Holiday Inn Berlin Centre Alexanderplatz

Resembling an office building or apartment high-rise, this Holiday Inn has a 10-story glass and steel exterior. Inside, the decor is decidedly contemporary and surprisingly trendy for the chain, with a steel-framed front desk and adjacent lobby bar bathed in green neon lights from the wall behind them, which also includes images of the radio tower and other local landmarks. Several upholstered couches and chairs of various gray, blue, and black patterns are accented by throw pillows and paired with glass coffee tables. Stainless steel stools also line the lobby bar and stainless steel counters. Modern, disco ball-like chandeliers; dark gray carpeting; and small round mirrors mounted on black walls add to the sleek look. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light. The breakfast dining area is casual, simple, and chic with dark wood and red upholstered chairs, light brown tables, and whimsical ceiling lamps that resemble wire hot air balloons. But the restaurant is a bit more formal with cream tablecloths, wood flooring, and rich brown chairs and wall coverings. 

The Holiday Inn is located in the Alexanderplatz square, a bustling city transportation hub that was once part of East Berlin. All of the city’s major public transportation trains, trams, and buses can be accessed via the S-Bahn and U-Bahn links at the Alexanderplatz Station, which is an eight-minute walk away. Train service to both the Berlin Schönefeld Airport and ICC Berlin conference center takes approximately 30 minutes. Public transportation to most of Berlin’s popular attractions like Museum Island and the Brandenburg Gate is less than 30 minutes. Both attractions also are a 25-minute walk. The landmark Fernsehturm radio tower and its revolving restaurant is an easy 10-minute walk, and many other restaurants, cafes, and shops surround the hotel. Bicycle rentals are onsite directly outside the hotel’s front entrance, and parking is in an underground garage adjacent to the hotel. 

The hotel's Comfort Standard, One Bed Executive, and Twin Deluxe rooms are small by any measure with the beds dominating the space. Off-white walls are accented by light wood floors, and the tufted, cream-colored headboards are framed by built-in nightstands with attached lights. The room's most striking feature is an accent wall covered in a two-tone print of a forest landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows that open provide plenty of light and views of the square or interior courtyard. Flat-screen TVs and work desks come standard, as does coffeemakers and free Wi-Fi, though some guests complain the Wi-Fi can be spotty. One unusual perk: The landline phone offers free calls to the U.S., China and 17 European countries. Minibars are only in the two-room suite which features the same general decor but has a private outdoor terrace overlooking the city. Bathrooms are equally modest in size for all room categories, with dark chocolate brown and cream tile floors and walls encircling the shower/tub combo. Stainless steel fixtures and a clear glass shower door blend nicely with the decor. A frosted glass door separates the bath and bed areas. 

A full breakfast buffet, not included in the room rate, is served in the ViLo dining room and lunch and dinner are offered at the La Maison de L´Entrecôte, where steak and international specialties are featured. All-day room service is also available, and the small lobby bar serves a full menu of drinks. Meeting space is provided for up to 80 people in three separate rooms. Parking is adjacent to the hotel in an underground garage, and bicycles can be rented on-site. The fitness center is open 24 hours and features a full range of stationary bikes, treadmills, weights, and weight machines. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the hotel, as are free newspapers and area guides. Concierge services and a 24-hour business center with computer station help guests sort out their travel plans.