Citadines Berlin Kurfürstendamm

Berlin in the Fall

This was our second trip to Berlin in 18 months and our experience at the Citadines was much better than the hotel we used last time. It is in a good location, a few minutes walk from the Ku’damm and on decent bus routes. Despite being so centrally located and on quite a busy road the rooms were surprisingly quiet. The facilities were as described in other reviews posted. The sofa bed is 2 singles but both very comfortable. Kitchen was fitted with sufficient to cook a simple meal-microwave and 2 hotplates +kettle and toaster-plus a small dishwasher. Only 2 of everything-would have liked more glasses and cups. Tea towels provided too but no washing up liquid and only 1 dishwasher tablet. Only very minor irritations. We like the freedom to do our own thing and love shopping for food so this type of accommodation suits us perfectly and saves us money. Wish there were similar in more cities.The supermarket opposite is open early til late (not Sunday). The bakery is open Sunday am, so there is no need to buy breakfast at the hotel. However, if you don’t want to cater for yourself the Expedia price when we went was a lot less than the price listed at the hotel so you could save by booking in advance. There are loads of places to eat in the area to suit most pockets. The airport bus to Tegel (every 10 minutes or so) stops on the Ku’Damm just a few minutes walk away and takes about 30 minutes. Would definitely stay here again if/when we go back to Berlin.

Get a pass for public transport so you can hop on and off at will. Public transport is brilliant and the buses and trams allow you to see the city too. The 100 bus route is highly recommended as it takes in many of the sites.The Berlin Welcome card offers extra discounts to some museums-not the state owned ones- and other activities but if you don’t want these (we only used one this time so it wasn’t cost effective) the day card may be a better option. The advantage of the Welcome card is you have 48 or 72 hours from when you validate it while the day card is for day of issue only. Not much in it. The ABC tariff gets you to Pottsdamm and Sachsenhausen; otherwise the AB is fine. The 3 day Museum card gives you free access to all state museums, some on the list are free anyway! You would need to do at least 4 to make a saving but it gives you a bit more freedom. There is a one-day discounted rate for the museums on Museuminsel if you can cope with so much culture in one day. The Museum of Modern Art (Neue National Gallerie) near Pottsdamer Platz had special exhibitions only when we were there in Oct 09; the permanent collection of modern art was disappointingly not on display so we felt rather shortchanged by our museum card.

Third time there & we’ll be back

We used to live in Berlin and originally chose this hotel because of its location, just off the Ku’Damm with direct access to several good bus routes and within walking distance of the U-Bahn. This was our third stay in this hotel and it confirmed that we can expect excellent, friendly and helpful service, well-appointed rooms with adequate kitchen facilities and lots of room. Don’t be put off by the fold-out sofa bed. It is incredibly easy to open out and put away, and means the room can be used as a living room during the day and converted into a bedroom in a couple of minutes at night. The ethernet internet connection is fast and reliable, and there is wifi access in the lobby. You are given a direct dial phone number for your room so people can phone you without going through the receptionist. A breakfast buffet is available downstairs at very reasonable rates for a capital city. If you need groceries, there’s a small supermarket, a baker, and a fruit and vegetable shop right across the road, as well as several restaurants and cafés within 100m of the hotel. The Italian bistro downstairs in the hotel building provides good value, tasty Italian meals all day and into the evening. Sounds ideal? We think it is!

Traveller's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Ideally, arrange a several-day ticket (various options) for public transport (run by the BVG) before you fly, and pick it up at Schönefeld airport on arrival. This gives you access to 24/7 bus, tube (U-Bahn), suburban railway (S-Bahn), tram (in East Berlin), and ferry services Kladow-Wannsee) during your stay.

Excellent service

Very good hotel. clean and comfortable. the price is very attractive.And the service is beyond any other service i got in other hotel i visit before. The only think you should consider before taking it, is that it’s little far from train and the main tourists buses (100 & 2000). you should take bus( 3 stops) to get buses 100 & 200. Otherwise it’s great hotel.

good restaurants and cafes near buy , no breakfast needed.