hellokittie

I will be leaving Prague by train heading to Berlin where I will spend 3 nights with a late morning departure for home.

I have never been to Berlin before and my top priority will be to see the museums, walk charming streets, possibly take a boat tour if it is recommended.

I would like to spend under $200 a night in Berlin. I gather the transportation system is amazing but nonetheless, I would like to stay in an area that has some "charm" and is more than just a business area.

Is it worthwhile since I am riding through Dresden to stop there for a quick visit? Is it really beautiful? Interesting? (I am familiar with its history.)

Thanks so very much.

hellokittie

ttt

Pepper_von_snoot

For Berlin, I always recommend the Sol Melia on the Friedrichstrasse. It it just down the road from Museum Island--maybe a 3-minute walk.

Friedrichstrasse Bahnhof is across the street and the hotel sits on the Spree.

The area isn't what I would call charming, but it is extremely convenient as there are many shops, cafes, coffee places, pharmacies, etc. along the Friedrichstrasse, not to mention the chic Galeries Lafayette, Meissen, and Hermes.

Pepper

Aramis

Charming streets? Berlin???

Seriously, I don't mean to put it down - I love it immensely. It is fascinating like no other city in Europe. However, there is very little that I would call charming.

"Mitte" is the district closest to the museums and other sights you want to see. You could look for something there. If you want to get some specific areas to look for accommodation in, Gendarmenmarkt and maybe Haeckescher Markt are good bets. The hotels around Gendarmenmarkt are pretty upscale, but around Checkpoint Carlie (just south of G-Markt, you can find some funkier and cheaper places.

You might also look at Prenzlauer Berg, just northeast of Mitte. It is a hip, trendy, residential and small market commercial area.

Maybe someone local in the Forum has better suggestions?

It seems to be getting quite difficult to find the Melia for under $200 these days.

As for Dresden - it is definitely worth a stop, if just to see the Zwinger Semperoper and Frauenkirche and walk around. It has been reconstructed, but they did a great job of the old town. Unlike a lot of places, though, outside of the major historical venuwe mentioned, the reconstruction is a "new" version on the old. Google up a few pictures and you will see.

carmar

I second Sol Melia is Berlin. Berlin is now one of our favorite cities in Europe.

We also loved Dresden (Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe) great location. We paid 125 euro back in 2009. If you get a chance, take the train to Gorlitz - a wonderful small town on the German/Poland border.

hellokittie

Thanks for the suggestions!
Does anyone have any opinions about the following: Adina Hackesher, Arcotel, weinmeister,the Westin?

With only 3 nights, should I still consider a stop over at Dresden? Is the train station smack in the middle of the touristic stuff that I would want to see?

danon

with only 3 night , forget Dresden.
There is so much to see and do in Berlin
I stayed in Melia twice...great location.

Aramis

Adina Haeckescher - great location. Haeckescher Markt is my favourite place to hang in Berlin. Research the Markt area, including Haeckescher Hofe, and see if the surrounding are appeals to you. It is as close to the museum island as the Melia and in a less hectic spot than Friedrichstrasse.

Arcotel Velvet is at the north end of Mitte - a few minutes north of the Melia.

Arcotel John F. is a little too far south of the core of Mitte for my liking.

Weinmeister is just a little NE of the Haeckescher Markt - still a good spot.

The Westin is right in the Gendarmenmarkt area - probably the most historically charming part of Berlin.

You have quite a range of accommodations there, from Apartments to funky hotels, to a big chain. They are all within walking distance of the main historic sites in Mitte.

hellokittie

Thanks, definitely dropping Dresden.
Looking like either the weinmester or the Adina.