open closet were removable wooden hangers, a good-sized safe and a minibar with complimentary soft drinks, juice and water. There was good shelf space around the bathroom sink, a make-up mirror and detached hairdryer.

The breakfast room, where there were ample free tables despite the almost-full hotel, offered premium-brand teas and china teapots, a carafe of coffee at each table and a wide variety of hot entrées, fresh fruits, breads, pastries and juices. A cold buffet included several cheeses, smoked salmon and sliced meats, while the granola buffet had a choice of several nuts, seeds, dried fruits and yogurts.

In the early evening the space, an extension of the large bright lobby, morphs into a casual smart restaurant and lounge, serving Mediterranean dishes and trendy cocktails (including killer martinis). Although the hotel has been open less than a year, the lobby bar is already a lively place to relax after a day’s work.

INNSIDE Leipzig

Gottschedstraße 1, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
tel 49 341 393 7670, 888 956 3542