We stayed at Ibis Budget in Berlin (Potsdamer Platz) and in Dresden and we'll stay with them again.

We passed on breakfast because there are too many less expensive options readily available. Rooms were very new and clean, small by US standards, TV (we never turned it on) and no phone, checkin staff were great, particularly in Berlin - absolutely above and beyond, and there were two free internet terminals in the lobby in Berlin (didn't even look in Dresden).

We booked well in advance. We ruled out hostels because our only options were 10-bed mixed dorms or private rooms that were within a couple euros of Ibis in price.

YMMV. We don't ask much of a room and Ibis Budget met all our requirements in these two cities. The $ we saved went on entertainment (we do not skimp on entertainment!) and meals.