Berlin Hotel feedback
Aug 17th, 2016, 03:49 PM
#1
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Berlin Hotel feedback
I am looking at two hotels for our Sat-Tues stay in Berlin. We arrive and depart from the main train station. We want to see the recommended sites such as Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, the wall, ride bikes, train to Potsdam, eat good food (still researching our itinerary) Please weigh in on ease of walking/public transport to the sites and restaurants from these hotels. Also is there construction going on near either of these hotels. Other suggestions in the 400E for two rooms range is welcome. Last post like this led me to a great choice in Munich,
I started with Traveller1959's nice list of hotels from different neighborhoods, but the only one that came close to being reasonable w/ our need for two separate rooms was one he/she has not stayed in. I realize these two hotels are very different in price points. neighborhoods and lodging experiences. And I am leaning toward the less expensive Courtyard because we will be out so much. I want a good night's sleep....and ya'll know the things that ruin that.......early morn construction noise, noise from other rooms, lousy mattress, etc. I am the worst sleeper on these European trips!
Courtyard Berlin City Center/Axel Springer Strasse 55 (Picked because of a discount w/ marriott)
Waldorf Astoria Berlin/Hardenbergstr.28
ApartHotel recs are welcome.
I started with Traveller1959's nice list of hotels from different neighborhoods, but the only one that came close to being reasonable w/ our need for two separate rooms was one he/she has not stayed in. I realize these two hotels are very different in price points. neighborhoods and lodging experiences. And I am leaning toward the less expensive Courtyard because we will be out so much. I want a good night's sleep....and ya'll know the things that ruin that.......early morn construction noise, noise from other rooms, lousy mattress, etc. I am the worst sleeper on these European trips!
Courtyard Berlin City Center/Axel Springer Strasse 55 (Picked because of a discount w/ marriott)
Waldorf Astoria Berlin/Hardenbergstr.28
ApartHotel recs are welcome.
Aug 17th, 2016, 04:41 PM
#2
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The Courtyard is not in a bad location but in a rather boring (but quiet) neighborhood. If you don't mind to walk three blocks or 10 minutes to Gendarmenmarkt where you will find many restaurants, cafes and bars and prefer to come home to a quiet street then it's fine.
The sights in central Mitte (no, that's not an oxymoron) and Northern Kreuzberg, from Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag to Jewish Museum are in short to moderate walking distance.
Nearby U2 subway stop at Spittelmarkt is also a plus.
The Waldorf is, as the name suggests, one of the high-end places to sleep.
The immediate neighborhood including Zoo station is less dead than the Courtyard's, but same may find it a bit awkward. There is also some construction going on - nothing really noisy, though. And I doubt you could hear the world falling apart through the closed windows of the Waldorf.
I am really bad in suggesting specific hotels as I live here, and when I cannot accomodate vistors the prime concern is usually to find a hotel close to where I live and not the most perfect hotel in all of Berlin.
I'd probably suggest a hotel in the area between Kurfürstendamm and Savignyplatz. It's fairly quiet residential side streets, but with tons of restaurants and cafes around - and, once you get a few meters away from Kurfürstendamm, also not overcharging the tourist crowds.
Nevertheless, relatively few (first time) visitors stay in that area after 20 years of preaching from Lonely Planet to NYT that the Mitte district is THE place to be.
The advantage of central Mitte (roughly from Brandenburg Gate via Hackescher Markt to Rosenthaler Platz) is that even the next door bratwurst stand is trilingual - at least.
And it IS a convenient location if you want to walk to many of the "must see" sights.
Having said that, there are usually 300+ hotels available in the city. I have never spent more than €100-120 per night when I was not living here and needed to travel on business (with expenses compensated).
Unless there was a major convention or trade fair in town, anything significantly above €150 (double occupancy) would be considered expensive for a 4* hotel.
The sights in central Mitte (no, that's not an oxymoron) and Northern Kreuzberg, from Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag to Jewish Museum are in short to moderate walking distance.
Nearby U2 subway stop at Spittelmarkt is also a plus.
The Waldorf is, as the name suggests, one of the high-end places to sleep.
The immediate neighborhood including Zoo station is less dead than the Courtyard's, but same may find it a bit awkward. There is also some construction going on - nothing really noisy, though. And I doubt you could hear the world falling apart through the closed windows of the Waldorf.
I am really bad in suggesting specific hotels as I live here, and when I cannot accomodate vistors the prime concern is usually to find a hotel close to where I live and not the most perfect hotel in all of Berlin.
I'd probably suggest a hotel in the area between Kurfürstendamm and Savignyplatz. It's fairly quiet residential side streets, but with tons of restaurants and cafes around - and, once you get a few meters away from Kurfürstendamm, also not overcharging the tourist crowds.
Nevertheless, relatively few (first time) visitors stay in that area after 20 years of preaching from Lonely Planet to NYT that the Mitte district is THE place to be.
The advantage of central Mitte (roughly from Brandenburg Gate via Hackescher Markt to Rosenthaler Platz) is that even the next door bratwurst stand is trilingual - at least.
And it IS a convenient location if you want to walk to many of the "must see" sights.
Having said that, there are usually 300+ hotels available in the city. I have never spent more than €100-120 per night when I was not living here and needed to travel on business (with expenses compensated).
Unless there was a major convention or trade fair in town, anything significantly above €150 (double occupancy) would be considered expensive for a 4* hotel.
Aug 17th, 2016, 05:02 PM
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By the way.. from summer 2017 on, the new flagship Motel One will probably be very popular.
http://www.upper-west.de/index.php?id=1&L=1
(click on HOTEL, if necessary)
It will occupy floors 10 through 28 with one of the best views in town from the upper floors for affordable €79 per room.
http://www.upper-west.de/index.php?id=1&L=1
(click on HOTEL, if necessary)
It will occupy floors 10 through 28 with one of the best views in town from the upper floors for affordable €79 per room.
Aug 17th, 2016, 06:08 PM
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I returned from another visit to Berlin a few weeks ago...
This time I stayed in the west ( Sofitel ) but , for a first
time visitor , Mitte would be better )in my opinion.)
In the past I stayed at Melia ...the location is excellent.
There was a lot of contraction in many areas of the city.
This time I stayed in the west ( Sofitel ) but , for a first
time visitor , Mitte would be better )in my opinion.)
In the past I stayed at Melia ...the location is excellent.
There was a lot of contraction in many areas of the city.
Aug 18th, 2016, 02:21 AM
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If you are looking for apartment hotels: There are three Adina hotels in Berlin, all of them in good location, which offer full apartments with one or two bedrooms, living room, fully equipped kitchen etc. Usually the hotels also have pools and gyms and restaurants.
https://www.tfehotels.com/de/brands/...artment-hotels
Otherwise, check www.hrs.com, they often have great deals in Berlin.
Given your preferences, I would also suggest staying in a hotel in Mitte or Potsdamer Platz. There is also a Marriott at Potsdamer Platz. It is quite new and more recommendable than the Courtyard (I have stayed there).
https://www.tfehotels.com/de/brands/...artment-hotels
Otherwise, check www.hrs.com, they often have great deals in Berlin.
Given your preferences, I would also suggest staying in a hotel in Mitte or Potsdamer Platz. There is also a Marriott at Potsdamer Platz. It is quite new and more recommendable than the Courtyard (I have stayed there).
Aug 18th, 2016, 02:33 AM
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Hilton on Gendarmenmarkt (most beautiful square in the city) U2 U-Bahn outside the front door. Lots of nice restaurants close by, easy walk to Unter den Linden.
Radisson Blu on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße - by the river, opposite Berliner Dom (cathedral. 5 mins walk to Museum Island, loads of restaurants and bars and with access to bus, tram, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, mainline trains all within 5 mins.
Radisson Blu on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße - by the river, opposite Berliner Dom (cathedral. 5 mins walk to Museum Island, loads of restaurants and bars and with access to bus, tram, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, mainline trains all within 5 mins.
Aug 18th, 2016, 04:22 AM
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We stayed in this Adina hotel a few years ago and were very pleased with the hotel and the location.
https://www.tfehotels.com/brands/adi...ckescher-markt
https://www.tfehotels.com/brands/adi...ckescher-markt
Aug 18th, 2016, 06:23 AM
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Unter den Linden is still all dug up ....a new metro line construction..
Hilton is in an excellent location.( it was a bit exp. for me)
I liked Melia 's location ...a few minutes to S and U - Bahn ,and by the river.
( rooms on the courtyard side are quiet)
Hilton is in an excellent location.( it was a bit exp. for me)
I liked Melia 's location ...a few minutes to S and U - Bahn ,and by the river.
( rooms on the courtyard side are quiet)
Aug 18th, 2016, 06:40 AM
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Maritim Proarte is just a block or 2 from the train station on Friedrichstrasse. Within walking distance of all you want to see.
I have also stayed at the Hilton on Gendarmenmarkt and that one is really nice also.
I have also stayed at the Hilton on Gendarmenmarkt and that one is really nice also.
Aug 18th, 2016, 07:47 AM
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Berlin is a very affordeable city for accomodation by Western European standards. You shouldn't have too much trouble with your budget. This thread depresses me a bit because most of what has been suggested is large and corporate, yet Berlin does contemporary, cutting edge, quirky and/or boutique so well.
Use Booking.com (even if you don't actually book on there) to triage hotels in your price range and preferred districts. Lots of photos to whet your appetite and also reviews from paying customers, ordered by most recent.
If you'd really prefer to be in a chain, then the location of the Maritim Proarte mentioned above is pretty much unbeatable.
Use Booking.com (even if you don't actually book on there) to triage hotels in your price range and preferred districts. Lots of photos to whet your appetite and also reviews from paying customers, ordered by most recent.
If you'd really prefer to be in a chain, then the location of the Maritim Proarte mentioned above is pretty much unbeatable.
Aug 18th, 2016, 08:00 AM
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"This thread depresses me a bit because most of what has been suggested is large and corporate, yet Berlin does contemporary, cutting edge, quirky and/or boutique so well."
most travellers don't' find it unbearably "depressing" to recomend a reputable, comfortable and well located hotel.
"Cutting edge a quirky " sound interesting and adventures...surely there is a
market for those hotel as well. Any recommendations?
Maritime is in a good location, it just seems a bit rundown ( I have not seen the rooms )
most travellers don't' find it unbearably "depressing" to recomend a reputable, comfortable and well located hotel.
"Cutting edge a quirky " sound interesting and adventures...surely there is a
market for those hotel as well. Any recommendations?
Maritime is in a good location, it just seems a bit rundown ( I have not seen the rooms )
Aug 18th, 2016, 08:10 AM
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I recommended a couple on recent Berlin threads and I have a TR too - surely it's not to much effort to click through or use search?
If anyone wants solely corporate options then they probably don't even need board help tbh - the whole point of them is that they are safe and reliable, if argueably, often quite uninspiring. That's the whole point - why would you need affirmation for that? There are a few exceptions to this - for example, Indigo, quite a bit more stylish - who were one of my recommendations on another Berlin thread.
Berlin itself is a lot about cold war, brutalism, mid-century and 70s art and architecture, and subsequent more contemporary reinvention of many of those structures. That's why I think it's a shame not to embrace that when choosing accomodation. It's a personal opinion, no-one is bound by it, and if you prefer 50 square meters of beige carpet and a trouser press, feel free.
If anyone wants solely corporate options then they probably don't even need board help tbh - the whole point of them is that they are safe and reliable, if argueably, often quite uninspiring. That's the whole point - why would you need affirmation for that? There are a few exceptions to this - for example, Indigo, quite a bit more stylish - who were one of my recommendations on another Berlin thread.
Berlin itself is a lot about cold war, brutalism, mid-century and 70s art and architecture, and subsequent more contemporary reinvention of many of those structures. That's why I think it's a shame not to embrace that when choosing accomodation. It's a personal opinion, no-one is bound by it, and if you prefer 50 square meters of beige carpet and a trouser press, feel free.
Aug 18th, 2016, 08:17 AM
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You are correct, RM67.
There are dozens of independent or small "chain" hotels.
Just a few..
25hours near Zoo
Weinmeister in Mitte
Savoy and the new Zoo Berlin
Lux11 in Mitte
nhow in Friedrichshain @ river Spree
Arcotel John F in Mitte
Louisa's Place
Or you do indoor glamping
http://www.huettenpalast.de/hotel-2/caravans/?lang=en
One reason people steer towards the better known big chains may be that they want to use loyalty points. Or simply because they read the same names over and over again here.
A bit like a self-fulfilling prophecy..
There are dozens of independent or small "chain" hotels.
Just a few..
25hours near Zoo
Weinmeister in Mitte
Savoy and the new Zoo Berlin
Lux11 in Mitte
nhow in Friedrichshain @ river Spree
Arcotel John F in Mitte
Louisa's Place
Or you do indoor glamping
http://www.huettenpalast.de/hotel-2/caravans/?lang=en
One reason people steer towards the better known big chains may be that they want to use loyalty points. Or simply because they read the same names over and over again here.
A bit like a self-fulfilling prophecy..
Aug 18th, 2016, 08:17 AM
#18
LOL, and you thought your Munich quest was challenging and now you get to hear all about "brutalism" and how staying in some "corporate" ghetto with a trouser press marks you as some sort of dufus.
We usually stay in one of those non-quirky, non-boutiquey places near Potsdamer Platz because at the end of the day we enjoy the rooftop pool and the hot tub, non-hip dufi that we are.
All I'll say is again, like Munich, try to stay close to public transport as the system in Berlin is both extensive and easy to understand and use.
We usually stay in one of those non-quirky, non-boutiquey places near Potsdamer Platz because at the end of the day we enjoy the rooftop pool and the hot tub, non-hip dufi that we are.
All I'll say is again, like Munich, try to stay close to public transport as the system in Berlin is both extensive and easy to understand and use.
Aug 18th, 2016, 08:24 AM
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Where do my posts say anything about being a dufus or non hip? That's your interpretation Dukey.
I always thought the whole reason people traveled was to see something different from home. To get a different flavour. And likewise, I always thought the reason people asked question on boards like this was to get ideas, input and recommendations that were previously unknown to them. Because otherwise, why not just use Google?
I always thought the whole reason people traveled was to see something different from home. To get a different flavour. And likewise, I always thought the reason people asked question on boards like this was to get ideas, input and recommendations that were previously unknown to them. Because otherwise, why not just use Google?
Aug 18th, 2016, 08:32 AM
#20
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Point well taken, Cowboy
but for many overseas travellers the stay in Berlin is often only 3-4 nights
without a chance ( or interest ) to return . A good number travel with children
and prefer the familiar :good size rooms and bathrooms(?.. beats me)
, concierge and
other services often not offered in a small hotel.
Relaying on known names / chains recommended here makes sense.
but for many overseas travellers the stay in Berlin is often only 3-4 nights
without a chance ( or interest ) to return . A good number travel with children
and prefer the familiar :good size rooms and bathrooms(?.. beats me)
, concierge and
other services often not offered in a small hotel.
Relaying on known names / chains recommended here makes sense.
