Holiday Inn Berlin City West by IHG

For a 4-star hotel, I expected more attention to detail. The shower gel ran out and wasn’t replaced, and no one mentioned at check-in that lockers were available at the pool, so I had to return to reception for a key after I’d already gone down. The pool itself looked clean and well maintained, but there were no staff there. Parking underground was plentiful at €20 per 24 hours. We’d booked two singles but were given a double bed when we arrived. With all our luggage, going back downstairs to fix it was inconvenient, though reception sorted it quickly.

Breakfast was very good, and the hotel itself seemed perfectly OK despite showing its age. My stay went badly because several problems piled up. The room was really cold when I arrived, around 15°C by my estimate, and the radiator was switched off. The toilet tank kept leaking and running all night. I reported it in the morning and was told someone would check. They did come in, as I could see from the damp towels left on the floor, but it still wasn't fixed, so I heard the water for two more nights. My key card also stopped working twice. Annoying.

A decent place for a business trip, just beyond the main city centre and well located. I think a couple of items were left off my booking, which took away from the stay a bit. Breakfast was good, though it gets so busy that it could use more space, or perhaps guests could book a time.

The breakfast was average at best. Plates were cold, and although you could request a warm egg, there was no staff member around to take the order. The coffee machine had a good selection, but the coffee was undrinkable. We had trouble opening our room door at check-in. For a hotel this size, there was only one person at reception, and they seemed unsure how to program the key. The toilet was clean but old, the basin was clogged, and the mattress sagged and needs replacing. This room came through our Europe tour. We plan to ask the tour company to avoid this hotel.