Visiting Berlin for the first time in 24 years I was fascinated to see how it had changed. Last time I was here the Berlin Wall had only come down 11 months before and a great deal of reconstruction was underway.
This young capital city is also one of Europe’s most affordable and so it has a bountiful supply of options for value for money stays.
Returning to the city for a travel show I was looking to stay somewhere central, not too expensive and with good transportation links when I found the Meininger Hotel, at Berlin’s central train station, Hauptbahnhof.
The Meininger Hotel isn’t a luxury hotel, more a luxury hostel, or poshtel, with private en-suite rooms.
It is perfectly positioned for exploring Berlin. From Hauptbahnhof station there are overground and underground trains all over the city and beyond. And with a large taxi rank outside there is a third option to get around Berlin.
The Meininger Hotel Berlin has 296 rooms over eight floors. It has a relaxed atmosphere with a good mix of age groups staying, helped no doubt by the hotel bar being open 24 hours a day, next to its 24 hour reception. There is also a roof top terrace with great views of Berlin.
I stayed in a double en suite room, which while fairly small was comfortable, clean and quiet, with a flat screen TV. The hotel staff were engaging, friendly and unfailingly helpful. It is always nice when the staff remember your name and many of them did.
Thankfully, the Meininger also fully understands the needs of the modern traveller and has free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel. Some of the bigger, more expensive hotel brands need to learn that charging for Wi-Fi is outdated.
A continental breakfast was available each morning and while it was nothing spectacular it did charge the batteries for the day ahead.
For a short break to Berlin the Meininger Hotel will tick many boxes. It’s affordable, comfortable and friendly, and its location right next to the train station provides ready and easy access to see Berlin on a budget. Double en-suite rooms at the Meininger Hotel are from €47 a night.
More ways to see Berlin on a budget
- Get a Berlin WelcomeCard – not only do you get public transport all over the city in the price, but it gives you discounts at attractions and eateries around the city.
- Berlin offers plenty of value for money restaurants as well as an excellent mix of ethnic eats. Our favourite was Cô Cô Bánh Mì, serving the best in Vietnamese food from Banh Mi to Pho.
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