PLUS Hostel Berlin: Luxury for Backpackers

“You have champagne tastes on a beer budget.” 

I’ve been told this many times, mostly since I want to travel all the time but don’t want to save up enough money for it. But when I arrived in Berlin, I found out that I can have both. PLUS Hostel Berlin is luxury accommodation on a backpacker budget. They started out as a modest campground in Italy and have since grown to become one of the highest-rated hostel chains in Europe.

After spending a few days in a crowded dorm room in Hamburg, I was excited about the prospect of having my own room in Berlin. I checked in early in the morning and the lovely girl at the desk made sure my room was ready soon after. I didn’t know it at the time, but this room became my haven in surviving a bad travel day.

I was very impressed that the hostel had someone at the desk every minute of the day. Located within walking distance of both the U-Bahn and S-Bahn, once I found the hostel it was very easy to get into central Berlin from there. I even found myself an American bar just a short walk from the hostel!

Upon checkin, I received a wristband that allowed me daily breakfast. I was so excited to see real eggs! I had grown tired of pieces of stale toast at other establishments. Every morning I stuffed myself on eggs, cheese, salami, toast, a cup of orange juice and a cup of tea.

There were many school groups and tour groups like Topdeck and Contiki staying at the hostel. It is a very large place and I was on the 4th floor. I was spoiled with my room, which included a bathroom with a hairdryer, sheets, a wardrobe, desk and flat-screen television, perfect for watching election coverage on CNN.

It’s the extra touches, however, that made me fall in love with this place. Do you know many other hostels with their own pool and sauna? I didn’t go for a dip this time as my swimsuit had been stolen already. The only thing I wish is that the WiFi was more reliable on the top floor. I had the best connection in the lobby, but it was patchy in my room.

I can’t talk about PLUS without discussing their Opera Restaurant, where I treated myself to a portion of rigatoni carbonara and a glass of red wine on my first and most trying day in Berlin. The staff is mostly Italian, so you know it’s going to be good. The bar stays open until midnight and has plenty of drink specials should you be so inclined.

And oh yeah, bunnies. In the courtyard there is an art gallery and three resident rabbits. Why not? I hope you will check out PLUS if you are ever in Berlin. Alternatively, you can stay with them in Prague, Florence and Rome.

My stay at PLUS Hostel Berlin was complimentary, but all opinions are my own, even if they did stuff me with free breakfast every day.