MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof

A cheap place to stay near the station, which suited us well for a night between longer trips. Check-in was quick and easy. The room fan didn’t help with the heat, even with the window shut. Opening it helped a little, but the station noise and sirens meant we had to close it again to sleep.

The location near Bahnof is hard to beat, but the bar was a letdown. I came back from five hours of walking at 10:20, expecting to get a quick drink before the stated 11 o’clock closing time. The barman had already cleaned up and wouldn’t serve me, even though he was still sitting at the bar at 11. There was an alcohol machine, but staff didn’t know how to authorize it for someone over 18. Thank goodness for the kebab shop just to the left as you leave. The barman’s service was poor. If the posted hours say the bar is open, it should be working during those hours, especially in a capital city right by the main Bahnof. At check-in they put me on the seventh floor, though I’d asked for a lower floor because of a health condition. After some fuss, they managed to move me to the third, which was fine. I was disappointed.

The rooms were clean, though quite small, and the location was great. Staff helped us add an extra night at a preferred online rate without making us jump through hoops. The breakfast area gets a bit crowded. If you want a non-standard option like coffee and a muffin, there usually isn’t much choice and you have to ask at the front desk.

Being close to the Hauptbahnhof made getting around and reaching all sorts of services easy, and central Berlin and interesting sights were within walking distance. The staff were friendly, courteous, and helpful. I liked being able to request cleaning when it suited me instead of having it happen on a schedule. I value my privacy and don’t want strangers around my things, so I try to keep the room tidy and leave it as I found it. The bedding might have a different opinion about that, though 😆. Other hotels I’ve stayed in seemed to do the same thing, maybe it’s a new European custom, or maybe I’m wrong. Meininger Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof was a great stay, and I’d definitely come back. Love it 👍