This is a fabulous apartment in a wonderful city. You go through an uninspiring doorway to an apartment block only to find yourself in secret courtyard with fabulous old, red brick buildings. The apartment itself is a perfect layout for a largish group like ours (7). Its really stylish and open plan, spotlessly clean and extremely well equipped. There is a large roof terrace which is not perhaps the prettiest but still makes for a lovely space for warm evenings and morning coffee.
The location is not exactly central and too expensive to use cabs to go in and out of the centre. But once you get the hang of the underground and busses they are really quick and good value. We got back from Klunkerkrannich in Neukölln in about 25m. They also have bikes to rent on site and Berlin is a very bike friendly city.
The area just outside the courtyard is not particularly inspiring but we found some local gems. Kapitel 21 is a quirky neighbourhood bar close by. Zollpackhof is a lovely biergarten by the river about 15 mins walk away. There’s a good vegan cafe around the corner. We were there in a heat wave and Strandbar Plotenzee is about 20 mins walk away. It’s a swimming lake with beach, bar , music and street food vans. You have to pay for the day but the facilities are very good. If you just want a quick dip the locals all seem to get through a gap in the fence and use the other side of the lake for free!
Babette and Stephan were always available if needed but otherwise kept their distance (in other words just right). They even sent my kindle by registered post when I left it in the apartment.
Berlin is amazing and we never tired of just wondering around. Sadly a weak pound means that its not the cheapest place to visit but fantastic all the same. We had a brilliant holiday. If you are a group of say 6-8 people this apartment would be absolutely perfect for an unforgettable trip. Highly recommended!