ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin

I’d happily return to ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin. It’s right in the middle of Berlin, near cafés, restaurants, and public transport, with several main sights within walking distance, so it worked well as a base for exploring. My room was quiet, clean, and comfortable, with a nice view of the street. The bed was cozy, everything worked, and the bathroom was spotless and well equipped. The hotel has a distinctive, modern and elegant look. Staff were kind, professional, and helpful throughout. Check-in and checkout were quick and easy, and reception greeted me warmly and shared useful local tips. One thing to know: parking is available, but the spaces are parallel parking only. That wasn’t clearly stated on Booking, though it wasn’t a major issue for me. It’s a beautiful, comfortable place with a stylish feel and a great location. I’d recommend it.

Breakfast was excellent, with lots of choices, including vegan cold cuts. The rooms were very clean and the beds insanely comfortable, though the walls were a bit thin. The shower was separated from the bed by a curtain, which wasn’t ideal. The big drawback was that the rooms had no windows or proper ventilation for fresh air. You can walk to plenty of attractions, shopping streets, and restaurants from this excellent location. Staff weren’t always friendly. When we called to ask about parking before arrival, they said they’d deliberately ignored our calls because they’d had a very busy day. It turns out there’s a garage system, but spaces are limited.

There’s no minibar or fridge in the room, the Wi-Fi was poor and sometimes didn’t work, and there were no facilities like a gym or restaurant. I don’t know how this place got four stars, it doesn’t feel like a four-star hotel at all. The room I got barely seemed cleaned. Dust balls stayed on the floor for days, and I couldn’t tell if the duvet and pillow covers had been changed, even when visibly dirty. My request for a room with a bathtub was ignored. Breakfast was the same continental spread every day. It runs until 10:30, but when food ran out, it wasn’t replenished. Often the only side dish option, such as sausages or meatballs, was gone before 9 a.m. If you don’t want to get up early, be ready for scrambled eggs every day. The coffee machine could run out of milk too, and that wasn’t refilled either.

The staff were really friendly and helpful, and our room was very comfortable and spotlessly clean. My husband and I spent three nights here. The breakfast buffet had a great selection, and everything we tried was delicious and healthy. I’d definitely recommend this hotel if you’re planning a Berlin trip.