tom911

I'm just heading into my second night here and have enjoyed my stay. I originally had two separate bookings based on availability under FFN, with one night being a king and the second night being a twin. Prior to check-in they had merged this into one single booking for two nights. I have a king room on the third floor looking towards the shopping center across the street. This is actually a perk as there are rooms that look into an interior courtyard that you can see from the Grand Lounge on the 7th floor.

The hotel is packed with players from the European Poker Championships. There are folks with cards out in the lobby, and the event schedule shows them in a lot of meeting rooms. Pity I don't have the $10,000 to buy in. There is a casino across the street but not sure where, exactly, they are playing. They don't seem to be impacting lounge access, though, as I've never seen more than 4-5 people in there, and for breakfast this morning I was the only person there once two other guests left.

I have over 300 photos just from Berlin so give me a few days and I'll get some up from here.

I did take a quick look at the exercise equipment up on the 8th floor with the intent to use one of the treadmills, but I've walked more miles than I want to think about and heading to the treadmill has dropped to the bottom of the list. I did not check out the pool. The treadmills faced towards a window looking out, though it was dark when I was there.

Afternoon snacks 3-5

I did visit the Grand Lounge for dessert on both afternoons. I had a chocolate cake one day, and a cheesecake the second day. There were three different choices each time. I had soft drinks both days.

Evening cocktail hour 6-8

I only went up for one night and they had a green salad along with three other dishes. One dish was fish, a second was small pieces of beef with vegetables, and a third dish was zucchini and some other vegetables. I guess you could say there was enough there to make a meal, but that was not my plan when visiting. I only sampled two dishes and had a beer.

Breakfast

Wide variety of fresh rolls and breads, as well different cheeses, meats and fruit. There was also salmon. I had muesli with yogurt this morning, and other cereal choices were available. Tea was served at my table by the host. Very happy with the selection (keeps me far away from scrambled eggs and sausage in those Hyatt buffets at other properties).

Internet

I'm using wi-fi but wired access is also available (see a jack for it). I was told that Diamonds can use either. The welcome screen for wi-fi says it is complimentary for 24 hours once I log in. I did not bring my netbook to the Grand Lounge and try it there.

Welcome Amenity

Seems I've got all the fruit others have been missing. I had a banana, 4 green apples, 1 red apple, an orange, and a bunch of grapes (with pits).

Television

My room has a Bang and Olufsen flat screen television, and a smaller television with separate volume control in the bathroom. I've tired of watching CNN, BBC and SkyNews and have been listening to classical music tonight (very good speakers).

Transit

I came in via S-Bahn from Berlin Hauptbhnhof very easily using a day ticket. I've used both the U-Bahn #2 line here and the S-Bahn.

Within eyesight: Tony Romas, McDonalds, casino, Starbucks, Blue Man Group, 2 story mall with a gelato shop, restaurant that has 100 beers

Within walking distance (15 mins): Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, Reichstag, Topography of Terror (includes a section of wall plus photo exhibit outdoors in terrain occupied by the SS and SD)