Scandotel Castor - Berlin, Germany     

Visited Berlin with husband and friends having been offered a great deal with air.miles. The Hotel was in a central location close to the underground system. Breakfast was adequate and enough to keep you going during the day. Our room had previously been a smoking room + required us to open windows to clear the air, however from Jan 08 the hotel is totally non-smoking. We brought tickets for U-bahn, S-bahn, trams + buses daily at a cost of 15 euro's (for all four of us) from the hotel. This was excellent as the underground system is brilliant and we were able to travel around the whole of Berlin quickly. The Markets at this time of year are essential to visit with wonderful atmosphere, good street food and gluwein (hot toddy). Visit the T.V Tower for good views across both east + west Berlin. (suggest get there early). Do not miss the 'memorial to the murdered Jews' a very moving honest report of the holocaust. Lots of history to read and view, overall a fascinating city that i would love to visit again.

We booked our 3 night stay with direct line city breaks on line. The Airline was Easyjet. The Hotel doesn't look much from outside but what a gem! rooms were clean and comfortable all recently refurbished. Breakfast was good as well alot of choice and you can eat as much as you can, sets you up for the day! The only thing the rooms could do with is tea and coffee facilities, but it has a mini bar to put your own drinks in. There is a hairdryer in the bathroom which is really good so don't take your own like i did. We got the train from Shonefield airport which took an Hour i think it was the S9 train cost 5 euros for 2. Also you can buy a 3 day travel card for 20 euros (2 people) that covers the underground (U-Bahn) and the overland trains the S-Bahn so a real bargin. They fine you 40 euros if you get caught with no ticket so worth gertting one. We had over meals at a place called the 60's diner near the Nollendorf U station and very cheap at 8 euros for a good dinner. We did most of the sites but be ready to que for about an hour for the The Reichstag and the TV Tower, we went to the tower on the monday morning so it was less busy and went straight in at 10am and what a view over the city, be prepared to pay 8 euro's for 2 coffee's in the cafe at the top!! Very expensive but enjoyable as it turns twice an hour and you get a great view of the city. The main shops are closed on sundays so don't' plan to go shopping on that day like we did!! I would suggest to buy a good guide book as this helped us to lcoate what we wanted to visit and see. Have a great time.