Plus Berlin
Plus Hostels is very much at the forefront of the new revolution in redefining the hostelling experience.
Location
Their Berlin branch is in an excellent location just off Warschauer Strasse near the S-Bahn station so you’re well connected to the Hauptbahnhof and the heart of Berlin. The east side gallery-one of the remaining stretches of the Berlin Wall is a few hundred yards away, there’s a clutch of cool bars in the area and across the bridge you have the hip Watergate club.
Top features
One key signature of the Plus Hostels is that they have a swimming pool and sauna.
Hostels and swimming pools?
Swimming pool at Plus Berlin
I know.
The moment I walk in and see the pool I suddenly have an image of crazy pool parties.
The idea of a swimming pool in a hostel seems utterly fantastic yet a recipe for total anarchy
The reception staff told me that they did have pool parties before but it predictably descended into chaos and was stopped soon after.
Top tip: When I visit the pool in the afternoon, it’s quiet with not a soul around.
The school groups have left for the day so it was serene.
Plus Berlin Garden
The sun is out after a few days of rain.
The perfect place to relax in Plus is the hostel courtyard and garden.
Few of the guests are drinking in the mellow June sunshine, relaxing on the deck chairs, sleeping off the excesses of the night before.
Plus Hostel Rabbit 🙂
The presence of a few pet rabbits scurrying around adds to the sense of tranquillity.
There are a series of wrought iron sculptures on exhibition in the garden.
I am told they are part of a mobile exhibition known as the Tacheles. Since they were evicted from their home, the Tacheles has become a mobile art exhibition presenting contemporary arts works and their temporary home is the garden of Plus Berlin.
They are exciting plans to introduce art design classes for guests next year so definitely something to look out for when you visit the hostel.
Opera Restaurant and Bar
Another defining space within the hostel is the Opera restauarant and bar.
It’s an impressive room with polished wooden floors, vaulted ceilings adorned by a series of kitsch circular lampshades.
The centrepiece of the room is the impressively stocked long bar.
Cool library in Opera Restauarant and Bar, Plus Berlin
To the front they have a huge projector screen showing all the big games and also a well stocked library of books which guests can use.
Adjoining the front , there is a room with pool table.
In the evenings, you can enjoy a choice of pizza or pasta dishes for a small price.
At night the bar is a great place to hang out and meet fellow guests.
The rooms itself are very spacious , clean and comfortable.
I stayed in the double room within the ‘hotel’ wing of the hostel.
Rooms come with ensuite bathroom – decent size and fantastic power shower plus also add-one like a hairdryer.
Room price start at 38 euros a night going upto 60 in the high season.
If you’re travelling in a group, recommend checking out their 6 bed dorm rooms which have 2 ensuite bathrooms –at just 13 euros a night per person, these rooms represent a great deal.
The staff were some of the friendliest I’ve come across so far- extremely helpful, cheerful and lots of great tips for places to eat, drink nearby.
Verdict
Plus Berlin is an awesome hostel- I really enjoyed my stay here and definitely recommend staying here as an option when you visit Berlin.
Wow, at 13 euros with ensuite bath and swimming pool I might actually stay in that 6 – bed dorm room. Sounds like a great deal.
It’s a really nice place Ellen.
Definitely worth checking out for your next trip to Berlin 🙂
Great review Kash! I definitely think PLUS is at the heart of a hostel revolution. PLUS Berlin being the pinicle!
When I hear pool and hostel I immediately flash to a disgusting swamp of a place… but that looks incredible! Love the pool party comment and that they tried it, and yes, it did actually turn into chaos. Travelers are so predictable sometimes!