This was my second stay and if your travelling with freinds and want to stay in a great area of the city this is a good option. It's really clean, of course it's basic, it's a hostel, however has a good bar, good staff, very close to a train station with great links so thoroughly recommend this hostel.

We spent just one night in the A&O in Friedrichshain in Berlin. The room and the attached bathroom were clean, beds were comfortable. Furniture and interior were basic but in a good condition. The room was quiet spacious. Reception staff was helpful. Although the hostel was fully booked there was only little noise at night. The location in Friedrichshain is nice if you want to spend some time in the lively and hip quarter of Berlin. Also famous Kreuzberg is not far away. You will find easy access to public transport that takes you everywhere (about 30 minutes to Alexanderplatz).

I stayed in room 102 for two nights (Friday-Sunday). The room was simple and the mattress was quite thin. The bathroom was nice but small (I could bearly fit my hands in the sink.) I only payed $120 for two nights, so I didn't expect much more. But the doors in the corridor was far from quiet. I wasn't disturbed by people, but every time the doors were opened, they closed with a bang. I guess the building wasn't built as a hotel.

Unless you're a light sleeper, I would recommend this hotel/hostel. It's a 5-6 minute walk from the S-bahn (Ostkreuz), and the trains go all the time. There are several bars and restaurants in the area.

stayed here with 4 friends on a long weekend in february, its in the middle of what looks like a ghetto with graffitti everywhere but surprisingly the area is very friendly and safe. the hostel itself is like a 70s school and shabby but what do you expect for 15 pound a night lol. the room was tiny with 4 steel bunkbeds and tiny bathroom. we didnt care though we enjoyed east berlin we went to some good places i couldnt tell you names but they looked like dives but were friendly and cheap. we checked out yaam nightclub which is really funny also the matrix which is huge special mention to the palm beach bar in the main street mo the head barman is knowledgable and has good contacts with clubs etc so check that place out. would i visit berlin again though? in a word no