Berlin How many days for a first time visit?
 

My husband and I are planning our first visit to Berlin this fall. What is the weather in mid-late September through October? How many days for a first time visit? Can we take the train to/from Paris? The Adlon, the Regent or Hotel de Rome?

I stayed in Berlin for 5 full days the first time.
Could have stayed longer..so much history, great museums and galleries etc.
going back in Sept. Sorry cannot answer other questions.

We stayed 4 days and had plenty to do. Could have stayed longer but the shortest I would ever do would be 3.

If you take the train I would recommend a night train. If not, it takes about 8-9 hours during the day.

1. Wheather can be late-summer like in September, rather grey in October, but there are exceptions. Berlin has very continental climate, i.e. if it's warm, it is quite warm, if it gets cooler, it's likely to be on the chilly side. Surely weather should not be too much of a concern as there is lots to do anyway. I'd go earleir in September, though, rather than later in October (days get shorterm, too) as a rule of thumb.

2. I'd say 3 days is a good start.

3. Why would you want to take a train that takes effectively what is a full day of sightseeing for 1 way and get bored. I'd recommend to get a flight.

4. Hotels:
The Adlon: Signature hotel with prominent location at Brandenburg gate. Lots of tourists, who just want to have coffee (as that's what they can afford). Hotel does a good job screening the residential areas. Overall grand-hotel style - a bit Disney-esque for my taste as it is done very traditionally despite being a new build (about 12 years old or so).

The Regent: discrete 5* in beautiful Gendarmenmarkt location. Very traditional and interiors also a bit faux-antique, despite the facade being more modern. Used to be a Four Seasons. Biggest drawback (and the reason why Four Seasons gave up the management) is lack of an onsite pool area (I believe guests do get privileges to the Holmes Club health club around the block, though). One of Berlin's best restaurants in the hotel (Fischers Fritz) that is specacularly expensive (by Berlin standards, which isn't too bad on international level), but with cheap lunch options.

De Rome: very pleasant modern design behind the historic facade of what used to be a bank jsut off Gendarmenmarkt and behind the Humboldt University's law school off Unter den Linden. Rocco Forte property with gracious service. Out of your 3, this would be my preference, although I continue to regard the Grand Hyatt on Potsdamer Platz as one of the best hotels one can stay at anywhere.

We were in Berlin last year and I agree that you need minimum three full days to see most things. That of course, means 4 nights at least.

I think 5 or 6 nights is best if you like museums (Berlin's are outstanding) and don't want to cram. Berlin in terms of sightseeing still somewhat remains two cities, so if you don't want to rush around or start throwing money at cabs, leave time to get around. There is good public transportation, but Berlin itself rather sprawls, so budget in that time.

I flew on Air Berlin through Dusseldorf to Paris. It still ate up a whole day.

My husband and I spent 4 nights in Berlin last year. It was his first time and my 3rd. We decided on the 2nd day that we need to get back and spend a week as we both loved the city.

We are returning in 4 months for another 4 days and are quite certain we will return again and again.

I see the Grand Hyatt was one of the recommended hotels. How is the location compared to the Adlon, Regent or Hotel De Rome? We are considering it because we may be able to use points for upgrades. We are thinking of 5 days in Berlin and possibly 3 in Amsterdam - another city we've not been to. What is the weather like in Amsterdam compared to Berlin? Is it possible by train? Any info would be appreciated. Looking at the guide books, Berlin seems overwhelmingly large.

I like the other locations better ; Hyatt location is in an area without much pedestrian traffic, a bit sterile, but if you don't mind taking Metro or taxis at night.. it is not bad.

All of the hotels are very central.
I agree that the surroundings of the Hyatt on modern Potsdamer Platz feel a bit more sterile than those of the Regent or the De Rome in the vicinity of beautiful Gendarmenmarkt. Possibly also compared to the Adlon, although there could be a legitimate argument that that is just as sterile: Admittedly it sits next to Brandenburg Gate on a traditional boulevard - but let's face it, that is an absolutely touristy environment. Older buildings, but only tourists around.
All of the mentioned hotels are within a 10- 15 min. walk from each other, so I'd argue that location doesn't make much of a difference here, as long as one is willing to accept modern surroundings at the Hyatt, whereas there are more older buildings (or jsut older looking buildings) around the other hotels.
My personal take: While I would in principle also prefer the Gendarmenmarkt neighbourhood, the Hyatt as a hotel keeps drawing me back - and I have no regrets with regards to that.

I did not care for the location of the Hyatt personally and agree "is in an area without much pedestrian traffic, a bit sterile, but if you don't mind taking Metro or taxis at night.. it is not bad."

I have stayed at Westin Grand twice and Melia Berlin recently and preferred Melia. We are headed back to Berlin soon and booked there again.

The Adlon is a very traditional hotel with a formal fee. We stopped in for a drink one afternoon as we wanted to have a look around.

We like to have lots of options very nearby the hotel so the Melia was perfect for our needs.