Brightly colored budget property with affordable rates
Quiet, residential neighborhood close to major U-Bahn lines
Full range of rooms with hostel-style dorms to apartments
Rooms include flat-screen TVs, some have balconies
Reasonably priced breakfast available
Large outdoor eating area with covered terrace
Free parking and bike rentals available
Free Wi-Fi
No nightlife to speak of in the immediate area
Poor Wi-Fi reception
Color-blocked decor can feel dated
Somewhere between a budget hotel and a hostel, the 46-room City Gallery Berlin Hotel is a cheery property tucked into the residential Schoenberg neighborhood. Guest rooms range from shared dorms to Family Rooms and apartments with kitchenettes. Features are few, but there is a small bar and seating area beside a lovely covered terrace and outdoor space where breakfast is served (for an additional fee). The immediate area lacks for nightlife, but it's just a one- to two-minute walk to major U-Bahn lines. On the whole, the property is a good value, but its color-block style can feel dated, and Wi-Fi can be slow and spotty. The nearby aletto Hotel Kudamm is similarly priced with many of the same features, but its rooms are less stylized.
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Scene
Brightly decorated in the style of Mondrian, with a large outdoor terrace that lends natural beauty
From the exterior color blocking to the interior reproductions on the walls and even the furnishings, the style of artist Piet Mondrian is evoked throughout this property -- though not always with the best result. The large lobby area has a small bar with seating, plush, colorful couches and modern Adirondack chair interpretations, and blends into the dining area. Just off this is the terrace, which is partly covered in glass to resemble a greenhouse. The seating consists of plain pedestal tables and faux leather upholstered chairs, surrounded on three sides by a natural arbor of trees, while the patio beyond has metal tables and chairs under a large umbrella where guests are free to smoke. The primary-color scheme breaks with color blocking standards in many areas -- particularly near the elevator and in the stairwell -- and it clashes with the brick-red carpeting, floor tiles, and parquet flooring treatments. Like the neighborhood itself, the hotel is fairly quiet -- this isn't a party atmosphere. Couples, families and solo travelers will feel safe in this residential area, though it's lacking when it comes to nightlife and the property is in need of an update.
Location
Well-situated in the heart of West Berlin with easy train access
City Gallery is located in the residential Schöneberg neighborhood. What it lacks in action, it makes up for in natural beauty and access. The tree-lined streets nearby have plenty of restaurants and some shopping, but most sights require a train -- or bike -- ride. Luckily, the hotel is less than a block away from two U-Bahn stations, so it's possible to get to most places in the city in about a half hour. The train can make it to the Jewish Museum in 26 minutes, or the Berlin Wall Memorial in 33 minutes. It's just 27 minutes by train to the Brandenburg Gate, one of the best-known landmarks of neoclassical style in Germany, or 32 minutes to Museum Island, a complex of five Berlin State Museums. For guests in search of the nightlife, it's a 38-minute train ride to Berghain Panorama Bar, one of the world’s coolest and most exclusive techno clubs. By car, it's only 15 minutes from the airport to the hotel.
Rooms
Basic rooms -- from dorms to apartments -- with colorful decor but sparse on amenities
Among its 46 rooms spread out over five floors, City Gallery's accommodations run the gamut from hostel-type dorms to apartments with kitchenettes. The shared rooms are typical of a hostel: Beds are rented individually, personal hygiene items can be purchased, and basic kitchen facilities may be rented for a fee. Furnishings here are limited to bunk beds and lockable cupboards, the latter in bold primary colors give the room a bit of pizzazz. Private rooms bring additional square footage and mismatched desks and chairs, lamps and wall sconces, as well as angular furniture that feels borrowed from the '80s. Walls sport more color-block accents, in an attempt to unify the rooms. These rooms have flat-screen TVs with cable, and some have balconies attached. Irons and ironing boards are available from the front desk, but not electric kettles. The bathrooms are mostly white tile; the majority have wall-mounted sinks that leave little to no counter space. Bathrooms in private rooms include hairdryers and soap. Most have wand showerheads and many have tub/shower combinations. Guests have reported that the toilets don't empty fully when flushed. Family Rooms are available, which include bunk beds next to two double beds, and apartment units have small kitchenettes.
Features
Gorgeous outdoor terrace, hearty breakfast to prep for exploring the city, but little else
The City Gallery Berlin Hotel offers a great start to a day of exploring the city. The breakfast is a good value for the price -- with a wide variety of meats, cheeses, eggs, freshly-baked rolls, cereal, fruits, and desserts. It may be eaten outside or in, but there is no restaurant or bar on-site. Still, this is typical of budget properties throughout Berlin. There are vending machines, as well as a small lobby bar that's open throughout the day. Drinks may be had on the nearby couches or taken to the terrace, which offers a smoking area outside its covered glass enclosure. The front desk can arrange to have laundry cleaned or rent bikes. Pets are allowed on request and for an additional fee. The hotel can store luggage, and offers fax and photocopying services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but can be slow.
