Hotel Indigo Berlin - East Side Gallery by IHG

The location worked especially well for the Uber Arena, just two minutes away, while I was in Berlin for a few days off with friends staying near Alexanderplatz. As a Diamond IHG member, I weigh where to use my points, and I was happy with this choice. Room 601 seemed clean, though I spotted cobwebs hanging from the wall. I also found a cheeky note under the bed, which made me smile. Over my three nights I met six or seven staff members, and they were friendly. The rooftop bar was a nice touch. Cocktails were good, but the menu was limited, and service ran a little slow during the concert rush. Breakfast downstairs was good too, especially the machine coffee. I would've liked a few extras in the room, such as a vanity kit or shower cap. I'd forgotten my adapter, and the hotel didn't have one to lend me. The nearby East Side Mall wasn't much help since it was Sunday and I couldn't find a place close by to buy one. I'd stay again on another Berlin visit and would recommend giving it a try.

Breakfast had plenty to choose from and tasted great, whether you wanted fruit, pastries or something hot. The hotel feels welcoming and stylish, with quiet, comfortable rooms and thoughtful design. I liked having lots of USB ports, power outlets and different lighting choices to make the room cozy. The decor is modern, and the service was friendly, professional and ready to help.

I felt uncomfortable and worried about my health after being served spoiled cucumber at breakfast. I'd eaten some before I realized it was bad. That should never happen, and it left me with serious doubts about the hotel's food hygiene and safety. When I raised it, the response wasn't satisfactory. I got no meaningful apology or compensation, and it didn't seem as though the issue was taken seriously. I felt disappointed and concerned. I wouldn't recommend staying here. If the hotel can't ensure basic food hygiene, I can't trust the rest of its service either. Update: I read the hotel's official response, and need to clarify that it doesn't match what happened. Reception's only proposed solution was to keep calling an ambulance. They didn't offer anything else at the time. Staff didn't offer a breakfast refund either. I asked for one myself after telling the receptionist clearly that I disagreed with how the situation and that morning's events had been handled. After eating the hotel's food, I had to expect health problems, including diarrhea. That's unacceptable and points to unprofessional, unhygienic food handling and quality control. No manager was available, the issue wasn't dealt with immediately, and there was no genuine effort to resolve it properly. It's even more disappointing that the hotel's public reply gives a different account of what took place. This was a very unprofessional experience, and I can't rate it positively. I'll keep pursuing the matter.

The area is handy for reaching places, with S-Bahn, U-Bahn and buses nearby. It's also just across the street from a remaining piece of the Berlin Wall by the River Spree. There are lots of restaurants around, though they seem geared toward tourists and didn't feel as good as the many restaurants, cafes and other choices elsewhere in Berlin. The neighborhood can get loud with tourists. The hotel itself is lovely, with nice, modern, clean rooms that are well kept and not cramped. There's the usual range of hotel amenities and a fairly comfortable lobby, all in Hotel Indigo's familiar stylish look. I like the Hotel Indigo chain and it's my favorite. I'd already stayed at the other Berlin location, and tried this one to compare them and decide which I'd prefer for future trips. I'm an older, quiet solo traveler, so I prefer the other Hotel Indigo. But this location could suit tourists visiting Berlin for the first time, people coming to party, or anyone going to a concert or event at Uber Platz, Uber Arena or UberEats Hall. There's a lot going for it.