Does anyone have any hotels or B&B's that they would recommend for Munich and/or Berlin? My husband and I will be traveling together so we want to stay away from traditional Hostel settings with shared sleeping arrangements (plus we're over 26 anyway), but are open to a private room with a shared bathroom. We are mostly interested in a clean place in a safe location that is cheap. We don't expect to spend much time in the rooms and want to spend our money on other things. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Get an apt. in Berlin. They are a good deal and there are lots of them to rent. I have used this website to find one and was very satisfied. No deposit needed, you have your choice of neighborhoods, etc. and availability is easy to check. It is nice to have a kitchen to make coffee or a snack, and having your own bathroom is a must in my book. That said, many hostels now have private rooms and you don't have to be under 26 anymore. But, they can be loud. Try the apt. thing. I would try for the same in Munich too.

http://www.zimmervermittlung24.com/e_index.html

You can get lots of great deals for a couple in Munich and Berlin, assuming they are not having conventions or Munich is not having Oktoberfest or something, without resorting to hostels.

Check these sites:
www.hotelscombined.com
www.hrs.de
www.accorhotels.com
www.hotel.de

Also check out how to bid on Priceline and Hotwire at www.betterbidding.com . With Priceline, I got a great deal at the Munich Courtyard that worked out to about $55 USD + taxes and fees per night, and it was a very nice double room.

That said, both Berlin and Munich have some very nice hostels, and you could get a good-quality room there too. Some hostels even rent out apartments.
Check out:
www.hostelz.com
www.hostelworld.com
www.hostelbookers.com

Not sure when you will travel. Hilton and many other hotels have 2-for-1 offer (stay two nights pay one night) going on. For example, for 100 euros you can stay at a Hilton hotel including breakfast.

Last summer I used www.hostelbookers.com to stay in the "Inn-Berlin." It is fairly new. Private rooms with a private bathroom down the hall. I think last year I paid 60+ euros a night. There is not an employee on duty all the time, so you have to let them know when you are coming and when you are checking out so they can let you in. Parking was in a secure garage under the building. The neighborhood was a little noisy, but we did have the window open (no a/c). In cooler temps it probably would have been alright. Breakfast was included and there was a computer available to check emails, etc.

We stayed at Pension Linder last week in Munich. The rate was 78 euro (I think very close)for a double room with private bath, breakfast included. They have shared bathrooms at lower rates. The room was spotless, breakfast was good, free wireless and an excellent location a couple blocks from the Marianplatz in the mix of shopping etc. We were very pleased.
www.pension-linder.com

bookmarking.

This past spring in Berlin, we paid 48 euro per night for an apt. with fully equipped kitchen. Decent neighborhood, easy access to public transport, no deposit needed. Hard to beat that price and it was lovely to wake up in the morning and have a cup of coffee or tea and some toast while sitting around in our bathrobes.

Mainhattengirl, where did you get this apartment?

Thank you for the ideas. Mainhattengirl, please let us know where you found the apartment in Berlin. Could anyone advise whether it is preferable to stay in West Berlin or East Berlin?

There is an Etap (Accor chain) that is located within shouting distance of Potsdamer Platz. We stayed there 4 years ago for cheap money. Pretty tight quarters, but its a bed and shower. There may be others built there by now as well. There was also an Ibis next door.

Rick

The website is in my very first post, way up at the top.

Rick, thanks for the info. I just booked the Etap hotel you recommended. Had everything that we need for only 44 euro a night. Now just have to figure out something for Munich.

sortonb-

I forgot to add, for no extra charge, your room at the Etap will come with a delightful view of the site of the former Gestapo headquarters as well as a section of the "anti-fascist" wall that used to run through Berlin 20 years ago. Very conviently located 100m from Anhalter Banhof U-bahn stop. Good choice on a budget (more money for beer- there's a grocery store two blocks away).

Rick

That's what we thought - more money for beer and food!

Has anyone stayed at Litty's Hotel, Hotel Bristol, Hotel Theresia-Regina, or Pension Lindner in Munich? Looking for reviews, particularly on Litty's as there is only one available on Tripadvisor. Pension Lindner seems good, but can only accommodate us for half the days we need. Munich is more costly than I expected and finding a good value is challenging so far.

sortonb, I think for Munich, it would be hard to beat bidding on Priceline (or possibly Hotwire). But do try these sites:
http://www.accorhotels.com (sometimes great deals, especially for prepaid rates)
http://www.hotelscombined.com