Hilton Berlin

"I am rather upset to be posting this. review. I was visiting Germany with my family for Speing Break and really did want to enjoy my time at Hilton Berlin. It is a gorgeous building with beautiful views, but my experience has been simply terrible. To begin, I'll start woth the room. The room upon first glance is rather nice, spacious, comfortable. The glaring problems though are the lack of a phone, which was reported to staff but not attended to (a point I'll return to), the windows don't properly latch so both windows into the room will open upon a strong gust of wind, which truly sucks when it's raining, and the fact the restroom doesn't properly lock. Given the rather steep price for a stay, I was hoping to feel valued or welcome. For the most part, I did not. With the exception of the remarkable concierge service that has remarkably friendly men working it, the rest of the staff has been difficult. At first, I thought my parents were overreacting. Sure, both the room service and front desk, who we had to walk down to tell that we needed bedding for the pullout, failed to bring said bedding three seperate times, maybe it was just a hectic day. I really do try to give the benefit of the doubt to service workers, especially in hospitality, it is a hard, demanding gig that is not respected properly so I try not to be someone who complains or makes their lives difficult. But it's hard not to be upset when it is very clear the room keeping staff have been parsing through your belongings. Not they moved them to properly clean and forgot to return the items, instead, they have opened your suitcase and moved items around your room. Nothing was taken, but it was clear that they were moved and my bag was wide open upon my arrival back to the room. Another time, after being gone for the day, we returned to the room not being serviced at all, which I get! It happens, especially at large chain hotels where there are many guests. The second time that happened though was a bit more annoying. Finally I'd like to talk about the Health Club, please bare in mind that all of what I've already written was prior to me going to the club, and that I have not even finished my stay at the Hilton Berlin. I was excited to relax at the Health Club and blow off some steam, I was, understandably (I hope), frustrated with how my stay had been so I decided to go to the club. A quick note, I am by trade, a lifeguard and swim instructor. I LOVE to swim! So, I was so, so ready to wade about and relax. It was nice to begin with, I was in the pool and swimming, something I always make time for when I am travelling. Maybe 10 or so minutes in, two attendants came in and informed me that I had to leave the area. Why? Because I was wearing a shirt. I was confused, I've stayed at Hilton hotels and I have traveled to other European countries with no issue. I have body dismorphia and have always felt better and more comfortable in a shirt. Even when I guard, instruct, or train, I am wearing a shirt. I was very taken back, I truly didn't know what to say. Like I said, I do not like to make a scene, so, I just left. I wish now I had voiced my frustrations, maybe that's my anger talking, but I'd like to know what they'd say. I'm sure if I'd ask, it would be some vague answer about safety. Try again. I've taught hundreds of students, ages 4-18, how to swim. If anyone was uncomfortable not wearing a shirt, I CERTAINLY do not force then to remove it, or make them leave. Heck, due to my facility's policy (a policy I, admittedly do not agree with), if a female swimmer is wearing a two-piece we MAKE her wear a T-Shirt. Unfortunately, I know why they asked me to leave, I am not skinny, maybe I'm not super large, but I did grow up big, and me wearing a shirt had stuck since childhood. They asked me to leave because I wore that shirt and because I was a bigger person wearing it. Because if they allowed shirts in the Health Spa, everyone that they deem undesirable l, i.e. fat or big, would suddenly be more comfortable showing up to the spa. Well, I must say Hilton Berlin, you succeeded in making feel so terrible, so out of place, and so unwelcome that I couldn't stand it, and left. I can excuse genuinely anything else that happened, chock it up to forgetfulness, I truly try to be forgiving. But this is something I feel necessary to call out. So, if you are looking for a hotel where you are valued, where problems are addressed within minutes, or heck, even your entire stay, look elsewhere. The Hilton Berlin is not for you."

"Overall, I had a fine stay at this Hilton. I especially want to thank Johanna for her kindness and wonderful customer service. There was an issue with the initial room I was booked in, and then I was changed into a room positioned near very loud renovations. I very much appreciate how she handled the situation - treating me very well including on my return stay. Excellent. Couple things to note: -Great location, with so many sites within walking distance (such as Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and a lot more). The East Side Gallery was a bit further so taking a taxi works. But, overall, a great area to walk around. -Generally clean and comfortable, with a cleanliness issue in the initial room I was in. When you check in, ask for a room away from the renovations happening during the day. -Executive Lounge was nice, but could use more staffing and pro-activeness (and garbage bins). And, options for people who have to eat gluten-free or have other dietary needs. -If you take a car service from the airport, keep in mind it is 195 euro for only one person and if there is a delay at the airport (which getting through passport control with new rules for non-EU folks is likely), there is an increased price for someone to wait (after a brief grace period). Fortunately, my insurance covered most of the extra cost, but the five percent service/credit card fee was charged for the higher cost (not the 195 euro). The increase cost for waiting, plus a service fee for the booking, were both disclosed when I booked, and I had a reason for wanting a smooth pick-up at the airport. I wouldn't do it again because of the possible delay cost, and that they charged the service fee for the whole amount of the cost - not just the 195 euro. That feels tacky. -I took a taxi to the berlin airport and it was roughly 60 euros. -I recommend booking a tour of the Olympic Stadium too. You can either take the train right in front of the hotel, or a taxi. It's about a half hour away from the hotel as well. I believe the tour itself was 22 euro if the concierge books it for you which, again, includes a service fee. The team members here were very nice and professional, and I appreciated help with my bag and other considerations."

"It’s on a good location close to everything, connection with public transport is easy. The hotel have a warm and vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff and great food"