Ibis Budget Berlin City Potsdamer Platz

The kids, aged 4 and 9, loved the bunk bed and the Disney on the TV. Breakfast didn't have much choice, but everything was fresh and tasty. If you have dietary needs, though, options may be difficult: I had to ask for non-dairy milk, and on day two they struggled to find any. The room was basic, clean and quiet, but so tight that we had to live out of our suitcases. The shower opens straight into the room and the sink is in the room too, while the toilet is separate. The central area is close to public transport, though there aren't restaurants or cafes nearby for dinner.

A bug on the bed made for a bad first night. A woman tried to help and said it apparently wasn't a bed bug, so we shouldn't worry, but they didn't offer anything further. They assured us that the bedding and rooms are cleaned regularly. Since then, the whole experience has left a bad taste. Check-in was poorly organized. They knew a group of 31 people was arriving, but only one person was left at reception. We asked if someone could check us in while the group worked through the list, and he just looked at us without replying. There wasn't even an apology for the delay. I love Berlin, and this was my third visit. I wanted to try somewhere new, especially with the hotel near Check Point Charlie, but day one has been terrible. I won't stay here again. If I could afford it, I'd ask for a refund and move somewhere else.

The good breakfast and location suited me well. It's 100 m from an S-Bahn station, south of the old city center, and the low price meant I could stay in Berlin an extra day. I enjoyed my stay. As the Dutch saying goes, "Goede wijn behoeft geen krans." The hotel gives you what a traveler needs, and the basics are good quality. Don't expect a wardrobe, just hooks, or a coffee maker or welcome candy on the pillow. With a rolling suitcase, more storage isn't necessary.

The compact breakfast was nice, and the price was reasonable, although Europe seems to have become expensive in recent years. The room had a TV and hair dryer but no refrigerator or other conveniences. The small shower was just adequate. It suits a traveler with minimal belongings, for 1~2 people. The parking garage needs improvement. Its entrance and exit are narrow, and there's little room to turn. Even the newest VW Passat I rented, and other standard European vehicles, had trouble getting out. Luckily, I only had to brake suddenly once.