Which part of Berlin for us?

[Madmog]

I've seen some lovely photos, but a lot of the hotels I've checked out appear to be on very busy main roads or surrounded by lots of concrete looking buildings.

Ideally we'd want somewhere with good connections (or some main attractions within 30/45 mins walk), but looking for restaurants/a few shops within a short walk, and a bit of Berlin character around. Anywhere within walking distance to the river would be a bonus. I think Hackescher Martz would suit us better than Alexanderplatz, but if anyone has any other suggestions that would be great. Any hotel recommendations would be great as well.

Hello,

I stayed on an apartment via Airbnb and it was great. The apartments in Berlin, as you can imagine, as typically continental and in large squares with courtyards. Because they are high up and have inner court yards it feels contained and quiet.

The public transport in Berlin is really, really good, so nowhere is too far from anywhere, iyswim.

We have stayed in Friedrichshain, which we really liked, and by Güntzelstrasse U-bahn station the next time which was fine, but the area (what area was it even?) was nothing exciting. Fine though!

The Prenzlauer Allee/Schonhauser Allee area could work well for you - walking distance to areas with lots of nice smaller restaurants, bit more neighbourhoody, although as Janek says the public transport is very good so easy to travel about. Not sure about hotels in that area but some good Airbnbs.

We went in November and stayed in the Crowne Please City Centre. It was just off a main shopping street although no street noise in the room, breakfast was amazing and spa facilities. It was 5minute walk from the famous kadewe department store.

It was on the main bus route to Riechstag, Alexanderplatz etc and very accessible by train too.

We stayed in Hackescher Martz and it was absolutely perfect for us. Easy walking distance (5-10mins) to Alexanderplatz and the tower, and even easier to Museum Island (5 mins). Main line train station on your doorstep as well as tram stops. A reasonable walk to underground stations (Museum Island and Alexanderplatz) or you could take tram to Alexanderplatz to connect with underground. In a good shopping area and also lots of restaurants in the pedestrianised areas around the train station. We'd definitely go back to the same place if we returned.

Crowne Plaza*

Public transport is excellent so many places would be suitable.

Hackescher Markt is only a few minutes walk from Alexanderplatz.
There is a Motel One at Hackescher Markt, I’ve stayed there and it was good value and a great location.

We stayed in Charlottenburg and loved it there - close to Kurfustendam and the Zoo and good rail links.
We had lunch in Hackercher Markt and also really liked that area

We stayed in a Generator hostel quite far out (as it was the cheapest) in an area that seemed to be very built up and on an autostrad. It really didn't matter as there was a bus/U/S-bahn stop outside. The 3 day transport ticket was very good value and we travelled all over, only using the accommodation as a base. Personally I didn't find Berlin a very pretty city (although beautiful in its own way) so I wouldn't put too much emphasis on that. So many things to do, enjoy OP!

I'd recommend to stay near the Friedrichstraße U-Bahn. There's a Melia hotel and I think a Maritim hotel, near there, both of which are nice. You're right next to the river (one of the nicer parts - haha) and there are a few bars and restaurants nearby. Far enough away from Alexanderplatz, which I'd avoid by the way unless you're there during the daytime, but central enough to be able to walk to many of the attractions.

The Gendarmenmarkt area is nice, too, but quite expensive.

Some of the hotels may give you reduced travel on the U-Bahn. They always used to, but I haven't been for a while now.

Berlin is a sprawling mess (go to Hamburg next time - haha only joking, I'm biased!) so I'd be prepared to use public transport which, although the locals complain about it, is actually very good. It's a fantastic city - I'm sure you'll have a great time! :-)