Berlin in January - it sounds cold just thinking about it. But I'm going back [was last there in June] because I think it's one of the hippest and coolest cities in Europe. Just curious on when the post-Xmas sales begin because I'm always looking for a deal on something nice. Also, any hotel recommendations? I've stayed at the Marriott, Hyatt and Swissotel.

Also, what do people recommend for day trips out of Berlin. I'm going to do one day in Dresden - but can probably swing a second. I went to Potsdam in June and enjoyed it immensely.

Dresden is a fabulous city to visit. But can be bitterly cold in January (like Berlin), though recent years have had mild winters for the most part. Berlin is well designed to cope with the cold (great bus/train system, lots of indoor activities) and is the best to visit in the winter (better than London or Paris IMHO). I like the former East parts better, and Park Inn by Alexanderplatz is a funky alternative to the standard chains. But Berlin is full of hotels, lots to choose from and some are bargains.

Be sure to see the newly-rebuilt Frauenkirche (cathedral) in Dresden.

I have an interesting experience from staying at the Swissotel in July. When booking it on line (E 100, rate, nonrefundable, exclusive of breakfast), a promo came up offering a US$10 food and beverage credit during one's stay. I had only one meal at the hotel, namely the breakfast. Upon checkout, they refused to honor the credit, stating that "breakfast was accounted for differently". I suggested that this was tantamount to fraud, as by any common meaning, food and beverage includes breakfast and the charge was listed as such on my bill, and there was no excluding fine print on the offer. The front desk clerk would not budge, and when I said I would have to take it up with management, she said that was my right.

Upon return home, I emailed the hotel and wrote a formal letter as well, requesting a credit of E 7,50 (the equivalent of US $10), and stating that I was unable to stay there again (have stayed there before) and unable to recommend the hotel to my colleagues. Within two weeks I had a nice response from the manager, stating that I was right and enclosing a voucher for 2 free nights, inclusive of breakfast, usable within a year. I plan to visit Berlin again in March to cash in my voucher.

This is another classic example of a promotion designed to benefit patrons turning into a matter that leaves patrons angry at the business when a reasonable expectation is dashed. Why do businesses do this...it would be better not offer the promotion at all!

That's an interesting anecdote. I found the hotel to be top notch during my stay. I will point out, however, that you have to stick to your guns when you're dealing with front line staff. Be polite, firm, never yell and always ask to take it up with management. I always try to disarm the person I'm speaking with - tell them I know 'you don't make the rules...but I'd like to talk to someone who can help me with this.'

The weather in January in Berlin can be lousy.

I found a review (sorry, only in German) about the Swisshotel.

Gesamteindruck: 59 %
100-81 sehr gut; 80-61 gut; 60-41 befriedigend; 40-21 mangelhaft; 20-0 ungenügend

... meaning not very good.

http://www.tophotel.de/aktuelles_heft/issue.shtml?ID=00000000000D0EBF

I have stayed in several hotels ... and like Hotel Moevenpick, near Potsdamer Platz, the most.

I visit to KaDeWe should be worthwhile

http://www.kadewe-berlin.de/index2_engl.php

Even if you decide to stay somewhere a little more mainstream, you should at least visit the website of this Art Hotel. Each of the rooms is a work of art - and some of them are very strange (want to sleep in a coffin, or a prison cell, or a room where the bed is suspended from the ceiling?) Or how about the upside-down room? http://www.propeller-island.de/rooms_neu/room_detail/23/index.php

There are other, less quirky but still interesting rooms. When you make a booking, you tell them which three rooms you're most interested in and they let you know what's available. Mr. Canuck and I stayed there in June 2004. It was a hoot.

The prices are quite reasonable, the simple breakfast is good and the hotel is conveniently located about 2 blocks from the Adenauer Platz metro stop.

I just stayed at Marriott at Potsdamer Platz, and it was ok. For shopping, I would think the Weston on Frederichstrasse would be a good location. KaDeWe is a ways away, but all the great shops along Fred. and Unter der Linden would be just outside your door.

I like the former East parts better, and Park Inn by Alexanderplatz is a funky alternative to the standard chains. But Berlin is full of hotels, lots to choose from and some are bargains.

Me too.

And I loved my stay at this Park Inn. The views are fantastic, so you can still enjoy the city even if the weather is too vile to actually go out in.

Even if you decide to stay somewhere a little more mainstream, you should at least visit the website of this Art Hotel. Each of the rooms is a work of art - and some of them are very strange (want to sleep in a coffin, or a prison cell, or a room where the bed is suspended from the ceiling?) Or how about the upside-down room? http://www.propeller-island.de/rooms_neu/room_detail/23/index.php

There are other, less quirky but still interesting rooms. When you make a booking, you tell them which three rooms you're most interested in and they let you know what's available. Mr. Canuck and I stayed there in June 2004. It was a hoot.

The prices are quite reasonable, the simple breakfast is good and the hotel is conveniently located about 2 blocks from the Adenauer Platz metro stop.


I stayed at the Art Hotel for five nights in Budapest and thought it was very nice. I had a large room and I think the winter rate was like $59 a night [via Priceline].

I'll admit, I looked at the Propeller Hotel - but at my advanced age of - 44 - find myself attracted to less adventurous [though stylish and relatively hip are good] hotels.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Me too.

And I loved my stay at this Park Inn. The views are fantastic, so you can still enjoy the city even if the weather is too vile to actually go out in.A word of warning about this Park Inn, the room design is a bit unconventional -- very nice and with good furnishings, but the room is small and there isn't a separate bathroom, rather the shower and toilet are part of the room in a rather clever and stylish way. But some may be put off by this.

The department stores next to the hotel have an excellent food and wine section (an alternative to room service).

My favorite is the Grand Hyatt Berlin. Great location, design, and you can earn points or burn a FFN Hyatt cert while you are there...

Starbucks around the corner for a hot chocolate or coffee for your walk to the Brandenburger (Tor) Gate.

In 2004, I stayed at the Westin Grand Berlin via Priceline. It's a beautiful hotel, with a gorgeous lobby, and a piano bar, and our room was nice enough but not the most comfortable one I've had. The location is extremely convenient.

In 2006, I got a cheap prepaid rate at the Mercure Hotel Berlin An Der Charité. Our room had a very modern, minimalistic design and was very comfortable. This has a good location too - closer to the hotspots of Oranienburger Tor than the Westin Grand, but the Westin Grand is a little closer to all the tourist sites. But it doesn't really matter, given how convenient Berlin transit is.

The Westin Grand also plays heavily in the 'Bourne Supremacy', if you´ve seen it.