Derag Livinghotel Grosser Kurfuerst

For my first trip to Berlin, travelling alone, I got no useful information at check-in, not even where the nearest bus or train station was. Markishes museum station was closed throughout my stay, and the hotel gave no guidance about alternatives. Getting around Berlin was a pain: the ticket system was awkward, bus times weren’t clear, traffic caused delays, and reaching transit could take so long that walking seemed just as quick. Most areas were walkable, but after days of walking I wanted a break. I asked for a quiet room and was told I’d have one, but I could constantly hear people in the rooms beside and above me. The room door was hard to open, the hair dryer only worked while I held its button down, and the lighting was poor, with just small lamps and spotlights. I liked the retro decor, but the so-called large double was two singles pushed together, the towels were tiny, and the pillows felt completely hollow. The staff interaction about cleaning was especially unpleasant. When I asked for my room to be cleaned, one person said it had been done the day before and that, as a guest staying five nights, I was only supposed to get weekly cleaning. Another staff member said that was a mistake and my rate included daily cleaning. Either way, having that rule for other guests is out of order, and I felt told off just for asking. They also wouldn’t top up the tea and coffee supplies, so I had to go to the desk and ask every day, only getting two of each each time. The sauna was tiny and felt like an oven. I lasted maybe a minute. The plunge pool looked like a jacuzzi, but the pain was intense when I put my legs in, and I nearly felt frostbitten. I spent the rest of the night trying to restore circulation by warming them under water. That felt extremely dangerous, and I’d shut those facilities down. A bottle of water at the bar cost €6, and breakfast was €24. No thanks. I also asked 11 days before my stay if they’d waive the cancellation fee because my friend had to cancel and I didn’t want to holiday alone. They refused. I could have stayed in a hostel, got the same sort of experience, and saved money. I probably would have been treated better.

A separate table and chairs in the room was handy, including as a place to work. The rooms we got were clean, comfortable, nice and fairly quiet, so we had a pretty good stay. One suggestion for management: make breakfast more affordable. We skipped it and spent half of the €25 per person price at a nearby bakery, where we ate well.

The location was great, the hotel was clean, and it had good facilities. Everyone on staff was friendly and helpful. I’d be glad to stay here again.

Khan deserves a special thank you. He was so kind and helpful during my stay, and his professionalism and warmth really stood out. Living Hotel Großer Kurfürst was clean, cozy, and welcoming, with comfortable, well-kept rooms and a convenient location for both relaxing and exploring the city. I had a wonderful time and will definitely come back.