Hotels in Berlin tend to be expensive and the rack rate for the Dorint Novotel Am Tiergarten is no exception. However, if you visit their website and are prepared to accept a 'no cancel/no change' deal, which is debited from your credit card at the time of booking, you can secure a price which is WAY below average. I paid 49 euros a night for single use of a double room.

The hotel is very comfortable indeed. Rooms are nicely furnished and well thought out, with plenty of storage space, an electronic safe big enough to house a laptop, coffee/tea making facilities, minibar, TV, desk and a sofa. The large bed was very comfortable and I particularly liked the big pillows. The heating was very efficient and controlled by thermostat.

The bathrooms are also very nice, with a bathtub on one side and a walk-in shower cubicle on the other. The designer basins are a very interesting shape and are surrounded by plenty of surface for toiletries etc. There is also a hairdryer, make-up mirror, tissues etc.

Breakfast was not included in my room rate and was a steep 17 euros to I didn't try it, preferring to get something cheaper elsewhere. I did have dinner in the hotel one night but thought it was expensive for what I got.

There is a large and comfortable bar but when I was there, it was full of noisy businessmen so I only visited it once during the day for a coffee.

My only complaint was that there is no WiFi internet connection in the rooms and the broadband is extremely expensive. WiFi is available in the lobby and bar area but again, it's very expensive. Obviously this is to maximise profit from business clientele but I wish these hotels would consider leisure travellers on a budget and make their Internet facilites more affordable! Having said that though, there are 2 PCs in the business area just off the lobby where you can access the Internet free of charge and they both have printers attached, also free to use.

As other reviewers have said, the hotel is slightly out of the city centre and has nothing around it but that really isn't a problem. The train station is RIGHT opposite and trains are very fequent until late at night. In one direction, you can be in the city centre in 10 minutes and in the other, Zoo station is only one stop. You can also catch direct trains to Potsdam. It's on the direct S9 line from Berlin Schoenefeld Airport (approx. 40 mins) and there is a lift from the platform down to the street if you have heavy luggage.

I will definitely stay here on future visits to Berlin and would recommend it to anyone who wants a first class hotel without paying exhorbitant prices.