Hotel AMANO East Side

We found the reception staff friendly, and it was very convenient to leave our luggage there until late. They let us check in early when we arrived and gave us a late check-out on departure day, which we appreciated. The room faced the street, but the soundproofing was good and noise didn't bother us. It looked like the online photos. The room was small, as we knew in advance, and suited a stay of two or three nights. The modern renovation was nicely done. The shower drained slowly, so we had to avoid using too much water at once or it would overflow. The air conditioner mostly blew cold air instead of warm. The room was fine for sleeping, but a bit chilly during the day. We skipped breakfast since it seemed pricey, so can't comment on it. Overall, good value for a short trip.

We enjoyed the gym, which had several options, and the whole hotel was exceptionally clean, with no dust, worn surfaces, or unpleasant smells. The rooms were clean too, though not as large as someone from the US might expect. What really stood out was breakfast. My wife and I spent about one to two hours in the dining room each morning of our three-day stay. It was a warm, comfortable way to start the day, with fresh food, great hot drink choices, and a huge range of combinations to put together. It opened early and stayed open late into the morning. The staff were especially friendly as well. We expect to return, since our son is planning to settle more permanently in Berlin, and the hotel is close to the train station.

The rooms are a good size and thoughtfully laid out, though there's no dedicated spot to work. You can turn the shelves into a work area. The hotel is a nice option for exploring Berlin. It's beside Ostbahnhof, Berlin's east station, about a 40-minute train ride from BER airport. There are food and shopping options by the station, and the city centre is only a short distance away. The lobby has a fun style and comfortable seating for both socializing and working. Reception also serves as a coffee shop and bar, and the restaurant at the far end serves an excellent breakfast from 6:30 am. There's a good-sized gym with a nice mix of machines and weights on the first floor.

The room itself was large, clean, and nicely furnished, but I couldn't sleep before midnight. My windows weren't soundproof, and the room faced a shabby party district across the street. I stayed Monday night into Tuesday and had to get up shortly after 3 a.m. The hotel is in a run-down area near Berlin East railway station. The building is older and used to house a budget hotel, and the cramped, slow, rickety elevators show it. Customer service was another problem. I paid at check-in but only got an interim invoice, which is no use to me. I emailed asking for an original invoice nearly four weeks ago and got no reply. Update: shortly after I posted this review on Google Maps, the hotel emailed me a copy of the interim invoice. I need an original one. The interim invoice is useless for tax purposes.