BACKGROUND A mid-priced brand under the Hilton Worldwide Portfolio, Hampton was introduced in 1984 to meet demand of budget-conscious travellers who want the room rate to include all the needed amenities such as breakfast. Today, it means in-room wifi as well. There are currently 1,800 Hampton hotels in many parts of the world but not in Asia. That, however, will change soon as Hilton works to expand the brand’s presence internationally.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? It’s not difficult to spot this hotel once your taxi turns onto Uhlandstrasse – the bright-red neon sign of the hotel’s name was visible half a block away. I immediately had a good feeling about my stay as I entered the no-frills brown-brick building. The lobby area is IKEA-ish, but not in a bad way, with eye-catching couches, a white counter and Persian blue carpets and walls. The front-desk assistant was efficient and meticulous, as she explained when and where breakfast was served, and how I could access my in-room wifi. She also suggested that, since I was staying for five days, I get a WelcomeCard issued by the tourism office for €30 (US$41.3), and explained clearly what I could use it for. Another thing I liked about the hotel was the roomy elevators which, unlike those little boxes in many mid-price European hotels, did not require you to climb over your suitcase to fit in.
WHERE IS IT? Many visitors to Berlin like to stay on the east side of the city as it’s more eccentric and colourful, but during my stay I never felt too far from the action. Located between two main thoroughfares – Kantstrasse and Kurfurstendamm – the hotel is a short walk from many great shops and restaurants, as well as two U-Bahn stations, Uhlandstrasse and Zoologischer Garten. The latter was the one I used most, since it’s one of the most important transport hubs in the city. It only takes 10 minutes to walk there, and once on the train you are no more than 20 minutes away from Alexanderplatz and Hackescher Markt, from where you can walk to Museum Island and the most happening parts of Berlin.
ROOM FACILITIES I was in Room 515, which was a “family room with a sofa”. The décor was simple but very pleasant, with ultramarine cushions, golden brown curtains and a panelled collage of photos above the headboard showing Berlin landmarks. The 26-inch flatscreen TV was a nice surprise – but then this is a relatively new hotel so CRT TVs would not have made sense. The window looked out to the service lot at the back of the building, but it didn’t bother me too much. The lighting was just right: spotlights illuminated the entrance area and the wall, and there was always enough light where I wanted it. The oval-shaped work desk was a good size, but the sockets next to it were European. Fortunately, plenty of adapters are available at reception. Since the in-room internet could only support one gadget at a time, I had to log off before switching between my computer and my phone. Housekeeping, which is outsourced, did a fantastic job as everything had been made very neat and clean each time I returned to the room.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS The open-plan layout of the lobby is meant to be multifunctional, and it also serves as an entertainment space. There are lounge areas, a computer corner, the HUB Bar, which is open 24 hours a day (although I never saw anyone using it), and function spaces on one side. Breakfast is served at the lobby, and guests can sit anywhere they like, including the conference rooms when they are not being used. You help yourself to everything, including coffee, tea and juices, and breakfast items include cereals, cold cuts, toast, eggs (which you boil yourself) and a selection of the usual hot breakfast choices such as sausages and bacon.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There are Hampton 1, 2 and 3 meeting rooms, each at 30 sqm (340 sq ft), as well as the Hampton Suite at 95 sqm (1,020 sq ft). Seven different set-ups can be done with each of them, and in theatre style the suite can hold up to 120 people.
LEISURE FACILITIES There is a small gym in the basement with treadmills, a ski machine, a press bench, weights and yoga mats.
VERDICT A hotel that offers value for money. The location is simply perfect: I was never more than 30 minutes from places I wanted to visit. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable, and for a mid-range hotel, the environment is very comfortable.
FACT FILE
HOW MANY ROOMS 214 in four categories – queen bed with sofa, queen bed with office table, queen bed with balcony, and twin bed room (some with balconies). They measure 21-23 sqm.
ROOM HIGHLIGHTS Rooms are simple with just enough detail to make them special, such as picture collages above the headboard showing landmarks of the city, eye-catching ultramarine cushions and the flatscreen TV
PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in the second half of November start from €60.35 (US$82)
CONTACT Uhlandstrasse 188-189; tel +49 30 405 0270; www.hamptonbyhilton.com
Reggie Ho
