Berlin Mark Hotel

The busy, business-y Berlin Mark Hotel was once a slick operation offering top-notch digs, but these days the four-star hotel is showing its age. Still, with affordable rates and a primo location one block from the top of the Ku'damm, the hotel is a reliable option.

Quick read

Pros: Brilliant location.

Cons: Could use renovation.

Rooms

The Berlin Mark's 239 guest rooms fall into three categories. Comfort rooms are a standard size with all the amenities (air conditioning, flat-screen TV, phone, minibar and desk). Business rooms have all of the above, plus a work area, free Wi-Fi and a safe, while First-Class rooms are even slightly larger with all the Business room features, slightly swankier furniture and a coffee maker.

During low season, these First-Class (also sometimes called “deluxe”) rooms run for less than €70 a night, making them a good deal for all that extra space. Whatever the room type, though, accommodations are standard hotel fare, with coordinating green carpets, the occasional print and furnishings plucked from a "Hotel 101" crash course. They are bit down at the heel, but all is clean and orderly.

Front-facing rooms are likely to pick up some street noise, but if you request a higher floor the noise level decreases, with the added bonus of some impressive views.

Bathrooms

Like the rest of the Berlin Mark, the private bathrooms could do with a refresh, but they do the trick, with big sinks, toiletries and a hair dryer. Bath tubs are available (ask ahead).

Hotel

The Berlin Mark Hotel is proof positive that “four-star” does not always signify “high-end”—just as its rates show that four-star is not always pricey. It’s true that those looking for a luxe experience would be happier elsewhere, but the Mark still makes a good choice for budget travelers in search of comfort, convenience and affordability.

We'd never call the hotel "fun," but it's surprise-free, and offers some nice extras (of particular note is that all rooms are air conditioned, which is not common in the Berlin budget hotel scene).

The Mark’s cocktail lounge is a relaxing place to cool your jets at the end of a long day of sightseeing, and there is also a nice terrace for the warmer weather. The hotel has a fitness center, and guests of Business and First-Class rooms receive access to the VIP business lounge, which is with stocked coffee, tea and soft drinks, the daily paper and a TV.

Breakfast is sometimes included in the room rate, and otherwise it’s a pricey €16. Wi-Fi is free for Business and First-Class guests (although it can still be a bit spotty), and it’s available for an additional charge in the Comfort rooms. Note that the Berlin Mark is not a non-smoking hotel—there are non-smoking rooms but sensitive guests may be bothered by the smell in hallways or public areas.

Location

The Berlin Mark boasts an enviable location just a hop, skip and a jump from Kurfurstendamm, the Zoo and the U-Bahn.