Pension Potsdam

I’m already living in Potsdam and booked this for just one night because the rate was so low. After reading the other reviews, I knew roughly what to expect, and nothing really surprised me. The biggest plus is the price. Booking online cost me nearly half what the closest alternative was charging. For visitors, the location is handy too: the city is flat apart from a few little hills, and the main sights and transport links are about a 5-7 minute walk away. There’s no private parking or garage, and there isn’t even a Pension sign outside, but free spots are usually available on the nearby streets, which is unusual for Potsdam. My room was large, with high ceilings, and the street was extremely quiet. That quiet cuts both ways, though. The walls and doors don’t block much sound, so I could hear the person next door snoring. The furniture, carpet, and wardrobe were old. That might fit the age of the building and give it a rustic feel, but there was dust, cobwebs, and spiders. As someone used to Potsdam, I’m accustomed to seeing spiders, but the carpets and corners still needed more cleaning. If you have a dust allergy or cleanliness is a big priority, think carefully. My toilet had a window that wouldn’t open. There’s very little service. A woman welcomed me at check-in, and I found her polite and friendly, though I can see how someone unfamiliar with the East German manner might read her as unfriendly. My German friends and colleagues have explained those differences to me. Don’t expect hotel-style attention: you may not see anyone, and it doesn’t seem like anyone keeps track of who comes and goes. Since there’s no sign, you need the exact address, then look at the building’s doorbell panel for the Pension name and an arrival phone number. For a very good price, it works if you want a big room for a night or two, like the location, and don’t expect high standards for cleaning or hotel amenities. If those things matter more, there are places starting at three digits per night.