Rajen

I'm planning on visiting Berlin in early October and need recommendations on an area in Berlin as well as hotels. We would like something centrally located although I know that Berlin is huge and there is no one area that is convenient to all of the sights. We're looking for a boutique type hotel, upscale but not fancy, or a chain hotel, such as Best Western or Hilton. We would really like to avoid noise at night. Any ideas would be appreciated.

traveller1959

When I am going to Berlin (usually a dozen times per year), I always check www.hrs.de first. Often (esp. on weekends in summer) they offer 5-star hotels at very affordable rates.

The best location in town is around Gendarmenmarkt, but since public transportation in Berlin is excellent, every location close to an U-Bahn or S-Bahn station is okay.

I have stayed several times in the Hilton, which has a very good location. I recommend the executive floor - with a fully stocked self-service bar and food all day.

For a boutique hotel, you may try this one: http://www.louisas-place.de/

Many Fodorites recommend the Melia, which seems to offer good value for money, but it a business hotel.

Many also recommend Priceline.

danon

Many Fodorites recommend the Melia, which seems to offer good value for money, but it a business hotel.'"

I stayed at Melia in July . It is in excellent location, next to the river and to S and U Bahn.
The rooms ( nice size) looking in to the courtyard are quiet.
It is chain, though .

Paul1950

We enjoyed the Arcotel Velvet on Oranienburgerstrasse--both for the experience and the location.

ZutALaure

We liked the Mark Hotel on Meinekestrasse, right off the Kudamm. Wonderful breakfast and great TV channels. We had a room on the street but it was very quiet.

kfusto

We are booked at the Melia in November. Well located and an excellent value. I have no problem with chain hotels as I like amenities when in a city such as fitness center, 24 hour front desk and lobby bar. I keep the quaint inns for my visits to the countryside.

Kristinelaine

We stayed near Kudamm (west Berlin) last time and wished we had looked for a place in "east" Berlin since so many of the things to see were there. We got tired of going back and forth. Just something to think about.

caroline_edinburgh

I second the view that the area around Gendarmenmarkt is the best, for sightseeing and eating/drinking. Otherwise, I'd go for anywhere else on or near Friedrichstrasse or on/near Unter den Linden (preferably the stretch east of Friedrichstrasse). On our first visit we stayed at the Maritim ProArte which is a large business-type hotel but was nice. (Checking where the Melia is, they must be close together I think.) On our second visit we stayed at the Hotel City Partner am Gendarmenmarkt, which was in a good location but I wouldn't particularly recommend it.

I would not want to stay in the Kudamm area which i didn't like at all.

My trip report for both visits is at http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34614269. in case it's helpful.

traveller1959, thanks, that is a very good tip re www.hrs.de : I don't remember seeing that recommendation before.