Oops...I originally posted this under the US forum...still getting used to this site.

After checking out forum postings and hearing from folks (thanks WillTravel), I've come up with a few hotels for Berlin and welcome any feedback on them. some are in the Mitte area and some are in the Ku'damm area.

Alexander Plaza
Hotel Hackescher Markt
Jolly Hotel Vivaldi
Kempinski Hotel Bristol
Marriott
Ritz-Carlton

I am looking for a little more upscale on this leg of my trip if that helps with the feedback.

I'll only be in Berlin for 2 nights in December and plan to hit Checkpoint Charlie, the TV tower (if it's a clear day), Brandenburger Gate, and the Reichstag. Those are the must sees for me...really just want to take my time and see what comes of the trip.

Many thanks!

I think the Ritz Carlton Berlin had to close down a few months ago due to some unfortunate health and sanitation issues. I don't know if it's opened up again. Were you able to find a rate for your dates?

I would have a preference in favor of Jolly Hotel Vivaldi, just because I know how convenient it is. All of those sights you want to see would be within a 15-25 minute walk from there.

WillTravel...looks like things are back in operation at the Ritz as I did find a rate...pricey (as expected) but a rate. I'm waiting to hear back from a friend w/ Marriott to see if I can get a break w/ the Ritz.

I checked into the Jolly Hotel Vivaldi but found their response to be rather rude...having spent 8 years in the hotel business, I was rather put off. The other hotels I mentioned have been very polite in their responses.

I realize I'm not making a major life decision here but for some reason I'm hung up on a hotel in the city...more than I have ever been before. Thanks so much for you feedback!!

The Marriott is a new hotel with great reviews and it's not badly located either.

The Ritz Carlton, prior to shutdown, had some reviews on the Luxury Hotels forum of Flyertalk. I'm sure it would be a great experience.

I think both the Ritz and Marriott are in the same general area - near Potsdamer Platz.

Sorry to hear that about the Jolly. I know that Germans can be very direct and curt, but it sounds like it's worse than that.

Recently returned from Berlin and ended up at the Ritz Carlton. The hotel was fabulous! It was all I could do to get myself to leave the room...after having spent 2 weeks in Eyptian 5 star hotels, it was truly a pleasure to stay in a true 5 star property!

My only negative comment about the hotel is the omission in the guest info guide about the cost of local phone calls. I called a friend that lives in Berlin and we talked for 45 minutes...when I checked out and reviewed the bill, I discovered the call had cost me 66 euros!! Oh well, you live and learn.

The hotel is right in the middle of Potsdamer Platz in the former "no man's land" and was extremely convenient to all the major sites I wanted to see. As I was there during the Christmas holidays, there was a great little Christmas market right across from the hotel. During my week in Germany, I became a big fan of the gluhwein at all the Christmas markets!

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Germany and look forward to returing for a longer stay...but will wait for warmer weather

While it's not a big "American" style chain hotel like some of the ones you mention, you really might look at the wonderful and highly rated Heckers Hotel. It has wonderful rooms, a great location in K'damn, a young, friendly, and helpful staff, and a trendy atmosphere. The breakfast buffet which is included is fabulous, and next door is a great restaurant/bistro. I'll never stay anywhere else in Berlin.

www.heckers-hotel.com