Going to Berlin next week. Question: stay at Hilton or Westin. Chance of upgrade to executive floor at Hilton (Hilton gold), don't know about Westin upgrade (Starwood gold). Any thoughts? Thanks

Location wise you are about equal. The Westin is a little closer to the main attractions in Mitte but it's only a couple of minutes walking. They rate about the same on most of the travel sites, so pick the one that offers you the most in terms of style or comfort.

I really enjoyed my stay at the Westin. The location was wonderful, great for walking, either towards the Brandenburg Gate or the opposite direction down Unter den Linden toward the Gendarmenmarkt or the Museum Insel. The hotel itself is lovely; I've heard that it was modelled on the one in the movie "Grand Hotel." Additionally, they have a wonderful breakfast buffet.

I have stayed at both hotels, and both are equally good.

The location is almost the same, the Hilton has those gorgeous views on Gendarmenmarkt.

The executive floor at the Hilton is fantastic - large rooms, a wonderful club room with a complimentary full bar (really good wines and booze) and food throughout the whole day. Buffet breakfast at the Hilton is excellent - better than in the Westin Grand.

The Westin was the GDR's attempt to build a Western-style Grand Hotel in order to impress foreign diplomats - including a lot of fake marble. There is still some East German feeling with the Grand Hotel - however mostly detectable for Germans.

After all, I would prefer the executive floor in the Hilton.

I regretted my stay at the Westin, the rooms were in pathetic condition. There are plenty of better hotels in Berlin than the old GDR grand hotel. The lobby and restaurants were fine but the rooms were not. We actually moved to a different hotel.

Well, gee, Dax..why don;t you tell us which ONE you moved to? It might be of help you know.

Well Dukey...LET me tell you... I didn't move to the Hilton. Incidentally, did I make it clear how worn out the rooms were at the Westin? Beat up furniture, worn down carpets. What else can I say