Ballhaus Berlin Hostel

The room was bright and large. I stayed in a 4F dorm, and the location was convenient, with Edeka, DM market, the U-Bahn, buses, and restaurants nearby. There’s also a tram connection to and from Berlin Hbf. Check-in is self-service and reception is rarely open. The kitchen only has a microwave, so cooking options are limited. Bring € 1.00 for the room locker, though you can collect it at checkout.

If you're heading to Berlin to party and don't need much sleep, this place is cheap and pretty central, with stores around. I chose ballhaus berlin because it looked cosy, but there’s a bar nightclub on the first floor and I couldn't sleep. I liked the self-service setup, though the place felt dead, more like somewhere to leave your bags than a hostel where people meet. Nearby food isn't that cheap, but it isn't the worst either. If you're after a hostel atmosphere and a good rest, this probably isn't the place.

The toilets were clean, though they didn't smell very pleasant. I booked a bed in a 10-person dorm but was put in a 6-person room instead, which was good. The room itself was fine.

The hostel was clean, and I got along well with my roommates, so my stay was decent. I was disappointed there weren't events or common areas that made it easy to meet other travelers. They also have a strict no-room-switching rule, even when you and your friend both agree to move together. That felt inflexible.