The location is excellent, the apartment was roomy and comfortable, and the Cafe was the perfect place to end an evening. For less than $100/night, got a very stylish flat with plenty of space, a great bathroom with tub, a kitchen (no minibar!), a dvd/stereo/tv, a washer/dryer, and the feeling like you're actually living in Berlin, not just breezing through. The place was immaculate, and felt quite secure. The guesthouse, with a dozen or so rooms and apartments, is in the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood in east Berlin. It is an old working-class/industrial neighborhood going through a big revival. Gay-friendly and also lots of young families with kids in strollers. Plenty of small restaurants and cafes diffused throughout the area. The guesthouse itself is a few steps from the retail center of the neighborhood, including a movie theater and mall. My apartment faced a courtyard, and was very quiet. The Schonhauser Allee transit station is a block away, and it is a stop for the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and streetcar so it is a breeze getting around. Didn't sign up for the breakfast, but it costs less than 4 euros if you want to buy it separately any day. There is no reception desk, you just pop into the cafe next door to register and then check out. The only downside is that I didn't really want to leave the room to go out touring the city. You don't get that feeling at too many budget lodging options. We especially enjoyed the friendly and helpful staff in the cafe, although we are still tired from staying up late every night. San Francisco is boring -- give me Berlin any time! read more