I am travelling to Berlin in September. Please could you advise on hotels. I have a room held at the Steigenberger but could also stay at the Westin Grand. Has anyone stayed at these or does anyone know another good Berlin hotel. Thank You!

Westin Grand

We stayed at the Dorint am Gendarmenmarkt this summer, and it was fantastic. I was tipped off to it by a writeup on it in Travel & Leisure early this year. It's in Mitte and very conveniently located. We got our reservations through www.hrs.de, and paid about $150 a night, while the rack rate was about $250. Not sure what type of hotel you like, but it's about a year old, very sleek and stylish. Even has a meditation room with color therapy, whatever that it!

<BR>has anybody heard about hotel bogota? some guide books highly recommended it but some said the hotel is a bit too old.

Hotel Adlon is THE place to stay, but very expensive and hard to get a room there. Weekend prices are sometimes better value. The hotel has such a long and varied history which adds to its charm.

Thanks for that Marty. I don't mind spending money on good hotels.I have the Steigenberger for 220DM special promotion rate which is very reasonable. I always think Hyatt hotels look wonderful but they are always so expensive and rarely seem to do special leisure deals. I will look at the Dorint web site. Meditation room...hmmm sounds interesting though I would prefer a gym.

Angela, <BR>Fortunately, they have a fitness center as well! My husband went every day (while I slept, I admit).

We just spent five nights in Berlin at Hecker's Hotel, and it is possibly my favorite hotel so far of this 5month trip; It is located right off the K'dam, a couple of blocks from Zoo station. It is a very nice, modern, primarily businessman's hotel of about 50 rooms. Our room was beautiful and we had one of the largest and nicest marble baths I've ever seen -- with two sinks, tub, and separate large glass enclosed shower. They include a wonderful, "gourmet" breakfast. We can't wait to return as we loved the personal attention so much more than what we are used to at the big chain hotels. They have a web site -- try a search.

PATRICK--where are your trip reports? have I missed some? Last I read you were in Turkey, or maybe it was Greece. Do fill us in, please.

We stayed at the Steigenberger about two years ago and we enjoyed it. OK it is not the Adlon, but it is very comfortable and is centrally situated. The staff were charming and we enjoyed our stay of three days before doing a cruise of the Elbe.

Thanks for all the useful information. <BR>Reading back is funny as in one of my replies to Marty I mentioned I would like a gym. I rarely go to the gym at home, so I don't know what makes me think I will suddenly become a regular on a three day break...heres hoping though.