I'e stayed at STERN 3 times because it is in a great location and is about the same price as the other low end rooms I've rented in the same neighborhood, but didn't gross me out or have creepy people bothering me ever.
It's foreigner friendly (even though all the staff may not speak English), has good rates and reservations, and is in a party friendly location.
It's walking distance to St Pauli, the Fish Market (headbangers ballroom), and close by has a grocery store, subway, and plenty of bars and restaurants.
The shared bathrooms are normally pretty clean, but when it's hot people leave the windows open and neighbors can probably see in. Haha!
The rooms are small and include a sink (or full bath if you pay extra) and thin mattressed bed or two. Decent level of security. No smoking inside. No frills.
It's a good place to crash. Nothing more, nothing less. I would recommend it over any of the side street pensions or slightly cheaper hotels in the neighborhood in a heartbeat!
