Let us get the negatives out of the way: although the hotel is next to the S-Bahn transit station, there is not much within a 2-minute walking distance. It is in a "boring" city block but at least that makes it a quiet city block. There is no "wow factor" to the room layout, aside from a decent amount of clothes storage space. There are very few power outlets in the room and they are in weird places (e.g. behind the TV and next to the door). More places (hooks/racks) to hang up towels in the bathroom would be nice too.
For positives, the staff are very friendly but also professional. Unlike another Novotel, staff are dressed in uniform so you knoe who's working there.
While other hotels charge you to store luggage, they give you complimentary beverages at the bar!!! Lobby is grand and inviting, with clean restrooms while you wait for check-in. Again, it's across the street from the Tiergarten S-Bahn station so it is only 10-15 minutes ride from Olympic Stadium in the west or from Mitte (downtown) in the east. There are also sandwiches, snacks and alcoholic beverages in vending machines found on certain floors, for those who have cravings in the middle of the night.
So, the lobby is nice 5-stars but more investment at the room level would make this a 5-star hotel.