Hotel Riu Plaza Berlin

​Hotel Riu Plaza Berlin felt less like a hotel and more like a crowded public area. Between safety concerns and an unwelcoming atmosphere, this stay fell well short of expectations. ​The Critique: ​Initial Room Assignment & Poor Layout: We were initially placed in a room with direct scaffolding right outside the windows. When we requested a change due to discomfort, the staff handled it very reluctantly. Even in the replacement room, the windows were positioned absurdly high up, forcing you to stand and peer over just to look outside. ​ Security & Safety Issues: The property did not feel secure at all. On one occasion, a creepy-looking delivery driver walked up to reception and was allowed straight up to the 7th floor without proper security verification ​Impersonal Atmosphere: The entire hotel has a chaotic, public-transit-hub atmosphere rather than a restful, welcoming environment. ​Verdict: If you value security, peace, and attentive hospitality, I would look elsewhere in Berlin. The chaotic environment and security oversights made for an uncomfortable stay.

I was very disappointed with my experience, particularly with the security staff. I felt that I was treated differently because I am gay. They avoided making eye contact, spoke in a dismissive manner, and when I returned to the hotel and asked them to unlock the door, I felt as though I was being looked down on and questioned unnecessarily about why I was coming back at that hour. As someone who travels frequently and has stayed in hotels around the world, I expect to be treated with courtesy and respect regardless of my sexual orientation. Unfortunately, that was not my experience here. Because of how I was made to feel, I would not choose to stay at this hotel again.