I was told to book the Hotel Elysee but they are full. They referred me to the Radisson because I need a place in that neighborhood (I don't really know what neighborhood but where the Elysee is).
Then I asked here and was referred to Side and also read bad reviews of the Radisson in Trip Adisvor.

So will be boss be happy at the Side as an alternative to Elysee? Thanks, and sorry if I sound a bit neurotic

OPPS! I meant MY boss- guess I should proof read a bit better...

I should think so, yes! The location is even better than the Radisson. Plus, the Radisson is a tall, ugly skyscraper dating back to the late sixties, while the SIDE is brand new.
The Radisson, while not bad, is connected to the congress center, which gives it a lot of traffic and adds to annonymity. Overall it appears to me to be something like a cash cow, that has been milked, without too much of re-investments.
The Side is modern minimalist and it has been designed by Milan based interior designer Mateo Thun.

If it helps: The Side just won an award as being one of the best business hotels in Germany.

Thanks again hsv! It looks like a great hotel, am glad I can stand by my desicion.

keb,
you're very welcome. Would be nice if you could report back, after his return. I live in the city and usually only know public facilities of the hotels, so some feedback from someone having stayed there would be good.

What I do not like about the Side is that it´s located in a narrow street facing a VERY ugly parking garage.

Karen,

I know what you're talking about, but there's always something, I suppose. From my point of view the accommodations should be by far nicer than the ones at the Radisson. Both hotels are about 5 min. on foot apart, and about 8 min. from the Elysee. As we are talking about compromise here anyway, the Side appears to be the better choice.
Another option would have been the Interconti, which is in the same neighbourhood as the Elysee, but a bit farther from downtown.
I guess the rooms sould be the nicest at the SIDE (and their restaurant provides some decent fusion cuisine).

I've shown the hotel's website to my bosses and they both are looking forward to it. Their daughter said it was 3 subway stops from her and a good choice. Also there I was able to get connecting rooms for their son where as the Radisson put them in a one bedroom suite. It's worked out best all around and I'm anxious to hear their report when they return. (they travel in May)