Upstalsboom Hotel Friedrichshain, Berlin

Advantages: friendly people, great nightlife, great history/attractions, great transport system
Disadvantages: some may find Kreuzberg intimidating, Kottbusser crime rate is a deterrent

...This review of Berlin is based on my experience whilst on tour with my band. It focuses on the people in Berlin as well as the city. It is a general overview of my experience, not a restaurant or hotel review. BERLIN FOR PUNKS & BANDS My band have played in Berlin twice now and both times been received with open arms by old friends and strangers. We travelled to Berlin first of all in May 06 originally not knowing anyone or expecting anything. We knew we'd be meeting a friend of a contact from myspace but that was it. The venue 'Wild At Heart' in Kreuzberg it turned out was great with good music, good PA and sound staff and punters. The management there provided us weary touring few with free beer and a decent backstage area and a free meal, with a vegan option if requested. It is here we met our myspace friend's friend. His... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Very stylish, good staff, fantastic breakfast
Disadvantages: Street noice if you are in the front of the hotel, distance from town

...This is fantastic hotel. I staid here with my wife for 5 days and we just loved it. The service staff is very friendly and helpful. The rooms are super stylish and the breakfast is very good. The breakfast room is located at the top floor of the hotel, so you have a panoramic view over Berlin. You can plan your daytrip while having breakfast. It's located at the Ku'Damm which is one of the nicer and bigger streets in Berlin. The bus stops in the nearness of the hotel, but you need to walk a bit. If you travel with suitcases, you should take a taxi. IMHO, this is a hotel where you can be sure that you have a really really good stay. And Berlin is just THE town to be...... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Cheap, plenty to do and see, shopping!
Disadvantages: Not enough to make a long trip

...Berlin isn't one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, or even in Germany, and at first glance it's easy to see why. Much of the city, particularly the East, resembles a building site, and it doesn't have the attractiveness of many other German cities (Munich and Heidelberg spring to mind). That said, there's a lot for Berlin to be proud of. It has some superb museums and galleries (those around the old Wall are particularly moving), an excellent Zoo and well tended parkland away from the traffic. I personally recommend a trip out to the Olympic Stadium (take the U-Bahn), which is incredibly impressive. Accomodation varies from bargain student hotels to five star and although Germany is hardly renowned for it's food, the many restaurants will cater for all tastes (if all else fails, hit the McDonalds). Nightlife... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful