msteacher

We'll be travelling to Berlin this summer for a work-related conference, then tacking on a few days for vacation. The conference is near Potsammerplatz, so we'll being staying in that area for the first part of the trip. Then we'll go to Prague for a few days, and return to Berlin for a few nights before our flight home. I'd like to experience a different part of the city for this second part of the trip... any reccommendations?

marginal_margiela

I would suggest anywhere between Potsdammer Platz, Friedrichstrasse, and Unter den Linden. You will be within walking distance of Sony Center, Reichstag, Branderburger Tor, Berlinerdom, Checkpoint Charlie, and great restaurants.

The Great and Powerful Thingorjus

carolinetaylor

Almost anywhere in Berlin is great to stay in due to the great transport links. We stayed near Alexanderplatz last time and this time are staying near Checkpoint Charlie.

traveller1959

Caroline is certainly right. You will be within ten minutes at every other place.

Here are the main areas for lodging:

- Mitte, especially around the Gendarmenmarkt, Friedrichstraße/Unter den Linden. This is the heart of historical Berlin. Many attractions, many bars and restaurants in walking distance. If you stay right at the Gendarmenmarkt, grand views of the two churches there.

- Potsdamer Platz. Brand new, high rise office area. Trendy bars and restaurants. Reichstag and Brandenburger Tor in walking distance.

- Kurfürstendamm and side streets. The heart of West Berlin. Excellent for shopping. Nightlife.

- Budapester Straße/Zoo. Also in West Berlin. Close to the Zoo, KaDeWe, shopping, attractions.

traveller1959

For another post, I made a list of five-star hotels which I copy and paste here:

Most people say, Berlin’s best hotel is the Schlosshotel Grunewald. Karl Lagerfeld designed the rooms, regardless of cost, and this says it all. Mick Jaggers stays here when he is in town. It is located in Berlin’s poshest neighbourhood, somewhat away from the city center. But those who can afford to stay here do not spare a thought about taxi fare.
http://www.schlosshotelberlin.com

The place where celebrities stay is hotel Q. Currently Berlin’s most stylish hotel. Bathtub right at the bed. Sexy atmosphere. In a sidestreet off Ku’damm, centrally located in the heart of West Berlin.
http://www.loock-hotels.com/

Berlin’s newest luxury hotel is the Hotel de Rome, operated by Rocco Forte. Expect the typical Rocco Forte style. Located in the middle of the historical center, near Unter den Linden/Gendarmenmarkt.
http://www.hotelderome.com/

The Adlon is Berlin’s most opulent hotel. Historical style, impeccable service. The suites are a dream in black, beige and red granite. Located across Brandenburger Tor, very central.
http://www.hotel-adlon.de

The Grand Hotel Esplanade is THE alternative to plushy historical style. Ultra-contemporary. Recently renovated. A designer’s dream. In the house is one of Berlin’s hippest bars. (My personal favourite)
http://www.esplanade.de/

The Hyatt is modern, stylish, trendy. Located at Potsdamer Platz, surrounded by high-rise office buildings.
http://www.berlin.grand.hyatt.com

The Brandenburger Hof is a boutique hotel in classic style. It is THE favourite among business travellers. Located in the heart of West Berlin.
http://www.brandenburger-hof.com/

The Regent is in typical historical, plushy style. Very American. Located at Gendarmenmarkt.
http://www.theregentberlin.de/

The Sofitel Berlin Schweizerhof (the name will change to Pullman) is a contemporary, bright modern hotel. Located in West-Berlin, near the Zool
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhote...he_hotel.shtml

The Sofitel Berlin Gendarmenmarkt also displays the typical, modern Dorint style. Located at Gendarmenmarkt.
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhote...he_hotel.shtml

The Ritz Carlton is another hotel in plushy, historical style. Located at Potsdamer Platz, surrounded by high-rise office buildings.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com

The Westin Grand (the former Grand Hotel) was the pride of Communist GDR. It was built to impress western guests. Still has a special atmosphere. Located on Friedrichstraße, near Unter den Linden.
http://www.westin-grand.com

For many decades, the Kempinski was Berlin’s leading hotel, before the Adlon became the flagship of the Kempinski group. Still a 5-star luxury hotel, but lacks the special atmosphere. Located in the middle of the Ku’damm.
http://www.kempinski-berlin.de/

The Intercontinental is the place where the U.S. presidents stay, when they are in Berlin – but primarily because it is CIA-approved. Somewhat dated charme from the 1960ies. Located in West Berlin, close to the Zoo.
http://www.berlin.intercontinental.com/

There are more five star hotels in Berlin. But these would not be my choice.

DAX

If you're not looking for a 5 star, I would recommend the Melia hotel where marginal margiela stayed in the Mitte(East Berlin). It has a great access to Prenzlauerberg, Friedrichstrasse and Museum island. The club level room and lounge are very much worth the upgrade. The hotel is across the street from a major train stationn(Friedrichstrasse station. The riverfront hotel location has a contrasting feel to the ultra modern Potsdamerplatz which is sort of between east and west Berlin.

On the West Berlin side along Kurfurstendam I've stayed at the Swissotel which is OK, but I was given a tour of the rooms of the hotel across the street which is even better (& a bit cheaper) than Swissotel. It is a newer hotel and part of the french Concorde hotel chain. The hotel website doesn't do justice to the actual hotel quality and rooms: http://berlin.concorde-hotels.com/en/