Berlin sounds like a vibrant, interesting, huge city and I'm trying to decide which area to stay in and to get some good hotel/pension recommendations.

We'll be there for four nights and are looking forward to recommendations.
Thanks

Hello - I'm new to this board and despite my moniker, I'm not actually from Berlin. However, I had the joy of visiting 2 years ago and LOVED IT. I'm sure it has only got better but it was fantastic then. I went for a long weekend and it wasn't enough. We stayed at the InterConti but only because we had points. It's located in the what was West Berlin but I would recommend Mitte (Brandenberg Gate, Jewish memorial, etc.). I'm sure other posters on this board can and will fill you in on this.

I enjoyed lunching at Savignyplatz, doing a walking tour with Berlin Walks, visiting Museum Island and generally wandering around. We hopped on the metro and went to Prenzlauer Berg to drink at the Prater Garden. My ultimate experience was visiting the Helmet Newton Bar on Gerdermenmarkt (very funky but there are lifesized nudes on the walls, in case that isn't your thing!). Across the street is Lutter & Wegner restaurant, which I highly recommend.

I can't wait to go back. It is just the most amazing and, dare I say, mix of history and culture. Truly set to rejoin the pantheon of great European cities!

ttt please

I stayed at the Courtyard city center, in December. I am a marriott member and I must say that this was the best courtyard in the chain.

As for locatrion, for me it was in walking distance to all the sites Checkpoint charlie, Jewish museum, Alexandplatz etc. I walk the entire time.

It was also very cheap, I think it was 70 euro's a night

Are some areas better than others to stay in. I had been thinking of the area near Checkpoint Charlie or Mitte but someone has said that Checkpoint Charlie has gotten slightly grungy.

Ideas??

Nah, you're fine there.
We stayed at the Hilton on the Gendarmenmarkt in June. Hotel was very good and the area (5 minutes from checkpoint Charlie) was just fine. I much preferred that area to the Ku'damm area of 'west' Berlin, which is indeed grungy and dated. I second the recommendation for Newtons Bar and Lutter & Wegner, and would also add Refugium, acroos the road, where we had a lovely romantic meal on the terrace.
Only slight problem with this area is that it's a bit quiet at night, ao next time (and there WILL be a next time), we may look for somewhere near the Hackesche Hof area, where you're swamped with cool bars and restuarants.
It's a fabulous city....go !

LN,

you might want to indicate some of your interests as well as your budget. I am sure you could get some very good recommendations of where to stay.

Hmmm - my interests can cross paths with loving museums (am anxious to see the Pergomon, churches, walking and visiting areas. I love sitting at sidewalk cafes and watching people. While travelling I'm not into theatre and opera - and I have no reason why - I guess it's mainly that I, or we, are total tourists.

Hope this helps.

Oh and, of course, we love good food and nice hotels. So let me know any good sightseeing we should do.

I just booked rooms at the Art hotel on Priceline so i hope we'll be happy (I"m sure we will).

In East Berlin, I've stayed at the Radisson SAS ( near Museum Island) and in West Berlin at the Intercontinental (near the Europa Center). It really depends on WHAT you want to see ... do you want to stay in East or West Berlin ? Do some online research as there are a LOT of options - it's up to your tastes. I've just come back from there --- go to groups.google.com and SEARCH for " Berlin trip report - Berlin links " - you'll see my trip report - lots of links.

Bobb