a&o Berlin Friedrichshain

This is a very big hostel with hundreds of beds, though it did not feel cramped or loud. I had a quiet stay.   I stayed for 2 nights in a mixed dorm with three bunk beds and en-suite. The toilet and shower are separate which makes use easier. Hanson’s and shower gel is included, as is a hairdryer.   The room is spacious with tables and seating areas, this is also of use to those who on the top bunk who cannot sit on their bed as easily.  There is a mirror though a lack of hooks being only a hook and couple of hangers. The bed is of a metal frame and thus I was able to apply my travel straps and hooks to create places to hand my coat and bag. There is a locker big enough to take hand luggage sized bag (own lock needed).  The bed has a usb port for charging and a slot into which a phone will fit, though no individual light. The room has two lights and it is possible to turn on only one; the other people in my room came in and out at unsociable hours though we’re all respectful being quiet and also putting in the main light.   The mattress and pillow are comfy enough, you need to collect linen and make the bed yourself.  Everything was clean.  Reception is 24 hours though checking us via one of the 4 automated screens. It is through the machines that you do check in and pay tourist tax and the machine prints paper with your allocated room and bed number. You even activate the room card yourself. There is a sign in the desk with a map of blocks with room numbers in each one. That is all the welcome that you get; there is no explanation related to hostel layout or facilities. I had to ask in which direction to go to get to my block, the receptionist gave my directions and once I got to the room and found no bedding on the bed so went back to reception. The check in computer screen states that bed linen is provided free of charge and towels can be paid for at reception. The receptionist did not give me any bedding nor point to where to where to pick it up some thus I assumed the linen would be laid on the bed as in other hostels. The next day a person arriving in the room asked where he gets bed linen, he also did not get given any bedding even when talking with the receptionist. I do find it odd that you are expected to ask for the bedding: as this is the case I recommend updating the wording on the computer screen as it is ambiguous and gives the impression you only need to ask at reception if needing a towel.  There is a guest kitchen which has basic equipment: fridge, sink, microwave, 2 hot plates, 2 frying pans, 1 saucepan, some plates, bowls and some cutlery. There was one mug in which I made a cup of tea by heating water in the microwave. I recommend a kettle to boil water. The kitchen is sufficient for simple meals, making breakfast and sandwiches. I did not try the hostel breakfast.  There is one common area near reception with a bar and possibility to purchase food. Vending machines there. WiFi reliable. The common room can feel cramped when groups are there. There is good security as all entrance doors and lifts use card access. To access the guest kitchen ask at reception and they update your card.  The location is very good being 5 min walk from Ostkreuz train station. It is a direct line to Messe Nord where the bus station and FlixBus stop is. Easy to get public transportation into the cities. There are many shops, supermarkets and eating places nearby. Vegan kebab shop directly opposite.  Good value for money. I had a comfortable stay with no difficulties and I would stay again.

they didnt clean the room and bathroom at room the room card frequently stops so u have to go every time to the reception so they activate it again

Good basic room in a decent location 10mins walk from ostkreuz station. Recommend

Good location! Surrounded by markets, bars, restaurants, clubs and a 30 minute walk from East Side Gallery. Right next to Ostkreuz which is very handy. Kitchen wasn't the cleanest due to guests negligence and there was a constant unpleasant smell.

Its rooms are claustrophobic. We'll maintained but not up to the mark. Poor ventilation

Great location and friendly service. I enjoyed my short stay there.