Hotel Pension KIMA

The location is excellent, with public transport making it easy to get around. The place is well kept, and they basically cleaned our small room every day. Breakfast was nothing special, but it was nice to have it available. We had no hairdryer in the room, though staff kindly brought one when we asked. The wardrobe could use more shelves or hangers. We could hear everything from the other rooms, and presumably they could hear us too. Noise from the lobby outside was especially bothersome. We also had to let the water run for about ten minutes before it got warm enough to shower, though they did tell us about that issue. Even with those problems, we had a positive stay and are willing to overlook them for the great price. We might book again on next year’s visit if nothing better comes up.

The daily price includes breakfast, with cold cuts, bread, milk, juice, and jam. The place is simple but very well maintained, and staff were helpful and friendly. It’s close to the subway, which goes straight to Berlin’s main sights, and the value for money was good. A pleasant surprise. I’d recommend it to budget travelers looking for a good place to stay.

The location is the main thing this hotel has going for it. It’s really good, and may be why it still gets clients, even though earlier reviews suggest the owners don’t care about improving the conditions. Honestly, if you’re staying more than one day, try somewhere else. The hotel occupies the second and fourth floors of an old, impractical building that isn’t very well maintained. You’ll probably need the scary elevator, which sometimes doesn’t work and is very uncomfortable with big luggage, or you can take the creaky stairs. The common-area windows are nice, at least. Rooms are plain, mattresses just okay, and beds aren’t made every day. The old bathroom has no amenities, and the shower water takes ages to heat up. Breakfast is limited, and the dining area is cramped enough that you’ll probably have to bother other guests to get to your table. Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting. Reception isn’t open around the clock. We saw two receptionists, one seemed annoyed we were there and the other was snarky.

We were out in the city all day, so this very simple place suited us well for several nights. It was warm, clean, and comfortable, if a little austere, and the price and location worked for us. The breakfast was substantial and good. The corridors could use a refurbishment, but the pension is close to major transport routes and posh shops with eye-wateringly high prices.