The Mandala Berlin, a Member of Design Hotel

The Michelin-starred restaurant dinner was sublime, and my eight-year-old daughter was delighted to find an Easter egg basket waiting while we were at breakfast. Every staff member handled our requests with a happy face. Nothing felt like a problem, and if something was within their power, they sorted it. The room was fabulous too. This is a first-class hotel, with a team so happy in their jobs that it points to good management. Some of the best hotels in London sadly don’t manage that same deep-seated team happiness.

The breakfasts were exquisite, and I appreciated that the coffee machines weren’t noisy. Still, the croissants are boring, like in every hotel, and I’d hoped they might change. There’s a lot to like, but at this price the rooms and saunas should be much better, and the rooms really need renovation. The furniture is damaged and heavily worn, not classic or rustic, and the bathroom looks like leaks have been patched with white silicone, especially around the bathtub. The saunas are a problem because of the guests: it’s very loud and impossible to relax. The pool’s cold water was dirty, and someone should remind people that it may be a quiet zone. During our short second stay the rooms were clean, but we were short of candy and apples. There wasn’t much occupancy, so it was quiet, though a door being shut made a slamming noise. The staff are nice, especially in the breakfast restaurant, but reception seems to do its own thing. They forget what a conversation was about, and there are generally a lot of misunderstandings, even though they’re always pleasant. Reading reviews of three stars and below, I get the impression the hotel doesn’t like criticism. Interestingly, those reviews mention the same room numbers. Overall, yes, but thank you.

Our suite had plenty of space and was well equipped, with amenities, a kitchen area, and a large walk-in closet. The staff were friendly and very helpful with all our questions and needs. In Potsdamer Pltz, the hotel was conveniently located for getting to most parts of central Berlin.

The spa is great, and I’m grateful for the service during my current stay. Azra Cetin, the manager, has been especially helpful, answering my questions quickly and handling everything with patience, professionalism, and genuine care. She’s made my stay much more comfortable. I’d highly recommend this hotel.