EXPERIENTIAL LOYALTY

Hit the Road: Garner by IHG Launches the Ultimate Germany Road Trip Itinerary Curated by Celebrity Duo

City breaks in Germany are changing, with travellers opting for shorter trips that fit seamlessly into everyday life. Weekend getaways are becoming a favourite way to recharge – offering the chance to explore lively neighbourhoods, soak up local charm and enjoy a stay that feels both relaxed and affordable. This is exactly where Garner by IHG comes in, bringing a fresh perspective to familiar city destinations, offering contemporary stays designed for spirited flexible travellers who want convenience, affordability, and are in love with life not luxury.

To inspire travellers for their next staycation, Garner hotels has created the ultimate road trip through Germany with singer Carolin Niemczyk and tv presenter and entrepreneur Elena Carrière. Spanning five vibrant cities, the duo shares their favourite neighbourhoods, hidden gems, and local dining spots, offering travellers an authentic way to explore Germany beyond the usual tourist trails.

Carolin Niemczyk, singer and actress commented: “For me, travelling with a friend makes everything more special—whether it’s a hidden café, a new art spot, or simply relaxing after a busy day. On this road trip we wanted to show how easy it can be to explore Germany’s cities in a spontaneous, authentic way.”

Elena Carrière, TV presenter and entrepreneur commented: “Time with friends and road trips don’t have to be complicated! I love that Garner hotels make it so effortless – you’re right in the heart of the city and you have everything you need. That’s the kind of comfort you want when travelling with friends.”

Carolin’s and Elena’s Germany Road Trip Itinerary with Garner by IHG:

Stop 1: Hamburg

The road trip begins in Hamburg, a city where maritime charm meets a creative scene, blending historic waterways with buzzing neighbourhoods filled with culture, food, and nightlife. After spending a relaxing night and grabbing a fresh bean-to-cup coffee at Garner Hotel Hamburg Nord the friends are fuelled for a day of exploring. The hotel offers easy public transport connections to some of the city’s most popular districts. Carolin enjoys exploring the iconic Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s largest warehouse districts with its atmospheric red-brick canals. Elena recommends visiting Schanzenviertel, a hotspot of street art, indie boutiques, cafés, and bars with a laid-back local vibe. And no visit to Hamburg is complete without a boat tour through the city’s famous harbour. For food, the friends like to grab a gluten-free cardamom bun at Aera, tapas at Casa Ricardo in the Portuguese Quarter, or a vegetarian meal at Lily of the Valley.

Like all Garner hotels, Garner Hotel Hamburg Nord, from 85€ per night, is made with character and offers a great night’s sleep and modern comfort.

Stop 2: Berlin

Berlin is a city that never stands still – diverse, bold, and full of energy – and it remains one of Elena’s favourite stomping grounds. Garner Hotel Berlin – Checkpoint Charlie is the perfect base for a weekend in the capital. Elena’s top tip is to walk from the hotel to the Spree riverbank and discover the city from a different angle with a boat tour, offering a unique perspective on Berlin’s historic architecture. Then head to Tempelhofer Feld, a vast former airport turned park, perfect for jogging, skating, or sports. On Sundays, she recommends the RAW-Gelände flea market for vintage fashion and local art.

Carolin, on the other hand, is inspired by the city’s street art scene – a reflection of Berlin’s history and rebellious spirit. Visit the iconic East Side Gallery to find hidden artistic spaces across the city. For food, their go-to spots are brunch at Two Trick Pony and sourdough pizza at Gazzo.

Centrally located, Garner Hotel Berlin – Checkpoint Charlie, from €72 per night, makes the ideal base, complete with a locally inspired breakfast, available at charge at all Garner hotels, to set the tone for the day.

Stop 3: Cologne

The next stop is Cologne, where laid back charm meets a lively riverside atmosphere. Known as the home of Carnival, this Rhineland hub combines warm hospitality with rich history and areas full of art, shopping, and local food. Carolin enjoys strolling the Rhine promenade, taking in views of the Hohenzollern Bridge and the iconic Cologne Cathedral, both of which are located just a short walk from Garner Hotel Cologne – Engelbertz. The hotel welcomes its guests with the signature Garner drink and snack on arrival, making it easy to unwind in comfort before heading out on the town. Elena recommends exploring the Belgian Quarter, a hotspot filled with vintage shops, indie boutiques, and buzzing cafés. For those looking for a taste of local tradition, nothing beats a traditional brewery – perfect for sampling local dishes alongside Cologne’s famous Kölsch beer. Carolin and Elena also recommend Otè Café for a relaxed break to enjoy some delicious hearty snacks and seasonal cakes.

Garner Hotel Cologne – Engelbertz, from €80 per night, offers a central location and great night’s sleep before heading back on the road to Mannheim.

Stop 4: Mannheim

In Mannheim, a city known for its distinctive grid-like layout, Carolin and Elena like to immerse themselves in its local spirit. This urban cityscape blends industrial history with modern innovation, offering a playground of music, nightlife, and art. The friends like to grab a fresh bean-to-cup coffee and a snack from the 24/7 Garner Shop at Garner Hotel Mannheim City before heading to their favourite neighbourhood Jungbusch – a former port area transformed into a cultural hotspot filled with studios, art spaces, live music, and an energetic bar scene. For a relaxed evening, Carolin recommends Salute Weinbar, just a short walk from the hotel, where she enjoys a cozy glass of wine, while Elena prefers soaking up the district’s lively atmosphere after dark and have a drink at Sieferle & KØ Bar.

For food, they suggest one of Jungbusch’s many international restaurants, from authentic Italian pizzerias like Pizzeria Papi to fusion spots like zweiundzwanzig that reflect the area’s diverse community.

Garner Hotel Mannheim City, from €59 per night, echoes this contemporary vibe with simple comfort right in the city centre.

Stop 5: Augsburg

The final stop on the road trip is Augsburg, a Bavarian city where ancient history meets relaxed living. Famous for its Renaissance architecture and the Fuggerei – the world’s oldest social housing complex – Augsburg is a must for history lovers. Elena recommends taking public transport from Garner Hotel Augsburg Nord into the city centre where she enjoys wandering the narrow streets of the old town, discovering hidden courtyards and historic façades, while Carolin appreciates the city’s café culture, especially along the picturesque Stadtgraben canal with its charming cafés and shops.

For lunch, the friends like to enjoy a seasonal, locally inspired vegan menu at Café Dreizehn. To unwind after hours on the road, a stroll through Dompark offers the perfect dose of green space and relaxation.

Garner Hotel Augsburg Nord, from €96 per night, is the perfect place to end the trip. The hotel offers a blend of modern comfort and a calm, local touch, providing a welcoming retreat after their adventure.

Garner hotels, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, offer easy-going stays at an affordable price, focusing on everything that truly matters for guests. With convenient city locations, cozy rooms designed for a great night’s sleep, and thoughtful touches like a welcome drink and snack on arrival, guests can enjoy a stay that feels both relaxed and personal. Each hotel serves a locally inspired breakfast, fresh bean-to-cup coffee, available at charge, and provides free Wi-Fi, while the 24/7 Garner Shop ensures daily essentials are always within reach.

Since its launch in 2023, the brand has grown to 28 hotels in Germany and more than 90 properties worldwide, each Made with Character—locally inspired, individually designed, and offering a warm welcome. Perfect for spontaneous city breaks, business trips, or weekends away with friends, Garner makes travel effortless, comfortable, and full of personality.

Source: IHG