Grand Hostel Berlin Classic

I booked my bed weeks ahead, but arrived late and couldn’t notify them because I was on a plane. After spending some time in the city that night, I got an email saying my booking had been canceled. I called and explained what happened, but was told the hostel was now full and I wouldn’t get my money back. They suggested I book a bed at the same Hostel at a different location, but I’d have to pay again. Maybe it would have been a good hostel otherwise.

The location was great, near the train station and bus stops, and the staff were lovely, especially Marija. I stayed with a friend in a mixed room for five, alongside three other guys. The bed was comfortable, basic but good enough for what we paid. Great place and experience, we’ll definitely be back.

Two school groups, around 100 kids aged 13-14, were shouting and screaming without regard for other guests. Their teachers did nothing, and reception basically told us “tough.” There’s no guest kitchen, kettle or fridge. The one locked away in the luggage room doesn’t keep food cold. This could be a good hostel, but the owners seem more interested in money than giving guests a good stay. Stay far away.

The beds were actually comfortable, and despite stains on the bedding it seemed clean enough. I stayed in a mixed 8-bed room, so remember to bring two smaller locks for the smaller and bigger storageroom. The outlets by the beds and keycards for both the floor and room made me feel quite safe, but do lock up your stuff. I prepaid for breakfast and had no hidden fees at checkout, which was good. There were clear signs of black mold in every bathroom. The rooms swung between too hot and too cold, though maybe that’s what you get in an old building. The windows were peeling and covered in black spots, let in all the road and railway noise, and even when closed, the cold came through. I preferred the communal baths over the one connected to my room since they seemed better aired. They seemed fine, though you have to keep pressing the wall button. The staff weren’t especially friendly, though they were helpful. I noticed they engaged more with the person who spoke Spanish before me. The cocktails weren’t great either. I knew the bar was low, but a Whiskey Sour shouldn’t be that strong. It should have layers of sweetness, sourness and smoothness from the egg white, which you get by dry shaking it without ice first.