Berlin Plaza Hotel

The Berlin Plaza Hotel am Kurfuerstendamm is a solidly average mid-range property that stands out mostly because of its excellent location right off the posh Ku'Damm shopping street. The lobby decor is dated with light wood paneling and cheap gold accents that feel a bit like an '80s waiting room. Still, it's clean and functional, and guests find the staff to be friendly. Decor-wise, dated furnishings work in the restaurant and bar -- it's a nice surprise, with cozy, Old-World German charm featuring brick floors and dark wood paneling. Still, this hotel's draw is primarily its price and location. With Single, Double, and Triple Rooms, the hotel attracts a variety of travelers on a budget, including small families or friend groups and guests traveling solo.

The hotel is located right off Kurfuerstendamm (Ku'Damm), a famous avenue in western Berlin where some of the best shopping and restaurants can be found. Popular eateries and a thriving bar scene keep the area lively at night. While major attractions aren't in the immediate area, it's a spot well-connected by public transport -- the U-Bahn at Uhlandstrasse is a 10-minute walk and the S-Bahn at Savignyplatz is a seven-minute walk. Via public transport, guests can get to Potsdamer Platz in about 25 minutes and Brandenburg Gate in a half hour. Access to Berlin Tegel Airport is pretty straightforward, about a half hour away via public transit. Berlin Schönefeld Airport will take about an hour to get to via public transit, or 25 minutes by car. Limited parking is available on-site for an extra fee.

Rooms are small and modest with somewhat dated decor: gray wall-to-wall carpeting, powder blue walls, light wood laminate furniture, and gold and red accents. There's some wear-and-tear -- carpets may be stained, for example -- but on the whole, guests say rooms are clean. White and beige tiled bathrooms are compact with shower stalls, toilets, and sinks. Amenities include small desks, flat-screen TVs, wardrobes, safes, and a selection of magazines. Bathrooms have magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and soap dispensers. There's no air-conditioning, mini-fridges, or coffee/tea service. Single, Double, and Triple Rooms are available.

This hotel has fairly standard amenities for a mid-range city hotel. The property's restaurant and bar offer a certain historic German charm -- and German food -- along with outdoor sidewalk seating great for people watching. Breakfast is served in a separate breakfast room and includes a standard mix of hot and cold items (eggs, cold meats, and more), however it's not included in rates. The hotel offers bike rentals and has its own parking, but spaces are limited and parking is charged extra. Pets are allowed for an extra fee, and petsitting or babysitting can be arranged. The hotel has a business center with a computer and office printer, and Wi-Fi is free. One notable missing feature for a three-pearl property -- there's no fitness center. The front desk is open 24 hours, and guests find staff helpful.