Surrounded by limestone hills, the city of Jena in the German state of Thüringen bustles with the culture of centuries past. The Saale River passes through this city famous for sheltering brilliant minds like Goethe, Schiller, Schrödinger, and Karl Marx. It’s no secret that the city has a certain intellectual air about it. It’s home to one of Germany’s biggest universities.
Most of Jena’s population is comprised of students. In fact, one out of four Jena inhabitants is a student. Its streets are lined with architecture from as far back as the Renaissance era, but despite this Old World charm, it also has a lively nightlife. If you ever find yourself walking Jena’s streets to bask in its elegance, here are some places you can stay in to enhance your experience in this sophisticated city.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 04, 2024.
1. Immerse in art and comfort on a budget at Hostel Jena (from USD 23)
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to stay at drab places. Hostel Jena is located in a quiet area in the city center, so you can have the convenience of being near points of interest while getting the relaxation you need. Guests have commended its facilities for being superbly clean. Its interiors, far from being plain, have an array of colorful murals to peak the interest of art-loving guests. Aside from the Botanical Gardens, guests can also check out cafes and restaurants on foot. For cycling enthusiasts, the Saale Cycle Path passes right through the hostel. Free WiFi is available for guests, and pets are allowed on request.
This hostel is also disability-friendly, with all its rooms wheelchair accessible. Some of its services include a ski storage, shuttle service, and luggage storage. Special diet menus are available on request. The Jena Paradies train station is 0.9 kilometers (0.6 miles) away and the nearest airports are 43 (27) to 70 kilometers (40 miles) from the area. For guests looking to explore the area, some of the closest landmarks include the Optical Museum Jena, Zeiss Planetarium and Theaterhaus Jena. This is a hostel for those looking for art, proximity and comfort on a budget.
Hostel Jena
Address: Lassallestr. 8
3.67 km (2.3 mi) from GalaxSea Freizeitbad Jena
2. Get charmed by the garden scenery and service of the Hotel Haus Orchideental (from USD 88)
This family-run hotel knows the charming quality of gardens. A 10-minute drive to Jena’s Old Town, it provides easy access to hiking trails. Solo travelers have also commended this hotel. Guests can enjoy free WiFi in all areas as well as free parking. All rooms have been individually decorated and are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Outside, guests can marvel at the terrace views or take a look at the lovely garden. BBQ facilities are also provided.
Some of its services include a daily cleaning service, fax/photocopying, a shuttle service (additional charge) and luggage storage. Guests can also request for a safety deposit box. For smokers, there is a designated smoking area. Kids can also enjoy their stay here. The hotel provides books, board games and puzzles as well as digital entertainment. In the hotel’s proximity, there is a cafe/bar, a supermarket and a restaurant. For those looking for the charm of Germany’s greenery, Hotel Haus Orchideental is the place.
Hotel Haus Orchideental Jena
Address: Alte Hauptstrasse (Parkplatz)
2.29 km (1.5 mi) from GalaxSea Freizeitbad Jena
3. Get comfy with the historical charm of Pension Bertha (from USD 97)
Don’t let Pension Bertha’s bricked and old-timey facade fool you. Its interiors are modern and neat. The entire hotel has a certain historical ambiance and the rooms are spacious. Some bathrooms even include a hot tub. Guests have commended the staff for being extremely nice and helpful. Various restaurants specializing in German and international cuisine are within its proximity. The River Saale and city center are 700 meters (2,300 feet) away.
Nearest to the hotel are the train station, planetarium, botanical garden and Bismarck Tower. It is also near the theater and museum, as well as Schiller’s Garden House. Free WiFi is available for guests and pets are also allowed. Guests can also enjoy private parking with a reservation. For those traveling with the family, children under 4 years old are free of charge. Those interested in a dainty neat hotel with a historical flair may want to check out Pension Bertha.
Pension Bertha
Address: Westbahnhofstraße 9
2.95 km (1.9 mi) from GalaxSea Freizeitbad Jena
4. Stay at the modern yet charming Hotel VielHarmonie (from USD 107)
In contrast to the Old Town ambiance of Jena, this hotel shows the modern side of the city. The hotel consists of two buildings and is conveniently located a few steps away from downtown. The hotel, decked in bold hues, has earned its reputation for nice staff and well-equipped, spacious rooms. The flat-screen TVs in each room all have satellite channels.
Aside from great balcony views, Hotel VielHarmonie also has clean facilities that are as modern as the hotel’s exterior. Free WiFi is available as well as public parking. The hotel also provides a daily cleaning service and guests have commended its breakfast meals. The hotel is near a lot of points of interest including the Optical Museum, Goethe Memorial, JenTower, Zeiss Planetarium, and Theaterhaus Jena. The train station is 0.7 kilometers (0.4 miles) away. If you’re looking for something different and modern at the city center, take a look at Hotel VielHarmonie.
Hotel VielHarmonie
Address: Bachstrasse 14
3.51 km (2.2 mi) from GalaxSea Freizeitbad Jena
5. Chill out with style at the Hotel ibis (from USD 93)
Another modern-style hotel at the city center is the Hotel ibis. One of the most popular hotels in Jena, this one has a 24-hour bar, underground parking and free WiFi in all areas. Aside from that, there is also an Internet terminal in the hotel. As a family-friendly benefit, pets are allowed and children under 12 years old are free of charge. The rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a satellite TV. Each room also has a private bathroom and hairdryer.
Aside from the snack bar and bar, a breakfast buffet is served every morning. Like many hotels in the city center, it is also near various points of interest including the Goethe Galerie Shopping Centre and train station. Also at the hotel’s proximity are the supermarket, market and cafe/bar. The Holzmarkt tram and bus stops are just a few steps away. Hardcore Internet surfers looking for something modern might enjoy their stay at this hotel.
ibis Jena City
Address: Teichgraben 1
3.19 km (2.0 mi) from GalaxSea Freizeitbad Jena
6. Experience a different kind of accommodation in an attic (from 54 USD)
Usually, we think of sleeping in an attic as some sort of punishment. But this is a different kind of attic. It is spacious and quite nice to stay in. Located near the city center, this property is a few minutes away from the Saale River, train station and various restaurants. The “living room” of the attic has a fully-equipped kitchen, TV, DVD player and Internet.
Above this are the double beds which can be accessed via a ladder. Guests can also use the washroom and towels are provided by the host. The bathroom is tiled and is equipped with a bathtub and shower. Who says you have to stay only at historical hotels and modern-style accommodations? Sometimes you have to try something unique.
Attic accommodation
Price: from 54 USD
Number of Guests: 3
7. Stay at a pretty old mill complex with nice views (from USD 62)
Dainty and surrounded by beautiful scenery, this particular listing has a beauty of its own. The property was completely renovated in 2015 from an old mill complex, one of the oldest in Jena. Guests are treated with a view of the Saale River as well as the surrounding mountains. Free WiFi and private parking are also available and a tram stop is also a few walks away.
The kitchen is fully equipped and the whole apartment has underfloor heating. A small terrace is also provided for your scenery viewing pleasure. For those looking for somewhere pretty and with a view, check out this one.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a comfortable house fully equippedwe had a really nice stay in sabine's apartmentCleanliness:
the apartment is very clean and convenientgreat studio clean cosy and stylishgreat place to stay tram stop across road beer garden across road sparkling clean and stylish place to staythe place is sparkling clean and completely equipped with amenitiesHost:
we see that the owner loves beautiful thingsapartment is very nice and it is equipped with all kind of stuff you may needRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful location in the woodsthe location is also very goodall in all a great place to stay in jena
Superhost
8. Breathe in the fresh air at a quirky hideaway (from USD 49)
Everything about this property is incredibly quirky, from the room to the hosts. Situated at the foot of a mountain plateau, this quiet area is near a nature preserve and the Lobdeburg castle ruins. Public transportation and shopping areas are also nearby.
The private room, decorated with plants and other quirky knickknacks, has a lovely hardwood floor and evokes an air of artsy 1950s. There is a terrace in front of the room which gives access to the garden and scenic views. Guests can also benefit from free parking at the premises. The hosts play music and teach yoga and tango and wouldn’t mind teaching guests or jamming with them.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the neighborhood is very beautiful and the window of the room is facing the gardenvery gentle person excellent breakfast warm hospitalityHost:
warming home and nice ownersthey were considerate and generous hoststhe hosts are kind and receptivethey are nice and kindgreat host beautiful locationRead more reviewsLocation:
overall my stay at their place was really positive and left me good memories
Historical, modern or something else
Jena is a city that is rife with history and natural wonders. If you decide to explore the city of rich heritage, why not stay somewhere just as exciting? It doesn’t matter if it’s somewhere old, somewhere new or something completely different. All that matters is that you’ll come home enriched with new experiences.
History
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