Both hotels are offering similar rates with no breakfast included and both are well reviewed.

We arrive into Schoenefeld and depart from Tegel - any one hotel more convenient in this regard?

Proximity to a variety of dining options, a nicer neighborhood, comfortable beds and a great staff are priorities for us.

Any opinions appreciated!

Hi kfusto,

I stayed in the Courtyard Messe. (I'm assuming that is the one you meant.) It is a new property and was very nice, especially the staff. It is in the middle of a Soviet style residential area, but is very convenient to the U-Bahn. If the prices are similar, this would be my recommended property.

Dutch, the address is Axel-Springer-Strasse 55, Berlin D-10117, Germany. I believe it is the same one.

thanks.

There are three Courtyards in Berlin. The only acceptable location is the Courtyard Berlin City Center, Axel-Springer-Strasse 55. It is about half a mile from the historic center Make sure you book the right one!

The Novotel Berlin Tiergarten is not conveniently located. A better option is the Novotel Berlin Mitte.

IMO Mitte is much the best area to stay for convenience of sightseeing, eating & drinking options and transport links, especially around the Friedrichstrasse / Gendarmenmarkt axis. The first time we visited we flew in & out of Tegel which is served by the TX1 express bus which runs along Unter den Linden. The second time we flew in and out of Schoenefeld and got the train in and out very easily, although I don't remember the exact details - we just walked from the airport terminal over to the railway station and consulted a map.

I spent last night at the Courtyard Mitte, but I also know that area a bit from working there for 10 years.

The Courtyard is close (10min walking) to the historic center (Gendarmenmarkt) with many restaurants, pubs, shops, etc. - but the hotel itself is in a no man's land, one block south of a major 10-lane city thoroughfare (Leipziger Str.).
Actually, it has been built on the real no man's land where once the wall was.

The subway is only a few steps away, but it's not that kind of location where you leave the hotel and have restaurants or pubs left and right in walking distance.

The hotel itself is not bad at all. The hotel bar labels itself a bistro, but is a bit depressingly modern. Not a cosy place to spend hours, IMO.
The only "oddity" I encountered was that the rooms have a minibar-style fridge, but empty. You buy what you need at a 24hr open kiosk inside the hotel. The advantage is that the kiosk prices as much less than what you usually pay for with minibars.
Rooms are average to small, and have 2 queen size beds. Rooms for handicapped travelers are more spacious, but have only one king size bed. If you prefer the latter, the reception usually "upgrades" you (there is no difference in price) when available.

If you don't mind to take the subway for a few stops in either direction to go out to eat or have a drink, then you get some decent value for money.

P.S.

Since the last downsizing on numbers of districts in Berlin, the "Mitte" district became "Tiergarten-Mitte", one huge borough which now also encompasses not so scenic neighborhoods.

Beware: Many hotels in the less favorable parts of the former Tiergarten district now often advertise themselves as being in the Mitte district. Which is technically somewhat correct, but the misleading intention is obvious.

I would always google the address to find out where the specific location actually is.

P.P.S.

Correction on my post above. Again, I posted instead of previewing.

Before the merger of districts in Berlin, "Mitte" was a synonym for the lively and historically-rich center of Berlin.
While many parts of neighboring Tiergarten, and especially all areas of Wedding are not exactly scenic. Some are actually rather bad neighborhoods.

Now, the former independent districts of Mitte, Tiergarten, and Wedding have merged to one huge district named "Mitte".
Which some hotels in Tiergarten and Wedding take advantage of and advertise themselves as hotels in "Mitte" - which is correct, but somewhat misleading for the average traveler.

I hope it makes some sense now..

Ok, I think I've got it now.

I've been to Berlin two times. Once in the mid 70s when it was very different than it is now and again about 6 years ago. I stayed at the Westin Grand but only for two nights so really did not get very well acclimated.

I think I may use Priceline to book as the 4 stars they offer (Westin, Hilton, Arcotel Velvet) are in the recommended area and seem to be a real bargain.

Thanks!

However, the Park Plaza in the East zone would definitely not be a bargain, and unfortunately it's 4*.

I typed Messe, but meant Mitte. Must have been tired. (Is there a Courtyard Messe in Frankfurt?)

The Westin Grand and the Hilton are at least two classes above the Novotel and the Courtyard - both in terms of hotel quality and in terms of location. Both the Westin and the Hilton are excellently located in the midst of things, both have pool, stylish rooms etc. If you can get a good rate do it!

Courtyard and Novotel are soulless chain hotels, and even the Courtyard City Center's location is, as others have said, just acceptable, not really good.

The Westin Grand used to be the pride of the socialist GDR government. It still has a special, somewhat nostalgic feel. The Hilton does not have a nice facade, but the rooms are good and the location is excellent. I usually stay on the executive floor with views on the Gendarmenmarkt (the executive room is well-stocked).

We enjoyed our stay at the Arcotel Velvet very much 2 years ago. We liked the hotel and the location--very convenient for public transport, dining, and many sights walkable.

I looked at the Velvet and am waiting now for a response from them regarding the availability of king beds. Their website shows queens or twins.

thanks everyone.