Inn-Berlin

The shared kitchen was handy for cooking, though two burners for about 12 rooms isn't much. I stayed for around two weeks in this old, dated hostel near Soldiner Kiez in Mitte, a residential area that doesn't feel touristy. Most guests seemed to be Berliners looking for somewhere temporary to live. The room was dusty and cleanliness was only so-so. Most staff speak German only, so communication could be difficult if you don't. For the price, I thought it was good value.

The kitchen and dining area are adequate, but this place feels like an old student hostel converted into a dorm, with little more than painted walls. The rooms are connected, with no attached bathrooms, proper ventilation, or decent lockers, and the floors were unclean. Poor airflow is a serious problem in summer. It's also a 20-30 minute public transport ride from the main city. Quite pricey for what you get in Berlin, and there's a lot to improve.

The beds were in better shape than in most hostels I've tried, and the management was friendly and went out of their way for guests. You get what you pay for, though: it's a hostel, not a hotel. I've stayed in several budget hostels and this one really isn't bad. I was worried after seeing the outside, but the room was very clean. I did wake up with several unidentified bites on my legs. I didn't see bed bugs, so I suspect a small spider might have caused them.

The kitchen was generally clean and well equipped, with a microwave, two hobs, free spices, and more. We also got towels for free and locks for the lockers, though there were only eight locks for the whole hostel. The location is okay, and public transport makes it easy to get around Berlin. Staff were friendly and helpful if you spoke German, but they didn't speak English. We were put in a room with an older man who went out to smoke at 3:30 and 5:30 in the morning, waking us both times. The hostel needs stricter quiet hours.