Grand Hostel Berlin Classic

My partner and I upgraded to a private room for 2 nights in-between 8 nights in a shared room. First night was absolutely fine. Second night, we weren’t able to get into our room; the card scanner was working, but the lock was malfunctioning and not letting us in. As we were now in a private room, we had no roommates to let us in either. The receptionist on duty using the master key they had access to was also unable to gain access to our room (with ALL of our belongings in it). Keep in mind it was 5pm at this time. We hung around until 6:30pm whilst the receptionist made some phone calls, and the end result was the best they could do was give us another room for the night and we would have to wait until 6:30am when the head housekeeper arrives and he would have the ability to fix the lock. So we slept a night in a different room with nothing except the clothes we were wearing that day. Come 6:30 the next morning my partner goes downstairs as instructed, only for the new receptionist to say we would have to actually wait until 9am when the manager arrives as THEY are the only ones with access to the main master key. Throughout this process my partner and I continued to attempt to open the door ourselves with no results. My partner went down to reception about an hour later, where the receptionist now said the manager wouldn’t be there until 10am. Eventually the house keeper was able to fix the lock and open the door at around 8:30am. We were extremely frustrated not having access to any of our belongings, just counting our lucky stars that this didn’t happen the night before we were due to catch our flight back home. All other interactions with staff were amazing, but this experience really dampened our holiday. Also be prepared to walk a bit for any food/ night life, there’s nothing really within a 20 minute walking distance except for a couple restaurants, although there is a train station nearby. Most of the main clubs in Berlin were also an hour walk away.

The hostel is set in the historic building and it is really, really nice. On my arrival, a member of staff welcomed me with a complementary mulled wine. The library, where all guests can socialise, looked splendid with a big Christmas tree. Super clean and fresh. But the biggest surprise was the bed. I would compare it to Rols Royce. I haven't seen in my life such a comfortable bed with crispy, luxury bedlinen. All staff was very helpful and welcoming. Travellers were in various ages, even in the advanced years. I am always staying in hotels, but this time, I would like to feel adventurous. I couldn't imagine better stay. Single travellers are not feeling lonely.