Thanks to the excellent advice I got from Fodorites I will take a train to Berlin after landing in Frankfurt on 2/27. I will have until 3/8 to roam the city, before heading to Essen for treatment at the hospital there.
I am excited that I will have time to explore this great city, its history, art and architecture. However, I would like a chance to have some human contact. I am not young and single; I just want a chance to chat with other travelers, maybe go to a museum or have lunch with a new acquaintance.
I've been looking into B&Bs, and narrowed the list to either the Artemisia Frauenhotel (www.artemisia.com) or the Stars Guesthouse (www.stars-guesthouse.com). I think either would work out for me; my concern is location. I keep reading that the Mitte area in the east is the place to be now. I just want to be in a convenient spot to get from here to there, in an area that has its own intrinsic charm, too.
I would appreciate any suggestions, and if there is a place which would be better than the two I'm considering, I still have time to book.
Thanks in advance.

I go to Berlin for a week every year. I think the West is still the place to be, especially the Savigny Platz neighborhood (great shops and a huge diversity of restaurants) off the Ku'damm. The family owned Hotel Art Nouveau on Leibnizstrasse is run by a woman who is very knowledgeable about the city's fantastic art scene and it's architecture. The public transporation is so good (get a Berlin Welcome Card) and the town so spread out, there really is no best place to headquarter. Here's a story I found on the neighborhood: http://www.gemut.com/germany-travel-...-district.html

Thanks, Guy.
I was just reading a Berlin trip report which recommends the Pension Peters, and when I went to its website, there were photos of the Savignyplatz District.
I still hope to find a B&B or inn where I could have some interaction with other.
Thanks for recommending the Berlin Card, too. I look forward to riding the buses!

IMHO, Berlin is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, every time, I spend more then one week for visiting, but never enough. I haven't stayed at the accommadations on your list, but I have stayed at the hotels around the area of Stars Guesthouse, find it quite convenient for all major sites and concerts, but can't say about charms.

Thanks, Judy. I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed with trying to imagine a place I've never been to. Of course, part of the fun of travel is discovery. I may just be freaking out a bit at the thought of hauling my bag around city streets, but that's just for coming and going.
Since this posting, I saw some nice reviews for the Art Nouveau Hotel, with points given for friendly atmosphere and I liked the breakfast room/lounge/honor bar concept. But I'm a comparison shopper, and also enjoy doing research before traveling.

Hello Marisylvia
I am planning a trip to Berlin in May and will also be travelling alone. Looking for the same type of accomodation you were looking on your trip on 2009. Can you share your inputs with me? Thanks and have a nice weekend!

my e-mail is
[email protected]

I quite like Mitte and have stayed 4x in the area. I find it very convenient with lots of lodging and dining options. I like Melia Berlin but Circus Hotel gets very good reviews and is less expensive.

I find the Berlin Welcome Card with Museum Insel pass to be the best value if you intend to enjoy the museums while there.

There are free walking tours available which many recommend but I have not personally done any. Also bike tours which might be a good way to meet people.

the OP is 2 years old!