Review rated by 65 Ciao members on average: very helpful
Just came back from our long weekend (2nd May Bank Holiday, 26May-28May) with 4 other friends. We went to Berlin with Easyjet; it was about £120 per person (a little pricey due to peak period) and the flight time is a little inconvenience because it departed at 6.30am, and check-in time is from 4.30am so we took the last train from London Bridge to Luton airport (about 1hour). We got there by 1.30am and slept on the benches for few hours. There are three airports in Berlin, which are Schoenefled, Tegel and Tempelhof. We went to Berlin Schoenefled with Easyjet and this is the furthest airport from town centre and to the hotel (Grand Hotel Esplanade), it took us about 1 hour. The closest airport is Berlin Tempelhof it would be about 20 minutes from town and 30minutes from Berlin Tegel Airport to town.
Grand Hotel Esplanade is a 5* hotel offers a luxurious stay and with its own specially-designed luxury boat. It has got
7 floors. It is located between the verdant Tiergarten and the scenic canal. Facing the Tiergarten Park (one of the largest city parks in the world). This is a newly-renovated luxury hotel sits in the heart of downtown. It’s a short walk from the hotel to the landmarks such as the Siegessaule (Victory Column) and Brandenburg Gate. It was an enjoyable walk through the park. The hotel is about 10 minutes from the central train station. It is perfect central base for exploring the many facets of Berlin.
When we arrived at the hotel (26thMay), we realised that it was the DFB Pokal final match for Stuggart and Nuremberg. The Stuggart team stayed at our hotel for the night. Although they lost the game against Nuremberg but they still had the celebration drink/party at the hotel. We saw some of the footballers and WAGS around the hotel lobby and the breakfast restaurant.
~~~ Price ~~~
We’ve booked 1 double and 1 triple room from the internet website www.gtahotels.com. It was about £80 per person for 2nights including buffet breakfast (City Comfort room). The buffet breakfast (at Elements restaurant) was great with different kinds of pate, ham, cheese, fruit juices (orange, guava, multivitamin juice, pear and apple), Actimel, scramble egg, fried egg (made to order), cereals, fresh fruits (strawberry, watermelon, orange, peach, nectarine, and apple), sausage, bacon, potato, smoke salmon, bread.
~~~ Types of Rooms ~~~
There are 4 types of rooms to suit your desires (total of 347 rooms and 39 suites):
City Comfort – 300 square feet (29 square meters) of space with chic décor and splendid views if the sprawling city.
River Side View – 300 square feet (29 square meters) of space with a personal feel and stunning view of the river.
Junior Suites – 600 square feet (58 square meters) of space, some include roof terrace, modern Corbusier furniture and a spacious bathroom.
Executive Suites – 700 square feet (65 square meters) of space, some with sauna, whirlpool, a separate cosmetic desk and work desk.
~~~ Room Amenities ~~~
One double (king size or queen size) or twin bed, flat screen television ( Samsung LCD 28”) and pay television channels, internet-LAN connections, telephone, oversize windows, mini bar, hair-dryer, bath towels, facial towel, power shower (bath tub), air-con, in-room safe. There’s no kettle in the room, but there’s a bottle of complementary mineral still water (1litre).
~~~ Property Amenities ~~~
Swimming pool (a little small, can fit 10 people in sort of triangular shape), and the sauna (at the moment is under construction), beauty salon, hair stylist, gym. The hotel has 7 conference rooms for up to 450 people, 5 business offices for up to 30 people.
~~~ Dining ~~~
Ellipse-Lounge: The perfect place to unwind before and after your exciting day!! There’s a very cosy sofa with modern fireplace. Harry’s New-York Bar: a lively setting, but a little smoky inside. Elements: where you get to enjoy the buffet breakfast. Eck-Kneipe (Corner pub in English): Cosy Berlin pub with merry atmosphere.
~~~ Address ~~~
Address: Lutzowufer 15 Berlin-Tiergarten 10785 Location: City Centre Area: Tiergarten Website: www.esplanadeberlin.com
There’s a bus stop M29 will take you to central Berlin (about 5 minutes walk from the hotel). It’ll take about 10-15 minutes. We bought a 3 days travel-pass at the airport it’s about EUR20 (£14), you can travel on bus (air-con), tube and tram.
~~~ Verdict ~~~
We really enjoyed our stay, although the air-con system for the whole hotel wasn’t working at all during our stay. But they did provided fans to us. The bed is really huge, clean and the sheet/bedding smelled really fresh. I really like the bathroom (clean); it’s got a very modern stylish look with the powerful shower (please refer to photos)! Staffs are really friendly and they can speak fluent English and Germen. Great 10/10, 5* hotel price! I would definitely recommend this hotel to you!!
A super review with lots of helpful info and is well written. I loved the photos as well. This review certainly rang my bell so its an E from me. Martin. x
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02.04.2009 21:35
A really great review, better than the brochure itself. I am looking to go to Berlin and this hotel looks perfect. Thanks for the recommendation!
22.05.2008 11:15
A super review with lots of helpful info and is well written. I loved the photos as well. This review certainly rang my bell so its an E from me. Martin. x
29.04.2008 08:31
Excellent well detailed review