IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof

InterCityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof occupies a modern, eight-story building with a natural stone facade. This central station outpost of the regional chain opened in late 2013, marketing itself as a business hotel with interiors to match: sleek and modern, if somewhat sterile. A red runner leads guests over a gray-tiled floor to a long, illuminated reception desk, while nearby lounge areas pair low upholstered chairs with simple cafe tables and over-size hanging lampshades. There are some neat details: a curved, mosaic-tiled divider wall in the lounge cups sofa-like bench seating, and bright red bear statues appear at both the front door and near the bar. But the overall feel is that of a clean, comfortable chain property built for function -- and that it delivers. Travelers vary from weekday corporate guests to weekend tourists on city trips, drawn here primarily because of the hotel's proximity to the city's main train station.

The immediate surroundings of hotel aren't particularly picturesque, but easy access to Berlin's Central Station, just a two-minute walk from the hotel, is a major draw. The station is a hub for local and regional transport, and it has conveniences of a shopping mall, with quick-stop restaurants and cafes, and a smattering of shops. For a more local feel, guests will probably want to get on the train, as most major attractions are within a 20-minute ride. The edge of the Tiergarten is right across the river, reachable on foot in five minutes. Reichstag Building and Brandenburg Gate is a bit of a hike, taking about 20 minutes. 

• Four minutes to Potsdamer Platz by public transit  
• Five minutes to Brandenburg Gate by public transit (20-minute walk)
• Five minutes to the Reichstag Building by public transit (13-minute walk)
• Nine minutes to Alexanderplatz by public transit
• 12 minutes to Berlin Wall Memorial by public transit
• 20 minutes to Museum Island by public transit  
• 20 minutes to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum by public transit
• 20 minutes to Berlin Tegel Airport by public transit
• 22 minutes to Kurfuerstendamm shopping street by public transit
• 27 minutes to Potsdam via public transit

Roomy and impeccably clean, guest rooms here provide a high standard of comfort. The wood laminate furnishings and monotonous brown color palette speak to the hotel's status as a conventional chain property, though burnt-orange upholstered chairs and accent lighting from contemporary floor lamps add a touch of style. 

Standard amenities include AC, desks, flat-screen TVs, lightly stocked minibars, and wardrobes with electronic safes. Business Plus Rooms are slightly bigger and provide the added perk of having coffee- and tea-making facilities, which standard rooms lack, but little else extra in the way of amenities. The beige- or white-tiled bathrooms are modern with up-to-date features, like square sinks and towel warmers, though shower stalls tend to be small. They all contain magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and soap dispensers in lieu of individual toiletries. In-room Wi-Fi is ostensibly free, but many guests complain it's slow, with a faster connection offered for an extra fee. Guests also occasionally note flat pillows. Accessible and smoking rooms are available.

For a such a large property, extra features here are somewhat limited, with only an in-house restaurant and bar, but no wellness facilities. Situated off the lobby, the open bar area has lots of chic seating areas, including cafe tables with upholstered armchairs, situated in an area deemed the "Bistro Lounge." The bar and lounge are open until late, offering up everything from alcoholic beverages to coffee and desserts. The sleek, wood-floored restaurant serves up regional and other German dishes for lunch and dinner, and has a sealed-off smokers' lounge. A daily breakfast buffet is served here. It's not quite the "lavish" affair described on the hotel's website, but there's a standard spread of hot and cold dishes: eggs, bacon, bread, fruit, cereal, cold cuts. Breakfast costs an extra fee, which some guests find pricey. No room service is offered.

Ten conference rooms can be rented out for meetings and events for up to 220 people. Standard Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but some guests find it painfully slow, with extra fees for faster connections. The front desk is open 24 hours and staff offer concierge services, laundry service, and luggage storage. Another draw: hotel guests receive FreeCityTickets, for free travel all around Berlin (and out to Potsdam) during the length of stay. Parking is offered on-site, but costs an extra nightly fee. Pets are allowed for an extra fee.