Bonanza in Berlin!!

The hotel offers many of the features of a 4/5-star American chain hotel and would appropriately suit business or leisure travelers and families travelling to Berlin. The hotel is well located and is approximately 11km from Tegel airport, with a taxi ride taking around 20 minutes and the fare costing approximately 18 euros. The nearest U-bahn (underground station) is only 2 minutes away by foot, and the hotel is within close proximity to Checkpoint Charlie, Potsdamer Platz, and the Brandenburg gate, amongst others.

The hotel rooms are bright and airy and decorated in bright contemporary styles. The room features either one king or two double beds, as well as air-cooling (not really conditioning!). All rooms feature three large picture windows, one of which opens completely, which is nice to sit and relax in one of the comfy chairs. International TV, lots of drawer and wardrobe space, as well as a writing desk and modem connection, make this the perfect family room or suitable for the business traveller. The room also features an individual safe, iron and ironing board, and ice machine on each floor.

The hotel has a fantastic state-of-the-art gym featuring the latest high-tech equipment as well as a nice swimming pool, which isn’t huge but is good enough for a few lengths on holiday! The hotel lobby is 15 stories high and is a very nice and peaceful place to relax and take an afternoon tea and cake stop and watch the world go by; complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby. The hotel shop also features essential items as well as a nice range of gift ideas including leather goods.

Eating and drinking in the hotel bar is very reasonable for a hotel of this standard and a European capital city and the meal that I had I the restaurant was excellent ad can be highly recommended with good food (specialties are fish and steak) and very attentive service and a good selection of wines and other drinks. Would highly recommend the whole staff throughout this hotel, who were all pleasant, knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly and at all times!

Cheapest ways to book?
I would say that booking directly with the Marriott Website (www.marriott.com) is the cheapest way of booking, as Marriott guarantees the cheapest rates on their website. We got a great summer rate of 99 euros for a twin room--not bad value for a five-star, brand-new hotel!

What is it?
The Potsdamer Platz centres around a central area that is 20+ stories high with a covered roof that is open at the sides so that one has the experience of being in the open air, yet without the dangers of inclement weather! As well as the main ‘dom’, there’s a range of restaurants, visitors' attractions, and the Potsdamer arcade, which features over 100 hundred shops in the immediate area.

Getting there?
The Platz is within walking distance of Checkpoint Charlie and is located 5-10 minutes' walk away from the Tiergarten and Brandenburg Gate. Access the Platz via the u-bahn (subway) exiting at the Potsdamer Platz exit (green line)

What’s there?
The Platz features a wide range of restaurants, including a cool Australian bar and restaurant, Italian, Mexican, and a whole range of dining opportunities ranging from cheap and cheerful pizzas to luxurious dining--lots of things to suit any palate and budget! Be sure to try the coffee and cakes at one of the eateries. If nothing takes your fancy in the main area ,there are lots of hotels in the local vicinity, as well as a great sushi and fish bar. There are also more ‘fast-food’ choices in the shopping arcade.

Check out the huge cinema, which also includes an IMAX 3D screen; if this is busy, head down the road to the Discovery Channel IMAX. Most features are in German, but pick up a programme to find showings in English and other major languages. Have a look at the Sony Center and check out the latest Volkswagen cars in their interactive show room

If you don’t like all the modern architecture, then keep your eyes peeled for original structures from the area that have been restored in the renovation process.

KaDeWe (full title--Kaufhof des Westens) is Germany’s equivalent of the UK store Harrods, except that it is even bigger than Harrods and offers seven floors of shopping, shopping, and, yes, more shopping. The store celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2007, and you can expect some wonderful things to be happening during the time, with lots of party celebrations being planned

What does it sell?

KaDeWe basically sells everything, from clothes for women, men, and children to household items, food, games, toys, sporting goods, and so on. Make sure to stop by the visitor centre when you arrive for a floor map and to ask about any special offers and promotions the store may be having. The main sales are held in January and the summer months, but there will quite often be special purchases available throughout the store.

Best things to buy?

Make sure that you check out the home wares department, as here you will find an amazing array of gifts for your home, such as fantastic crockery and glasses that are miles cheaper than the equivalent stores at home.

If you are a clothes horse, then here you will find an amazing variety of clothes for men and women. What I love about German stores is that they stock many items together, so, for example, if you want a white shirt, then most of the white shirts will be in one, place allowing you to easily compare the shirts on offer! The store also stocks a range of very affordable clothing as well as the higher end couture clothing, such as Boss, Armani, Hilfiger, D&G, and Burberry for women and Armani, Boss, CK, and Versace for men (as well as a few hundred other designers and items!)

Be sure to check out the 6th-floor food hall and especially the Christmas market hall with lots of wonderful chocolate gifts to tempt you!

Where to eat?

Although the store offers little coffee shops and restaurants for me, head to the top floor self-service restaurant, Winter Garten. Not only does this place afford wonderful views over Berlin, but you will find seating no matter how large your party and can chill out in peace and quiet and eat to your heart's content! Here you will find a range of snack food and more substantial items that won’t break the bank, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. Make sure to try some of delicious salads and cakes! A range of German specialities is always on offer.

Where is it?

KaDeWe is located on the Tauentziehn Strasse in Berlin-Schoneberg, and if travelling by U (Unter) Bahn, get off at Wittenbergplatz. Use lines U1, U2, and U3. Bus lines 343, M19, M29, and M46 stop outside the store, and any taxi driver will get you here!

Opening times:

Open Monday to Friday 10am until 8pm and Saturdays 9:30am until 8pm.