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Summary of reviews'a&o Berlin Friedrichshain' emerges as a solid option for travelers looking to experience Berlin's lively Friedrichshain district while maintaining affordability and access to essential amenities. The hostel's prime location in a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by late-night bars, restaurants and unique shops, coupled with its proximity to Ostkreuz train station, makes it an ideal base for exploring Berlin's iconic sites and nightlife. Despite this lively environment, many guests find the hostel's rooms, particularly those facing the courtyard, to be peaceful retreats.
Breakfast at the hostel is generally well-regarded for its value and variety with highlights including a good mix of cereals, yogurt, cheese, cold cuts, fresh salads, fruits and gluten-free options, along with a popular pancake machine. The breakfast offers a satisfactory start to the day, although some guests reported overcrowded and chaotic conditions during peak times.
The rooms receive favorable comments for their spaciousness, cleanliness and modern furnishings with large family rooms and impressive views from the top floors being particularly appreciated. However, some guests faced issues with cleanliness, ventilation and noise, indicating varying experiences.
The hostel's cleanliness overall receives mixed reviews; while many guests note clean rooms and adequate cleaning in communal areas, there are frequent mentions of dust, foreign hairs and poorly maintained shared spaces. The staff at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain is generally praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, especially at the 24-hour reception, but some guests encountered long check-in queues and occasional unprofessional behavior.
Wi-Fi is another strong point with the 5GHz connection being stable and fast for most guests, although some experienced weak signals and connectivity issues. The parking facilities, while appreciated for their convenience, are limited in availability, making advance booking essential and EV charging options are inconsistent.
For those interested in Berlin's nightlife, the hostel's location offers easy access to popular spots like Boxhagener Platz and Simon-Dach-Straße, though this vibrant atmosphere can lead to noise disturbances. The beds are generally comfortable, but there are mixed reviews regarding their condition and the additional charge for bedding.
Lastly, accessibility is a mixed bag with good transport connections and wheelchair-accessible facilities noted, yet some areas could benefit from improvement.
Overall, a&o Berlin Friedrichshain provides a generally positive experience for budget-conscious travelers looking to immerse themselves in Berlin's dynamic Friedrichshain district with its strategic location, friendly staff and affordable amenities outweighing some of the logistical challenges. Show more
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Categories
Hostel with EV Charging Stations
Dog Friendly Hostel
Hostel near Nightlife Spots
Hostel with Parking
EV charging stations
Cheap Hostel
Accessible Hostel
Room Types
Single RoomThis room features a single bed, wooden furnishings and laminate flooring.
Twin RoomThis room features 2 single beds, wooden furnishings and laminate flooring.
Quadruple RoomThis modern and functional room is equipped with private facilities, lockers and 2 bunk beds. For the bunk beds bed linen is provided for self-covering.
Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)Bright, friendly room renovated in September 2011.
Suitable for children under 18 years of age. Please note that children may be asked to show ID to prove their age.
For the bunk beds bed linen is provided for self-covering.
Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory RoomBright modern dormitory featuring wooden floors, and shared bathroom facilities.
Triple RoomThis triple room features a flat-screen TV. For the bunk beds bed linen is provided for self-covering.
Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory RoomRooms are 18 square metres.
Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory RoomRooms are 26 square metres.
Six-Bed RoomThis family room features a satellite TV. For the bunk beds bed linen is provided for self-covering.
Twin Plus RoomThis twin room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.
Twin Room For Single UseThe single room features a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.
About a&o Berlin Friedrichshain
License: 185160B
Guest Reviews
6.7
Rated
Location
'A&o Berlin Friedrichshain' boasts a prime location that has garnered enthusiastic feedback from guests. Situated in the lively and vibrant Friedrichshain neighborhood, the hostel is surrounded by a plethora of bustling bars, restaurants and late-night shops, offering an array of options for dining and entertainment. Guests appreciate its proximity to the Ostkreuz train station, which ensures excellent public transport connectivity, making it easy to reach various parts of Berlin and even the airports in a short time.
The central location is perfect for those looking to explore the city's iconic sites or dive into its renowned nightlife. Within walking distance from the hostel are supermarkets, entertainment venues and a selection of youthful, alternative shops and cafes that give Friedrichshain its unique character. Despite the liveliness of the area, the hostel manages to offer a peaceful retreat with quiet rooms, especially those facing the courtyard.
Visitors also highlighted the convenience of the location for public transport with numerous bus and tram stops nearby. This makes it an ideal base for both short weekend visits and extended stays. The combination of its strategic position, affordability and the vibrant, youthful atmosphere of the neighborhood makes 'a&o Berlin Friedrichshain' a compelling choice for travelers looking to experience the dynamic energy of Berlin.
Breakfast
The breakfast offerings at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain have generally received positive feedback from guests, particularly for their value considering the price. Many visitors appreciated the wide selection, describing it as plentiful and balanced with highlights such as excellent and tasty pancakes. The breakfast buffet included a mix of cereals, various types of yogurt, cheese, cold cuts, fresh salad, fruit and a good range of rolls, including gluten-free options. The coffee and tea selection also added to the overall satisfactory experience.
The pancake machine, in particular, was a hit with children and the breakfast was noted to have sufficient, varied and tasty food that catered to many tastes. The price-performance ratio was mentioned as favorable with several guests noting that the breakfast greatly fueled them for the day.
On the downside, some guests faced issues with the breakfast room being tight, dark and crowded with aesthetics akin to that of a youth hostel canteen. Cleanliness and organization in the breakfast area were also criticized and there were occasional problems like ants in the cereal or salad mixed with yogurt. Noise within the breakfast room and the general chaotic atmosphere during busy times were also noted.
Despite some organizational and logistic hiccups, many reviews underscore that the breakfast is very good for its price, making it a decent and satisfactory start to the day for most guests.
Rooms
The rooms at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain offer a mixed experience. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the spaciousness, cleanliness and well-managed aspects of the rooms. There were frequent mentions of rooms being tidy, modernly furnished and equipped with essential amenities, including private bathrooms and comfortable beds. The larger family rooms were particularly noted for their ample space and rooms located on the top floors provided impressive views of Friedrichshain.
However, the hotel also faced criticisms. A significant number of reviews pointed out issues with cleanliness with some rooms being described as dirty or poorly maintained. Problems such as foreign hairs, dust, unpleasant odors and remnants of previous guests' presence were highlighted. Furthermore, some guests found the rooms to be very warm and lacking adequate ventilation, often exacerbated by the absence of air conditioning and limited window openings.
The room sizes were varied and while many found them spacious, others considered them too small and cramped, especially for group stays. Noise levels were another concern with several guests mentioning disturbances from nearby rooms and hallways.
In summary, while the rooms at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain have their strengths in terms of spaciousness and essential amenities, potential guests should be aware of the recurring issues with cleanliness, ventilation and noise.
Beds
The beds at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain garnered mixed reviews but had several redeeming qualities according to guests. Many reviews praised the beds for being comfortable with several referring to the mattresses as excellent or pleasant. Clean and cozy beds were noted and some guests found the mattresses to be modern and firm, perfect for a good night's sleep.
However, feedback also highlighted several issues. A number of guests found the beds uncomfortable, complaining about hard mattresses, narrow sizes and saggy or worn-out conditions. The need to make the beds themselves and pay extra for bedding was a common drawback noted by visitors. Bunk bed setups were criticized for being difficult to climb and uncomfortable with some stating they were more suitable for children than adults.
Cleanliness issues were noted by some with comments about crumbs, clumps of hair and stains on the bedding. Despite these concerns, many guests still appreciated the overall affordability and convenient location of the hostel, often concluding their stay with positive remarks about their sleep quality.
Overall, it seems the beds varied significantly in comfort and cleanliness, but for those prioritizing cost and location, they found the accommodations at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain acceptable.
Cleanliness
The cleanliness of a&o Berlin Friedrichshain has received mixed feedback from guests. On the positive side, many visitors noted that their rooms were clean and the cleaners ensured the communal areas maintained a decent level of tidiness. Some guests reported clean sheets, clean towels for each guest and basic functionality in the rooms. The hostel's overall price-quality balance was mostly appreciated with multiple reviewers praising the friendly reception staff and the adequate facilities.
However, numerous reviews highlighted significant cleanliness issues, such as dirty floors, bathroom mold, foreign hairs, dusty surfaces and unemptied trash cans. There were frequent mentions of unsatisfactory cleaning during the stay and initial room conditions not meeting cleanliness expectations. Some guests also reported specific issues like unpleasant smells in the hallways and elevators, clogged drains, dirty windows and the presence of ants. The cleanliness of shared spaces and kitchens was particularly criticized with some describing these areas as dirty and poorly maintained.
Overall, while some guests enjoyed a clean and comfortable stay, others experienced substantial cleanliness problems that impacted their experience at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain.
Staff
Guests’ reviews of the staff at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain present a mixed but generally positive picture. The reception operates around the clock and is well-regarded by many for being friendly, helpful and accommodating, even under high occupancy. Numerous guests highlighted the friendliness and kindness of the staff, who are often described as attentive, efficient and willing to assist with various needs.
Despite the positive feedback, there are instances where the staff appeared overwhelmed, particularly during peak times, resulting in long check-in queues and a perception of being understaffed. Some guests noted that not all staff members were consistently friendly or responsive with a few reports of unprofessional or indifferent behavior. Additionally, language barriers were occasionally mentioned, particularly a lack of German-speaking staff. Nevertheless, the cooperative and pleasant attitude of the majority of the staff contributed significantly to the positive experience of many guests.
In summary, while there are areas needing improvement, especially regarding staff training and management during busy periods, a&o Berlin Friedrichshain has built a reputation for having a mostly friendly and helpful team, enhancing the overall guest experience during their stay.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi at 'a&o Berlin Friedrichshain' generally offers a reliable and fast connection, especially with its 5GHz-WLAN, which many guests found to be very stable and efficient. Several reviews also highlighted the benefit of free Wi-Fi, which adds to the convenience of staying at the hotel. There were positive mentions of the Wi-Fi being available without issues and it was specifically appreciated for being fast and consistent.
However, there are some drawbacks. A number of guests experienced weak signals, frequent disconnections and difficulties accessing the internet from their rooms. There were also mentions of challenges in obtaining the Wi-Fi password and occasional dismissive responses from the staff regarding connectivity issues. Despite these inconsistencies, the overall sentiment towards the Wi-Fi is favorable due to its general speed and availability in public areas such as the hotel's bar.
Parking
The parking situation at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain has received a mix of feedback from guests. On one hand, several praised the availability of on-site parking with spaces available in the courtyard for a daily fee of around €12.50. Many found the system of booking parking spaces in advance to be smooth and effective, providing a sense of security and convenience.
However, the number of parking spaces is notably limited, leading to challenges for some guests. The need for prior reservation is crucial, given the high demand and few spots. Some guests reported difficulties in finding available spaces upon arrival, having to resort to parking garages located 6-7 minutes away on foot, which, despite being reasonably priced, can be inconvenient.
Additionally, the cost of parking has been a point of contention with some deeming the daily fee to be on the higher side. Inconsistencies were also noted, such as booked parking spaces being unavailable upon arrival and unclear assignments for parking spots. Despite these issues, those who managed to secure a spot appreciated the convenience and proximity to the hotel facilities.
Overall, while there are positives to the parking system at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain, prospective guests should be mindful to book in advance and prepare for potential challenges due to the limited availability.
EV charging stations
Guests at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain have mixed feedback regarding EV charging stations. Some reviews note the availability of EV charging stations nearby and mention that they are free to use, clean and efficient. However, a number of comments point out that there are no EV charging facilities directly at the hostel or that any announced charging stations were non-functional. Overall, the provision of EV charging at this location appears to be limited and inconsistent.
Nightlife
Located in the heart of Berlin's Friedrichshain district, a&o Berlin Friedrichshain offers prime access to the city's renowned nightlife scene, making it an ideal spot for young party enthusiasts. The surrounding neighborhood is bustling with late-night bars, clubs and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere that persists well into the early morning hours. With hotspots like Boxhagener Platz, Simon-Dach-Straße and Warschauer Straße nearby, guests are in close proximity to numerous dining and drinking options.
This vibrant atmosphere comes with its share of noise, especially due to the late-night partying that is common in the area. While some guests appreciate the dynamic nightlife, others find the constant noise challenging, particularly when celebrations extend until 4 am or involve loud gatherings in the hostel's courtyard. The hostel itself often hosts party-minded visitors and its bar area is known to be active until after midnight.
Despite the noise, the area is considered pleasant for those who thrive in lively environments. The front desk staff receive commendation for their friendliness, which adds a welcoming touch to the experience. Public transportation in the area is convenient, enhancing accessibility to various parts of Berlin.
Overall, a&o Berlin Friedrichshain caters well to those looking to immerse themselves in Berlin's social and nightlife scene, but might be less suited for those seeking a quiet and tranquil stay.
Accessible
a&o Berlin Friedrichshain offers a mixed experience in terms of accessibility for guests with disabilities. On the positive side, the hotel is praised for its accessibility via public transport, including close proximity to the S-Bahn and tram, making it easily reachable. The lift in the building facilitates easy access to the rooms, which are generally wheelchair-accessible. The grounds of the hotel are spacious and well-equipped with various attractions, adding to the overall convenience.
Moreover, the check-in and check-out process is smooth and the hotel staff demonstrates flexibility by allowing early room access without additional charges. Rooms come equipped with private showers and wheelchair-designated bathrooms are a plus.
However, there are several areas where accessibility could be improved. Some rooms are reported to be very small and lacking in proper ventilation. Specific amenities such as the shower in the accessible bathroom have been found to be impractical. The kitchen facilities are limited, providing only a microwave and some empty bins.
While the hotel generally provides good accessibility features, there are notable exceptions. Certain rooms and areas are not accessible, particularly for strollers and the elderly, as they require navigating stairs. Some reviews also mention a buggy booking application, which can be an inconvenience.
Despite these setbacks, the hotel is in a lively area with many shopping opportunities and benefits from a competitive price point. However, prospective guests with specific accessibility needs may want to confirm details beforehand to ensure a comfortable stay.
Dog Friendly
The a&o Berlin Friedrichshain is considered a dog-friendly environment with guests finding it suitable for a short stay with small dogs. The hotel provides a nice atmosphere and includes a walking area for dogs. Even though not many guests bring dogs, the hotel accommodates them well. Additionally, the hotel features a friendly cat, which adds to the overall pet-friendly ambiance. However, some reviews mention high charges for staying with a small dog. Apart from the pet-related aspects, the hotel is described as child-friendly, adding to its appeal for families.
No, a&o Berlin Friedrichshain doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain.
Yes, a&o Berlin Friedrichshain welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at a&o Berlin Friedrichshain.