relexa Hotel Berlin – Our Review
Earlier in 2018 we visited the lovely city of Hamburg so I was very curious to see how similar or not Berlin was going to be. Berlin was a very last minute decision for us. I unusually hadn’t done my months of research so in a panic booked the relexa Hotel mostly due it location. I like being central when travelling with kids. I peeked into Trip Advisor after booking and there were some mixed review so I was a tad nervous. I decided to go with it and off we went on a very early flight with the Grandparents in tow!
The Hotel
The relexa comprises 208 rooms decked out in a neutral colour scheme. The building itself it located down a quiet side street. There is a restaurant called Boulevard on site which serves a mix of international dishes as well as a bar and outdoor courtyard where you can eat or have a drink. Also on siste is relexa cooking which offers all kinds of cookery related demonstrations, classes and themed events. There is also a spa area with sauna, steam bath as well as a fitness and relaxation room.
The Location.
Brandenberg Gate Pic Credit: Mamma Fairy Blog
Inside the Parliament Building Pic Credit: Mamma Fairy blog
The relexa hotel commends a pretty impressive location in Berlin, and to my mind this is probably its biggest selling point. I can be a tad hard to please when it comes to location as I like central but quiet, walking distance within reason and a safe area. I’d prefer not to be totally reliant on public transport when travelling with kids. From the relexa hotel we could walk to all of the key attractions, it is situated between the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. You are literally minutes for Potsdamer Platz with its array of eateries and bars and to the far side you have the Berlin Zoo and the German Technical Museum. We walked to all of the attractions we had wanted to do, Legoland Discovery Centre, the Parliament Building, the Berlin Wall, Aqua Dom and more!
Despite being in the midst of everything it was really quiet and felt very safe. Another huge plus was the Lidl just around the corner. I had forgotten sunscreen and was very handy to pop around for that plus a few goodies for the kids before bed.
The Room
Junior Suite Pic Credit: relexa Hotel
We had a Junior Suite which was totally adequate for our needs. They located my parents next door which was great as the kids were in and out to visit Nana and Grandad. I understand the hotel is going through some renovation work. My parent’s room was a lot newer and the décor was really nice.
VIew from hotel room Pic Creit: Mamma Fairy Blog
Ours while a lot bigger was a little tired looking but spotlessly clean and lovely size for the four of us. The separate sitting room is a big plus when travelling with kids as you can watch some TV and chill while they are in bed. The Junior Suite comes with a small complimentary mini bar too. Very much appreciated.
We had a view of the hot air balloon directly infront of us and the Berlin TV tower just off to the right. The kids loved watching that balloon up and down. None of us had the nerve to actually go up on it!
The Facilities
The breakfast was very good and really set us up for the day. While it was busy it was replenished quickly and we always got a table. The selection was great with plenty for adults and the kids to choose from. We escaped one of the nights while the grandparents baby sat and had dinner in the hotel and drinks in the cocktail bar (my mouth is still watering for the Gin Fizz cocktails). The food was amazing. So fresh and tasty. Id go back for the food alone. This was totally unexpected as you really never know with hotel food.
The outdoor courtyard was a lovely way to have a coffee or beer before retiring to the room in the evening after a busy day sightseeing.
We didn’t get a chance to try the Spa but there is always next time!
The Verdict
As I said above if location is top of your agenda you will have this here. Everything is so close and easily walkable even with the kids. The food was really good with great selection for adults and kids. The hotel is ideal for families and the rooms are a good size for a city hotel. WiFi was free and perfectly adequate for us. The staff were efficient not overly friendly but that fine with me! We have resolved to come back as three days really wants enough to see all this eclectic city has to offer. When we do come back we will be coming back here without a doubt. I usually like to try new places if we return to a city but this property suited us perfectly and lets face it why fit something that not broken!!
Mamma Fairy Insider tips
- If budget permits go for the Junior Suite – lots of space, complimentary mini bar and bottled water replenished each day
- Book the breakfast, you will be well feed for the day ahead
- The parliament building is about 10 minutes walk from the hotel. Its free in but you need to book in advance, its 100% worth it and even the kids loved it.
- We had a late flight departing Berlin so decided to wile aware a few hours a t the nearby German Technical museum. I can say hand on heart this is quite possible one of the best museums I have every visited. Incredible, really incredible. We were a party of ages 3 to 60+ and everybody enjoyed. The kids didn’t want to leave and that’s after spending 5 hours. Do it, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
- Don’t bother with the paid upgraded wifi – the free one is totally fine.
- Ask for a renovated room and one facing the city. The view of the TV Tower at night time is lovely
For best rates book direct via the hotel website .
For more inspiration on German adventures check out Rhians post here
Note: We received a media rate for our staty but we were not asked or expected to write this review.
