The old saying you get what you pay for applies here. The place is spotless and functional. Do not believe that it is centrally located or at least convenient to anything. Even the underground is a good walking distance, at least ten minutes. There is absolutely nothing to speak of within reasonable walking distance, possibly a few restaurants could be found during more than an hour walk and a small shopping strip. Tried it to find an internet cafe recommended by the hotel staff, 40 minutes of walking came up with a den of characters, got my pocket picked besides an attempt to charge me double. So would not recommend it. Unfortunately when asked, the staff said the lobby computer was "impossible" to use, no second thoughts about that. Watch what you sign upon reaching there tired from a long trip and you are asked to sign your credit card receipt, small print by signing you are authorizing them to convert your funds to theirs plus a three and a half percent charge. My debit card company charges nothing for the conversion so I gave them a gift with that mistake. The rooms are basic, don't ask for sheets or blankets again: "impossible", although previously I was told "no problem" ,if you press the issue "you did not pay for it". Basic room clean, bed with mattress and comforter, small sink only in the shared bathroom units. The floor bathrooms cover about 6 or 8 rooms but are spotless and maintained as is the rest of the place, very clean, large and in my case never had to wait for usage, showers great. The only English speaking TV channel reception was weird kept cutting off, on for a few seconds off for a few seconds. When I brought this to the attention to a staff member, wanted to send a technician while I was out of the room (?) When I complained that he could just switch tv with an empty room. First he was too busy then I find him at my door with a tv to swap. A bit later I find that it made absolutely no difference, next morning mentioned to another member of the staff, he said right off it is a problem with the system in the entire hotel, unknown to the first guy? A little strange. I am glad I signed up for only two breakfasts for my seven day stay. A better choice is to have coffee and pastry at the train station or a small shop at the entrance to the U Bahn, full breakfast elsewhere. This hotel seems to be a conglomerate with lots of similar huge cut rate hotels. Summary I will be guided by if I book there again: be alert, don't expect convenience, expect a clean and comfortable accommodation, bring a book to read, go elsewhere for internet computer use and breakfast.
- Winters Hotel Berlin
