We stayed there for three nights and left yesterday morning. I would prefer to give 4.5 stars, but it's closer to 5 stars than to 4.
Our room was large, and indeed it was set up like a studio apartment (which was a waste for us, since we didn't eat any meals in our room). Also, one of the fun aspects of being on vacation is to eat out. The room was spotless and Housekeeping did a thorough job each day. A really nice aspect is that the rooms are soundproofed, and indeed we didn't hear *any* sounds whatsoever. The hotel is only 3 1/2 years old and the construction is terrific. Also, there's a lovely and large patio area off the lobby.
The front desk staff was very efficient - and with one exception, they were all very pleasant. However, we had a problem with the check-in clerk; she told us she'd tried to put a "hold" on an extra 15 euros (??) after putting through the entire three nights' charge and she said our credit card company was rejecting the 15-euro "hold". When we looked at our account online that night, there was no indication about the extra charge and therefore she caused us unnecessary consternation - and she was very officious, which also wasn't too pleasing.
We ate breakfast at the hotel each day (not included in the price). The deal is that it costs 19 euros/person (definitely pricey, although we only ate one other meal each day) - but if you tell the front desk staff a day in advance, they give you a voucher and the cost is only 15 euros (presumably the advance notice helps them plan on how many people will be eating breakfast). It's a buffet and the selection was very good (not nearly as extensive as American mega-buffets, but quite satisfying and delicious). Also, a server brings you coffee (or tea) and you can order an omelet. Although our server spoke more English than I speak German, she left out the vegetables and cheese on the first day - so I ended up telling her in German on subsequent days.
The biggest negative was the internet situation, in that the hotel charges an obscene amount of money for service in the rooms (whereas it's free in the lobby). Out of principle - and also because the hotel was already very costly with the exchange rate - we sat in the lobby each night (as did more than a few other guests). There were always several of those guests who were incredibly loud (for example, one of them was watching a very loud video [!] one night and another one was having a very loud cell phone conversation). On top of that, the front desk staff (two workers at-a-time) continually talked to each other quite loudly - and in the bar (which is also the breakfast room), they continually played some music with a persistent throbbing beat. How was I supposed to write Yelp reviews and do e-mail under those circumstances?! All kidding aside, it was really unpleasant sitting in the lobby - but we weren't about to pay so much money for internet access.
We *love* that neighborhood (and when I think about how bleak it was back in the East Berlin days compared to now; well, it's been a rather phenomenal transformation), plus the fact that it's less than a block from an S-Bahn station. Except for the internet situation, I really recommend the hotel. read more