Where to Stay in Hanovre
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Hanovre
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Regions of Hanovre
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The reconstructed heart of Hanover offers the highest concentration of hotels, from international chains to boutique properties. This area provides walking access to main attractions, shopping districts, and the Hauptbahnhof (main station). Business hotels dominate, but the area serves leisure travelers well with excellent public transport connections.
The area surrounding the massive exhibition grounds features numerous hotels specifically catering to trade fair visitors. While somewhat removed from tourist attractions, this zone offers excellent value outside fair periods and provides direct access to the fairgrounds via dedicated transport links.
The neighborhoods surrounding Hanover's artificial lake offer a more relaxed atmosphere with parks, waterfront paths, and residential charm. This area appeals to leisure travelers seeking a quieter base while remaining within easy reach of the city center.
Just 40 kilometers northeast of Hanover, Celle's remarkably preserved old town with over 400 half-timbered houses offers a charming alternative base. The town provides authentic Lower Saxon character with traditional guesthouses and historic hotels, while maintaining excellent rail connections to Hanover.
Located 30 kilometers southeast, this UNESCO World Heritage city offers medieval architecture and religious monuments. Accommodation here provides a cultural base with lower prices than Hanover, suitable for travelers interested in Romanesque architecture and quieter surroundings.
The northwestern area near Hanover's famous Baroque gardens offers a residential setting with parks and cultural attractions. This zone suits travelers prioritizing green spaces and cultural sites over central location, with good tram connections to downtown.
Small towns along the Leine River south of Hanover offer rural German experiences with traditional accommodations. These areas provide countryside tranquility while remaining accessible to the city, ideal for travelers with cars seeking to combine urban and rural exploration.
Northwest of Hanover, Germany's largest inland lake offers water sports, nature reserves, and resort-style accommodations. This area attracts weekend visitors from Hanover and provides a recreational base about 30 kilometers from the city center.
The forested ridge southwest of Hanover provides hiking, mountain biking, and fresh air within 20 kilometers of the city. Small spa towns and forest hotels cater to wellness seekers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for easy nature access.
Langenhagen, home to Hanover Airport, offers convenient accommodation for early flights or late arrivals. While lacking tourist appeal, this area provides practical lodging with airport shuttles and highway access for travelers with vehicles.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Hanovre
Hanover hosts all major German and international hotel chains including Maritim (which has strong trade fair presence), Intercontinental, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, Novotel, Mercure, and Courtyard by Marriott. German chains like Dorint, Lindner, and Vienna House are well-represented. Budget chains including Ibis, B&B Hotels, Motel One, and Premier Inn provide affordable options. During trade fairs, even budget chains command premium prices.
Traditional German guesthouses (Pensionen and Gasthöfe) remain common in smaller towns surrounding Hanover, offering family-run hospitality with breakfast included. Ferienwohnungen (vacation apartments) are popular for longer stays and family travel. The region maintains a strong tradition of independent three-star hotels that combine modern amenities with personal service. Many historic buildings in surrounding towns have been converted into characterful small hotels.
The region offers several distinctive accommodation types including Landhotels (country manor hotels) in rural areas, converted half-timbered houses in towns like Celle and Hildesheim, and Kurhotels (spa hotels) in Bad Münder and Bad Nenndorf with traditional German wellness facilities. Some former industrial buildings in Hanover have been transformed into design hotels. Farm stays (Bauernhof accommodations) are available in agricultural areas, particularly appealing to families with children.
Booking Tips for Hanovre
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Always check Hanover's trade fair calendar before booking, as major exhibitions like Hannover Messe, IAA Commercial Vehicles, and LIGNA cause dramatic price increases and limited availability. Book 3-6 months ahead for fair periods, or avoid these dates entirely if attending exhibitions isn't your purpose. Even hotels 50 kilometers away raise rates during major fairs.
Unlike leisure destinations, Hanover hotels often charge more Monday-Thursday due to business demand, with rates dropping significantly on weekends. Leisure travelers can find excellent deals on Friday-Sunday stays, particularly at business-oriented properties. This pattern reverses during trade fairs and summer months.
Hanover's excellent S-Bahn and regional train network means staying in surrounding towns like Celle or Hildesheim can offer better value and charm without sacrificing accessibility. Consider accommodation outside the city center if you have a rail pass or don't mind 20-30 minute commutes. Many hotels include regional transport tickets in their rates.
German hotels traditionally include substantial breakfast buffets, but this is becoming less universal, especially at budget chains. Verify whether breakfast is included, as buying it separately can cost €12-20 per person. Business hotels typically include breakfast in weekday rates but charge extra on weekends.
Many independent German hotels offer better rates and perks when booking directly through their websites rather than through booking platforms. Family-run properties in particular may provide room upgrades, free parking, or flexible cancellation when you book direct. Calling smaller establishments can sometimes yield rates not advertised online.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Hanovre
For trade fair periods (especially April's Hannover Messe), book 3-6 months in advance or expect extremely limited availability and inflated prices. Christmas market season (late November-December) requires 2-3 months advance booking for central locations. Summer weekends need 4-6 weeks advance reservation for best selection.
Spring (excluding fair dates) and autumn offer flexibility with 2-4 weeks advance booking typically sufficient. These periods provide good availability and moderate pricing, though checking the trade fair calendar remains essential. Late September and October are particularly pleasant with fewer crowds.
Winter months (January-February) and non-fair periods offer the most flexibility and lowest rates. Hotels can be booked just days in advance, and last-minute deals are common, especially for weekend stays. Business hotels actively seek leisure travelers during these quiet periods.
For Hanover region travel, always consult the trade fair calendar first, then book 4-6 weeks ahead for leisure visits during normal periods, 3-6 months for trade fair dates, and just 1-2 weeks for winter off-season travel. Weekend rates are typically 20-40% lower than weekday rates outside fair periods.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Hanovre