Based on the glowing recommendation from Rialtogrl here, we contacted Holger Siemann to inquire about reserving one of his three apartments in Berlin. Here is the contact info:

Holger Siemann, email: [email protected] or [email protected]
http://www.privat-apartment-berlin.de
Kopenhagener Strasse 9, Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin

Rialtogrl rented apartment two for two weeks but it was unavailable for our dates. We ended up in apartment one for eight nights, paying around $76/night. She raved about her apartment and about the area . . . we looked at the photos on-line, and booked it. Holger said we could pay when we arrived.

We arrived around 8:00 p., took the bus and S-bahn from Tegel Airport, and were pleased to find the apartment was very close to the U- and S-bahn station . . . about two blocks or less than five minutes walking.

Apt one is on the second floor (third floor to us), no elevator but Holger carried the bags. He opened the door and we were wowed . . . the apartment was very pretty and looked a whole lot better in person than in the photos. We were very surprised by the space, decor, equipment. We had everything we needed to set up housekeeping (if we wanted). The pantry was well stocked with spices, cooking oil, teas, free coffee . . . we had plenty of dishes (and nice ones).

On-line, a double bed is shown but Holger had separated it for us into two comfortable twins. We were there in mid-March and the weather was cold. The place was so well insulated (and quiet) that we turned off the heat and never turned it back on. We did use the heater in the bathroom while we showered/dressed. Speaking of showers, it was enclosed, very good, and we had plenty of hot water. We had a nice balcony w/table, chairs and were a little disappointed that the weather was such that we could not sit out on it.

The Prenzlaur Berg area is in East Berlin and therefore pretty interesting. On our street and one over, there were many, many restaurants and coffee shops. There was a grocery store on the corner and another in the big mall at the U-/S-bahn station.

We can’t thank Rialtogrl enough for putting her review here so we would see it and find this great apartment. If/when we return to Berlin, we’ll definitely try to stay here again, it is a jewel!

Sandy (in Denton)

Thanks for this review. I might like to try this if I return to Berlin.

sandy-- thanks for the info on the apt. What a good deal!! That street name is very familiar-- I think we were nearby the same time!

Are you going to write any more about your week?

Surie,

We really liked this area of Berlin and the location of our apt.

Other than this review about the apt, anything else I post will just be bits and pieces.

We're budget travelers and our mode does not appeal to some. I have typed up my travelog and will be happy to email it if anyone is interested . . . just email me at [email protected].

Thanks,
Sandy (in Denton)

Sandy-- i just sent you an email and forgot to use my Fodor's screen name.
Thanks!

I am so glad you had a nice stay Sandy... sometimes my tastes are not other people's tastes!

I still dream about that street, with all it's great cafes and restaurants, and the neighborhood, and the apartment. Sigh. One day I will get back.

Hi sandy,

I came across this while doing a search here. Is this the apt you rented?
http://www.privat-apartment-berlin.d...tfotos_14.html

It is still available for my dates, but do you recall if the apt has wi-fi or any kind of internet access? Thanks!