In February 2016 I stayed 11 nights/days in Elfie’s apartment during the yearly Berlinale film festival. I prefer an apartment over a hotel, having much more to offer, effectively a home away from home. Rather than narrow hotel rooms where you can hardly move around, an apartment provides for ample space to relax while away from the busy festival venues. Also, a fully equipped kitchen allows to prepare meals at your own convenient times, independent of fixed hotel schedules and without wasting time in restaurants. =====
Elfie’s apartment in the city center serves the average tourist and the business traveler equally well. S-Bahn station Friedrichstrasse, where six major S-Bahn lines come together, is within 5 minutes on foot. Also in the direct neighborhood are several U-Bahn (underground) and tram/bus lines. Thus, you have easy access to all of Berlin from this point of departure. Despite being in the middle of a lively city center, with every imaginable category of theaters, shops, restaurants and bars reachable on foot, the apartment is in a renovated building with good isolation, so there is no noise from neighbors or street traffic. It was said to be on the 1st floor, but actually it is the 2nd (the original building, prior to renovation, counted with half floors). Either way there was no problem as the stairs are broad and made of solid concrete. =====
On the AIRBNB website I always take the time to read the description, and browse all photos and reviews from previous guests. I had no unpleasant surprises (yet), and my trust in this system is confirmed again this time. The apartment matches description and photos exactly as shown on the AIRBNB website. The kitchen contained everything I needed to prepare my own meals, including an assortment of pots/pans/cutlery. That is very important for a self-catering traveler like myself. Even so important is a work desk that allows some serious paper work, and offers room for a laptop with related equipment. The work desk that I found there was even larger than the photos show. In short, I was settled very soon. Somewhat less important are a washing machine (so I can pack less clothes) and a dishwasher. All the above was included in this apartment. =====
In short, the apartment met all my expectations, offering a convenient home during the Berlinale film festival. I left a very short list of recommendations for improvement, but I could not think of any serious shortcomings. There is one note of attention, though, due to building operations nearby. These did not bother me, as I had an early day schedule and was awake before them. I would recommend asking Elfie beforehand whether this still applies at your time of booking, especially if you like a lazy weekday.