GAT POINT CHARLIE

I stayed here for 3 nights early in September. On check-in everything seemed rather strange and some reviews say "quirky". Well, indeed, it is a different experience with many references to cats such as the imitation cat flap on the door to my room, the cat's eyes curtains and the cat "statue" outside reception. Then, there are the plethora of framed photos taken in countries in South America that looked like they were trying to make a theme in the bar area and breakfast room. I did ask what they were all about but received only a vague response. Anyway, the hotel room was very comfortable but there was limited hanging space and no drawers. A good clean shower, no bath. There was an electronic safe that worked well. Free WIFI Internet reception was easy to connect to but it lasted just 24 hours before having to repeat the log-in process. A large fan was provided in the room and by opening the window I was able to stay relatively cool. There is no air-conditioning. The room was clean and looked recently refurbished. The breakfast room was extremely busy at peak time in the morning and the seating was on benches that were very cramped which meant that you had to sit almost touching other guests. I found this uncomfortable and chose to eat much later on the following two mornings. The staff were excellent e.g. spending much time explaining to me how to avoid high cost and long journey times using taxis by using the train network. The location of the hotel is within a few minutes' walk from Checkpoint Charlie and Kochstrasse underground station (on U6). Currently there is a significant amount of construction going on at the back of the hotel. If this is a concern then request a room at the front. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel has a separate restaurant to the side of the building. This is "Asian", offering primarily Indonesian food I believe.

The entrance to the hotel is unpretentious being up a ramp at the side of the hotel. We stayed from 31 Aug - 6 Sep on a room only basis. We had a junior suite on the top floor - these have slanted ceilings and veluxe windows which are opened/closed by a remote control. Currently there is a lot of building work at the back of the hotel and there is considerable noise when the windows are open. The room was clean, well serviced and well equipped with a safe, large screen TV in sitting area and bedroom, and tea/coffee making facilities. Complimentary water and juices were provided in the fridge. The space for hanging clothes and storing underwear was limited (see travellers' photos). The shower cubicle was relatively small. We would thoroughly recommend getting a Berliner Card (unlimited travel on public transport and discounts at many tourist attractions). We purchased the card on-line and picked it up along with the tourist guide at the information desk on arrival at the airport. Get a travel card which includes Zone C (as well as Zones A and B) for use from/to the airport to the city centre. It will also permit travel to tourist destinations such as Potsdam. You only validate the card once (at railway station) - you will void the card it you validate it more than once. Travel from the airport to the hotel by public transport is relatively straightforward but would suggest some homework beforehand.

I stayed here for 3 nights in August the hotel itself is located on a quiet street just off from a main road where check point Charlie is located. I booked a superior room so we had a bit more space as we were there more than one night. I would say the room size is the only thing that made it feel superior. It was 30c during our stay in Berlin and there isn't any air conditioning in the room, the window open didn't help the stifling heat in the room at night. We did get a fan from reception but it was still quite warm so it did mean we had a restless sleep. The bed is really comfy so I have no doubt on a cooler night you would have a fabulous sleep. The hotel is really close to some underground stations, unfortunately at the moment they are closed as they are doing some work on the line. We took a taxi to and from the airport to the hotel and it cost €40.

Spent four nights in this quirky hotel for our first visit to Berlin. The room on first look was basic but when you looked closer it contained lots of cleverly hidden details, such as hooks and shelves, lighting and even the plug sockets! Lovely shower in the bathroom. Well situated for the local sites, especially Check Point Charlie. All the staff were friendly and helpful and I would have no problem in recommending this hotel to anyone.

The location of the hotel is great, in East Berlin right next to Checkpoint Charlie and just off Friedrichstraße . Clean and comfortable rooms with WIFI. Friendly staff. In the winter the rooms would be nice and warm but in an unusually hot August we could have done with a breeze! Really enjoyed our stay here. The attached Restaurant Avan is well worth a visit excellent food very reasonable in price.