Our Verdict: “A stylish Berlin stay that tries hard but falls short.”
The Radisson Red Berlin aims for a mix between business and lifestyle, with bold design touches and a youthful vibe. It’s a modern, slightly edgy space filled with pops of red, graphic art and casual furniture. The atmosphere leans more functional than polished. It’s fine for a short work trip or city break, but it doesn’t quite reach the energy or comfort level the brand promises. Think of it as a practical stopover with some personality rather than a standout Berlin stay.
In this review:
- Hotel Summary
- Location
- Check-in
- Our Room
- Facilities & Services
- Food and Beverage
- Check-out
- BG1 Verdict
Hotel Summary
Name: Radisson Red Berlin Ku’damm
Location: Joachimsthaler Strasse 28-29, Charlottenburg, Berlin, Germany
Hotel Class: ☆☆☆☆
Chain: Radisson Hotel Group
Loyalty Programme: Radisson Rewards
Room Type: Accessible Room (Standard King)
Room #: 709
Price bracket: £££
Competing brands: Moxy, niu, Motel One
Good for: Business travellers, couples, short city breaks
Accepts pets? Yes (pet-friendly rooms available for a fee)
Location
The Radisson Red Berlin sits firmly in the shopping heart of West Berlin. You’re a few steps from Ku’damm, the city’s most famous boulevard lined with designer boutiques, restaurants and coffee bars. The area feels safe and lively, but it’s not particularly close to Berlin’s main tourist sights like the Brandenburg Gate or Museum Island. It’s about 20 minutes by U-Bahn or 15 my taxi. If your plan is to shop, eat, and people-watch, it’s a great base; if sightseeing is your goal, you’ll spend a little more time on transport. It’s also close to Berlin Zoo, Aquarium Berlin, and Tiergarten park, so you don’t have to go far for a bit of nature.
Check-in
Check-in at the Radisson Red Berlin was quick and efficient. I arrived for a work trip, and after giving my name, the front-desk team found my reservation on a paper list. It’s a slightly old-school touch for such a modern brand. Within minutes, I had my key card and room number, well before the official 3 p.m. check-in time, which was a nice surprise.
The staff were friendly enough, if a little detached. There’s no traditional lobby counter here; instead, a few tall desks merge into the bar area, keeping with the “lifestyle hotel” vibe. It all feels quite casual, though the layout can be confusing if you’re checking in with luggage or arriving during a busy time.
Room
I got a Premium Room – Courtyard View, which was noticeably larger than my colleagues’ standard rooms. In fact, some of them had singles, so mine felt almost luxurious by comparison. Oddly, it was also an accessible layout, yet still had a step into the bathroom. The room itself was bright and airy, with plenty of sunlight streaming through the courtyard-facing windows, making it feel calm and private compared to the street side.
Lighting, however, was a real issue. Aside from one bedside lamp and a dim hallway bulb, the space was so dark I had to use the TV as extra light just to get ready. On the plus side, the bed was great – firm yet comfortable, with crisp sheets.
Being on the seventh floor meant it was mostly quiet, though the hotel’s “lifestyle” vibe came through a bit too strongly: loud lobby music echoed into the corridors and occasionally into the room. Great if you’re heading out for the night, less so when you’re trying to join a work call.
Facilities & Services
Facilities at the Radisson Red Berlin lean towards minimal but functional. The gym is compact and positioned right by the street, so passers-by can easily see in. It may be a motivation for some, nightmare for others. There’s no pool or spa, but rooms come with a garment steamer instead of an iron, which was surprisingly handy and quick to use.
Staff service was generally fine, though I didn’t have much interaction beyond check-in and breakfast. Housekeeping did a solid job of keeping the room tidy and replenished daily.
Bars & Dining
Breakfast was served until 11 a.m. on Sundays, which is generous. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived around 10, the buffet area was a bit of a mess: tables uncleared, crumbs everywhere and the hot dishes looking tired. It’s a shame because the selection itself — pastries, eggs, fruit, cold cuts — was fine, and the coffee machine made a decent cup.
The hotel’s bar doubles as a social hub in the evening, with occasional DJ nights that bring a bit of Berlin nightlife inside. For those looking for something quieter or more local, there are plenty of cafés and bakeries within a few minutes’ walk.
Check-out
Check-out mirrored check-in: fast and efficient. I left my headphones behind and had to drive back later and thank goodness for Apple’s “Find My” feature, which led me straight to them behind reception, pinging away. On the last day the main lift was out of service, and since my room was on the seventh floor, hauling luggage down wasn’t ideal. There’s a secondary lift, but it only goes up to six. Had I been in a rush or less mobile, this could’ve been a real issue.
BG1 Verdict
The Radisson Red Berlin delivers on comfort and convenience, but misses the mark on practicality. The bed was great, the location unbeatable for shopping, and the room cleaned daily. But poor lighting, wannabe music in the hallways and breakfast quality take some shine off the experience.
Would I stay again? Probably not by choice but if you want a central base near Ku’damm with a modern design and easy metro access, it’s a solid, if slightly eccentric, option.
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