Vienna House Andel's Berlin

Reception staff were friendly and upgraded our room at no cost. Suite was large and included bath, 2 toilets, kitchenette, 2 tv's, bathrobes and slippers for a spa visit. Could be an ideal space for a family weekend.

Room smelled like smoke. No soap in either bathroom or the kitchen. We went downstairs to the spa. A nice young woman greeted us in English, gave us towels and told us about the facilities: a large whirlpool (i.e. jacuzzi) big enough for about 12 people, a sauna, foot baths, steam-room (I think) and various massage and treatment facilities. She showed us in and we turned the corner to see the whirlpool--with a naked couple in it. Nudity is common at beaches and spas here in Germany, especially in the former east. This usually doesn't bother us in saunas, steam rooms, etc., but this couple was clearly in flagrante. We walked past quickly and sat down around the corner. The place is large and nicely appointed, but there were wet towels all over the floors. We tried the foot baths, hoping we were wrong about what we'd seen. We weren't. When the sounds of the love-making became impossible to ignore, we left the way we came in, walking briskly past the couple as they floated spread-eagle across the entire span of the pool. Grossed out, we went back to our room, packed up and left. The manager offered us another upgrade, but we demured. We'd read this was a 4-star hotel. The manager insited it was. Granted, we never got to the bar or restaurant, but there's nothing 4-star about the place. It might have some good deals, depending on what you're looking for. But even without the free XXX show, it's not even a 3-stars for a business overnighter. Staff was reasonable, but there was nothing they could do about the booking fee. So, essentially, we paid Eu100 for an impromptu peep show, and left to find another place for our special overnight.