Sorry, Bernd, I rank almost nothing 5 out of 5.

Arriving at 10 Goebenstraβe (The street number doesn't appear to be published anywhere.),we were a bit shocked. Frankly, the neighborhood & the graffiti covered facade of the building are a bit 'seedy'. But, let me jump to the end. The night before we left, after a short week, she said "When we come back to Berlin, we're staying here."

OK. Walking up to two flights of stairs, the interior was still pretty seedy. But, when Bernd opens the door, all of that is done. He is a gracious and accommodating host. He could make substandard accommodations feel superior (and when you get down to it, these are not substandard).

The apartment itself is quite nice. That said, it is in the need of rehab & none is obviously under way. If you expect a finely finished room, with wallpaper, you'll be disappointed.

In another review, someone complained of a lumpy bed. That's gone. It's now a futon mattress slightly elevated from the floor & can be described as nothing but FIRM. That suited us fine. I've never slept better away from home.

The elevated train & untergrund are a block away, which is to say all of Berlin is a block away. Bernd is expert at artsy things & can direct you to museums (& to any and all else) well.

When we go back to Berlin, Bernd's will be our first choice. When we have friends going to Berlin (who can imagine staying at less than a 5-star hotel), we'll send them to Bernd.

That's as close to a five star rating as I get.

BTW: To put things into perspective. We're past our youth hostel days. I'm old enough for full social security. She's pushing 60.

Dave Jones