Berlin's BEST Hotel? Leonardo Royal Alexanderplatz Review!
Berlin's BEST Hotel? Hold Your Lederhosen! A Deep Dive into the Leonardo Royal Alexanderplatz (And Honestly, It's… Complicated)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sensory overload that is the Leonardo Royal Alexanderplatz. This isn't your grandma's hotel review; this is the messy, honest truth from a slightly caffeinated (and perpetually jet-lagged) traveler. Is it Berlin's best? Well, that depends. Here's the lowdown, warts and all.
The Accessibility Angle (Because Let's Be Honest, This Matters):
Look, I'm not in a wheelchair (phew!), but I do appreciate a hotel that gets accessibility. The Leonardo Royal seems to try. They say wheelchair accessible, and I saw elevators aplenty. But I'm a little skeptical. The website brags about facilities for disabled guests, but you know how it is until you get there. More specifics would be great! On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Didn't test these, so no comment. But if someone can speak accessibility and tell me all about it, I'd update pronto!
Rooms: A Mixed Bag of Good and… Well:
Let's kick things off with access to internet, because, honestly, in this day and age, it’s a must. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And, in a nod to the old-school, Internet [LAN] is also available. Progress!
- The Good: My room (non-smoking, naturally) was mostly clean. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after a night sampling Berlin's nightlife. The air conditioning blasted out the heat of August and the refrigerator held my essential German beer. Daily housekeeping was efficient and friendly, though I swear I saw a rogue sock under the bed at one point. (More on that later.) The slippers were a nice touch, a moment of luxury after a day pounding the pavement.
- The Meh: The décor? Let's call it "corporate comfortable." Nothing particularly offensive, but nothing that would make you write home in a fever of creative inspiration. The view? Well, let's just say I wasn't overlooking the Brandenburg Gate. Soundproofing was… okay. I heard a distant rumble that might have been traffic. Also, the socket near the bed was a blessed relief for my phone's desperate need for juice.
- The Not-So-Good: One of the bathrobes I used immediately fell to pieces. It was a bit of a bummer. My additional toilet was also something I wish I had in my own flat.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax (Because You're on Vacation, Right?):
- Fitness Center: I briefly considered the Fitness center. But then I remembered I’d rather eat a bratwurst. You know, priorities!
- Pool with view: Ah, but the swimming pool [outdoor]! I went for a dip one afternoon. The view's ok, they are working with what they can, there are no ocean views in Berlin, so… I can't complain.
- Spa/Sauna: The Spa/sauna situation was a highlight. Though very small, the sauna itself was lovely especially after a long day of walking!. I think the steamroom was also working, but I did not use it.
- Massage: I had a massage and it was bliss. I was in heaven! I also like the foot bath.
- Body wrap, Body scrub: Didn't try this.
- For the Kids, Babysitting service: I did not try this either as I was traveling solo!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Or Not)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Let's be honest, hotel food can be a gamble.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The Breakfast [buffet] was…large. A veritable smorgasbord of options. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it. I personally found the eggs a little watery, and the coffee tasted suspiciously like dishwater. And the endless stream of people! Honestly, it was bordering on stressful. But hey! They have breakfast in room.
- My Take: The Buffet in restaurant was extensive, yes, but I crave substance, not just volume. I had Coffee/tea in restaurant and felt some respite.
- Restaurants: They have a few Restaurants! I had a meal in the general restaurant, the food was ok, better than the breakfast, but not mind-blowing, though I remember the desserts in restaurant were pretty nice, so it somewhat redeemed itself. I also was happy with the Salad in restaurant, and the Soup in restaurant.
- Bar: I spent a fair amount of time in the bar. The poolside bar was also available, but mostly closed. It was much better than the restaurant. I also enjoyed a few Happy hour. And they have a good Bottle of water!
- Room service [24-hour]: A godsend after a late night.
- Also: Snack bar, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. All seemed fine.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe? (Mostly)
- The Good: I felt pretty safe, all things considered. They’re definitely on top of hygiene. Daily disinfection in common areas, Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer everywhere you look. The Staff trained in safety protocol seem to know what they are doing.
- The Meh: I didn’t see any Sterilizing equipment, but maybe it was hidden.
- The Bad (But Minor): The room cleaning was generally good, but there was a dirty sock! I also feel that Shared stationery removed is not the right thing to do.
- Other Safe things: Anti-COVID protocol in general, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Plus, the usual CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], Front desk [24-hour].
- Other: First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (Or Not):
They offer the standard hotel services. Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage are all present and correct. Room service [24-hour] came in handy more than once!
- The Plus: Daily housekeeping was quick and reliable. The Contactless check-in/out was a winner for a stressed-out traveler like myself. Food delivery was great.
- The Minus: I did not need to Invoice provided.
- Also: Business facilities: Audio-visual equipment for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display.
Getting Around: Simple and Good
Airport transfer was easy. The Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station. They have Taxi service, Valet parking and the Bicycle parking.
The Verdict: Is This the BEST Hotel? (Maybe… But Read On!)
Look, the Leonardo Royal Alexanderplatz is a solid choice. Here’s the punchline:
- The Good: The location is fantastic. Right in the heart of things, super easy to get around. The facilities are good, especially the pool (if you get there when it's open). The breakfast buffet is a good start on your meal.
- The Not-So-Good: The whole experience is a little impersonal, a bit corporate. The food is…well, let's just say you won't be writing home about it. The soundproofing could be better.
- The Bottom Line: If you value convenience, a central location, and all the standard hotel amenities, the Leonardo Royal Alexanderplatz is a safe bet. But if you’re looking for a unique, charming, or truly unforgettable experience, you might want to explore other options.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is my attempt to survive Berlin, fueled by questionable coffee and the faint hope that the Leonardo Royal Hotel Alexanderplatz doesn't become a total Kafkaesque nightmare. Here we go… (Deep breath)
Berlin or Bust (and Probably a Few Tears Along the Way)
Day 1: Arrival, Apathy, and the Alexanderplatz Maze
- Morning (or what passes for morning after the red-eye): Touchdown at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). Ugh. The flight was a blur of crying babies, stale airplane pretzels, and my desperate attempt to NOT be the one who gets yelled at for reclining their seat. Found the baggage claim. Survived. That's all I have to say about that.
- Mid-Morning: Uber/Taxi (whatever's cheapest after that insane flight) to the Leonardo Royal Hotel. The whole thing already feels a bit… official. Check-in. Pray for a decent room. My hopes are already dwindling faster than my phone battery.
- Early Afternoon: Room secured (yay!). Now, the big decision: collapse on the bed and pray for a nap, or try to be a functioning human? Decided to brave the outside world. First impressions of the hotel: comfy but not particularly special. Alexanderplatz: a concrete jungle of chaos. It's a bit overwhelming, to be honest. Kinda lost already.
- Late Afternoon: Wandered aimlessly around Alexanderplatz. Found a Currywurst stand. Ate a Currywurst. It was…okay? A little bit of a disappointment. Did I build it up in my head? Probably. Also, almost got run over by a tram. See? Chaos. This is gonna be an interesting trip.
- Evening: Back at the hotel. Regroup. Refill the water bottle. Contemplating dinner. Maybe room service? Or, maybe I should pull myself together and venture to the hotel restaurant. I'm exhausted but I want to try something new. Let's do it!
Day 2: History, Heartbreak, and the Search for the Perfect Schnitzel
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is…abundant. I'm slightly terrified of the sheer volume of food. Okay, focus. Grab some coffee, a croissant, and some fruit. Attempt to eat it with dignity. Failed. Messy eater.
- Late Morning: Brandenburg Gate! Majestic. Impressive. Took a bunch of photos. Felt vaguely like a tourist. And then, it was a bit anticlimactic, no? Am I supposed to feel more? I'm trying, people!
- Early Afternoon: Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. A deeply moving experience. The sheer scale of it, the silence… it's a heavy, heavy place. I walked around, wandering aimlessly. I found myself breaking down. This kind of sadness is hard to bear.
- Mid-Afternoon: Tried to lighten the mood with a walk in the Tiergarten. Beautiful park. Trees. Sunshine. Birds chirping. But the sadness still lingered. Had to sit down on a bench and just… breathe. Finding all of this overwhelming.
- Evening: The Schnitzel Quest begins! (This is serious business.) Researching the best schnitzel in Berlin. Found a highly rated place called "Zur letzten Instanz." I'm feeling a little optimistic. The only thing is, it's in the Altstadt, right? And I'm already exhausted. But schnitzel is important.
- Late Evening: Made it to "Zur letzten Instanz." Small place. Extremely old. The schnitzel? Perfection. The perfect crispiness, the tender meat, the utterly delicious gravy. I pretty much inhaled it. It was so good that I forgot the worries and the sadness. The perfect meal. It was a life experience. It was a reason to keep going.
Day 3: Art, Opinions, and the Berlin Wall's Ghost
- Morning: Decided to embrace the Art. Visiting the East Side Gallery (the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall). It's a visual overload. Graffiti in every corner. Political statements. Messages of hope. It's a lot to take in.
- Late Morning: Walking along the Gallery, I began to feel claustrophobic. Too many people. Too many opinions. But, mostly, I began to feel lost. I felt as if my sense of direction had been swallowed by the images.
- Early Afternoon: Pergamon Museum. Holy moly! Giant structures! Ancient artifacts! It was incredible, but also slightly overwhelming. Again. My brain’s starting to feel scrambled. I decided to focus on the Ishtar Gate. The detail. The sheer size. Breathtaking. I'm not gonna lie, my feet hurt.
- Mid-Afternoon: Quick snack break. Coffee and a pastry. Needed the sugar rush. Feeling a little burnt out on museums. I’m such an awful tourist, aren't I?
- Evening: Walking through the area around the former location of Checkpoint Charlie. It’s very…commercialized. A bit of a letdown, to be honest. The history is important, but all the tourist traps and staged photo opportunities feel… cheap. It’s a bit sad. But I did stumble on a really interesting cafe. They made the best chocolate cake I ever had.
- Late Evening: Back at the hotel. Pack my bags. Thinking about the flight back home. I'm exhausted. Yet, I can't wait to come back.
Day 4: Departure and Post-Berlin Blues
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. It’s probably a good idea to stop eating such large volumes of food.
- Late Morning: Check out. Taxi to BER. Airport. The usual chaos. This time, I’m ready.
- Afternoon: Back home. Unpack. Laundry. The usual. The apartment seems… small. And quiet.
- Evening: Start planning my next trip.
Quirky Observations/Emotional Reactions:
- The Germans are very efficient. And sometimes, a little… intimidating. But, hey, they have great public transport!
- I swear I saw a squirrel wearing a tiny hat in the Tiergarten. Probably just a trick of the light. Or madness.
- I miss the Schnitzel. A lot.
- Berlin is a city that will grab you by the throat and not let go. It's beautiful, it's brutal, and it's messy. And I loved it.
Imperfections I'm Embracing:
- I got lost. A lot.
- I took way too many photos (and some of them are terrible).
- I ate too much.
- I may or may not have shed a tear in public more than once.
- I didn't get to see everything on my list. But that's okay.
- This itinerary is too long.
- Sorry.
In Conclusion:
Berlin, you magnificent, complicated beast. You broke my heart a little, filled my belly with schnitzel, and made me feel things I didn't expect. I'll be back. Probably. And maybe next time, I'll actually figure out the U-Bahn.
Escape to Paradise: Romantic Zelenogradsk Apartment Near the Park!
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is the Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz Actually Any Good?
Alright, alright, settle down. Good? That's a loaded question. Let's just say...it's an experience. Think of it like a particularly enthusiastic puppy. Sometimes you want to cuddle it, sometimes it's chewing your favorite shoe. The Leonardo Royal Alexanderplatz? It's a lot like that. The location is GOLD, absolutely GOLD. You are *right there* in the heart of things. But, and this is a big but, sometimes the gold has a slightly tarnished shine. I'll get to that. Overall? It's...complicated. Depends what you're after, really.
The Rooms...are They Tiny Shoeboxes Like Every Other Berlin Hotel?
Bless your optimistic heart! Shoeboxes? Well, in true Berlin style, space isn't exactly a luxury. My room… okay, let’s paint a picture. Imagine a reasonably sized room, let’s say it’s got the same area as a small studio flat. The queen size bed was comfy, the pillows were surprisingly decent, no complaint. It was… serviceable. Clean, mostly. The bathroom, however, was… compact. You could practically brush your teeth while taking a shower. And the hairdryer was… well, let's just say it added a certain *je ne sais quoi* to the soundscape of the morning. Like jet engines warming up. So no, not a shoebox in the strictest sense, but don’t expect a ballroom. They do offer different sized rooms...but good luck getting one without paying an absolute fortune.
Breakfast: Is It Worth It? Because Hotel Breakfasts Can Be a Disaster...
Oh, breakfast. This is where we get into the *interesting* part. The buffet is… vast. Seriously, a *lot* of options. The *quantity* is there. Cereals galore, cold cuts that look suspiciously similar to the ones at the supermarket, and you can expect to encounter a mountain of bread. The quality, though? Well, there were days where I thought the scrambled eggs had been prepped for the Apollo 11 mission because they were so rubbery. But... and here's the swing...some days it was brilliant. Sometimes the coffee was actually strong. And the fresh fruit? Lovely! It’s a gamble. A breakfast roulette. If you're a serious breakfast enthusiast, maybe… just maybe… venture outside the hotel. There are some fantastic cafes in the area. Or grab some bread and cheese from the local stores. But if you need something and don't want to pay for a cafe every day, the buffet is there. Just be prepared to brace yourself. And maybe bring your own coffee.
What About the Location? Is Alexanderplatz Actually a Good Spot?
Location? YES! Alexanderplatz is fantastic, I have to give it points for that. It really is the heart of Berlin, you truly are in the thick of it. You have amazing transport links (the U-Bahn is *literal* seconds away, I mean, you are there the moment you walk out of the door, which is brilliant if you're jet-lagged and utterly confused), tons of shops (hello, Primark and H&M, you temptresses!), and so many historical sights are within walking distance or a short trip away. The TV Tower is right there, giving you an instant landmark for the city. I honestly think I'd book again just for the location. That's how much I loved it, and it's an excellent base for exploring the city. It's a bit bustling, a bit hectic, but that's Berlin, isn't it? Embrace the chaos!
The Staff: Helpful or Hide-and-Seek Champions?
Okay, this is another mixed bag. Some members of staff were absolutely lovely. Super friendly, went above and beyond, were happy to help with recommendations and directions and all that jazz. There was one guy at reception who rescued me when I accidentally left my passport in a taxi – heroic! Others… well, let’s just say they exuded the kind of efficiency that Berlin is famous for. Sometimes, you're met with a polite nod and a curt answer. Totally fine, but… not exactly overflowing with warmth. It truly depended. But customer service is always a gamble... sometimes you stumble upon absolute gems! Your mileage may vary. Be nice, be patient, and you'll probably be fine.
Let's Talk Noise Levels: Is it a Rave or a Retirement Home?
Alexanderplatz is… loud. Let’s just be honest. *Loud*. You’re in the middle of a busy city. There are trams, buses, sirens, and people having conversations at 3 AM. My room, thankfully, was reasonably soundproofed (a small miracle, I tell you). I could hear the noise, but it didn't keep me up, which is saying something, because I'm a light sleeper. If you're *really* sensitive to noise, pack earplugs. Because seriously, you’re not gonna escape the hustle and bustle. The flip side of all that noise? You feel like part of the city. You're *in* the heart of it all and that's a trade-off that's worth it for me. I'd take noise over being in the middle of nowhere any day.
Anything Really Annoying About the Hotel? Be Brutally Honest!
Oh, there were a few things. One tiny detail. The elevators. The elevators were… well… *slow*. And at peak times… it was a battle. You’d press the button, wait, stare longingly at the blinking arrows, and then *finally*, the doors would creak open, revealing a sardine-can-sized space already crammed with other frustrated guests. I ended up taking the stairs a lot (good for the glutes, I suppose). I remember one morning, having to wait for a literal *10 minutes* because all of them were taken... it was madness. And there was something in the air conditioning. It was… a very faint smell. I’m not sure quite what it was, but perhaps something related to the old building. And it was only really noticable when I first entered the room, but there it was. Also, a few minor details here and there. Don't expect perfection. But honestly? These were small potatoes. I’d easily put up with these little quirks for that location. And the comfortable bed.
Would You Stay There Again? The Ultimate Verdict!
Okay, the moment of truth. Would I stay there again? Honestly? *Probably*. The location is the ace in the hole. The rooms, while not luxurious, are perfectly adequate. The breakfast? A gamble, but a gamble I'm willing to take. And sure, the elevators could be improved, andNomadic Stays
