Eurostars Berlin Hotel

The Eurostars Berlin opened in 2011, its restrained elegance attracting business travelers and tourists who appreciate understated elegance at a somewhat cheaper price than the competition. It has a glass and masonry facade and a dramatic lobby with a soaring ceiling and Pop Art paintings of Marilyn Monroe and Mona Lisa, as well as big, dimpled silver sculptures. There are clusters of contemporary chairs and sofas with the latest newspapers and snacks like chips and fruit on a side table near the sleek, white marble reception desk. Guests tend to gather in The Corner, the hotel's vibrant lounge that's known for its "classic and eccentric" menu of cocktails. Oxblood club chairs and small round tables fill the space, which has a bar with white mesh stools and dramatic uplighting on its glass and stainless steel bottle display shelves. Live music from the lobby's grand piano adds to the upscale ambiance. 

Eurostars Berlin Hotel is located on the bustling Friedrichstrasse, amid expensive real estate and shops in central Berlin. Well serviced by public transportation, the hotel is across from the Berlin Friedrichstraße railway station and right by a subway station, as well as bus and tram stops. It is three blocks east of Wilhelmstrasse and the old government quarter. Guests can walk to the Pergamon Museum in nine minutes, or, in 10 minutes, be at the Deutsches Historisches Museum. Other top attractions that are within walking distance include the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building, both a 14-minute walk away. Museum Island and Checkpoint Charlie are a bit farther, but both can be reached in 18 minutes on foot. The hip neighborhood of Kreuzberg is a 10-minute drive or 20 minutes by public transit. Nightlife lovers can reach one of Berlin's most famous clubs, Berghain in 16 minutes by car or public transit. Berlin Schonefeld Airport is about 30 to 40 minutes by car or public transportation.

Rooms at the Eurostars Berlin are tailored and elegant, with geometric headboards, subdued fabrics on drapes and throws, and clean, contemporary wood, leather, and fabric furnishings. The rooms are high-ceilinged with understated black-and-white photographs and floors with variegated, glossy wood. Big windows afford views of the city. All rooms have LED flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, safes, air conditioners, and irons and ironing boards. There is a sliding door to the dressing room and good-sized closets. The spacious bathrooms feel luxurious, with oversized square beige tiles and shower/tub combos with glass partitions, while larger rooms have separate tubs and showers. Most have jetted or rainfall showerheads. Toiletries are Ibiza brand and plush terrycloth robes are provided. Note that some past guests have complained of noise from the lobby, bar, gym, or nearby train station.

The Eurostars' most popular feature is its seventh-floor pool. An elegant rectangle of aqua is set under atrium skylights, opposite long windows offering views of the city. There are black loungers, robes, and towels, and an adjacent sauna. Guests can order drinks here, but they report that the wait can be long. The hotel has a fitness center with a variety of cardio and strength training equipment; some guests complain that it's too small and not open 24-hours.The Corner, the hotel's cocktail lounge, is a popular spot that serves an extensive menu of drinks. There's a street-level room where a vast breakfast buffet is served daily (for a pricey fee), while the elegant restaurant serves a Mediterranean-influenced menu.The hotel caters to business travelers with eight meeting rooms that have extensive audio-visual equipment and concierge services. There are also computers, faxes, and copy machines. The lobby features a grand piano, so music is heard throughout the day, and there are free newspapers and snacks. The hotel provides laundry and dry cleaning services and airport transfers for a fee. Luggage storage and Wi-Fi are free, as are overnight shoeshines. The front desk is staffed 24-hours. Parking in the area is challenging; the hotel charges for the privilege. Pets are not allowed.