Berlin's BEST Apartments? Goodman's Living Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the kaleidoscope that is Berlin's BEST Apartments? Goodman's Living Awaits! Forget those sterile, corporate hotel reviews – I'm here to give you the REAL DEAL. The good, the bad, and the slightly bizarre. Let's go!
SEO-Ready Title: Berlin's BEST Apartments? Goodman's: A Surprisingly Awesome Stay (Accessibility, Spa, and Seriously Cool Vibes!)
First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle (Because, Let's Be Honest, It Matters!)
Right off the bat, Goodman's is trying. And that, my friends, is half the battle. Accessibility? They've got some serious points right here. Wheelchair accessible areas? Check. Elevator? Thank goodness, because my legs are not what they used to be after a full day of exploring Berlin's history. The website claims everything is up to the necessary standards, but I'd still suggest calling ahead to confirm specific room details if you have particular needs. Because, honestly, some "accessible" rooms still have bathrooms that feel like they were designed by someone who's never used a wheelchair.
And a HUGE shoutout to the fact that they have facilities for disabled guests. That shows a genuine effort, not just a tick-box exercise.
The Wi-Fi Whisperer / The Internet Saga
Okay, so crucial information! Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! And you know what that means, my friends? No more hunting for a decent signal in the lobby! Amen to that. They also offer Internet access – LAN, for those who are into that old-school wired life apparently.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Crucial? Absolutely! The thing is, you want to be able to enjoy the amenities, right? A good bar or restaurant that you can actually get to is a significant plus, and I’ll be getting into what they really offer later. A good hotel that is truly accessible makes you feel relaxed, which is what we are after!
Spa Daydreams & Fitness Fantasies (Or, “How Goodman’s Tried to Get Me to Relax”)
Alright, let's be honest: I'm not exactly a spa enthusiast. Mostly because I'm terrified of being oiled and prodded. BUT, Goodman's throws a lot at the wall in the relaxation department. Spa/sauna, a Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap. Basically, if you’re into pampering yourself, you can probably do it here. They are really trying to be a luxurious hotel, and I appreciate the effort!
My big splurge? The massage. I went for a deep tissue, because, you know, Berlin. My masseuse, a lovely woman named Ursula, was clearly a master of her craft. She found knots I didn't even know existed. And, while I'm not sure I emerged from the massage room completely renewed, I did feel a lot less like a pretzel. The pool with a view was gorgeous, even though I preferred to relax by the pool.
But seriously the masseuse… She was excellent!
Cleanliness & Safety: The Covid Crucible
Let’s get real. Travel in the post-pandemic world is a thing. And Goodman’s absolutely gets it. They are actually doing a great job with the standard operating procedures!
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.* Anti-viral cleaning products? Check!
- Staff trained in safety protocol? I saw them cleaning constantly, and the staff were always wearing masks, so it's a good sign. Rooms sanitized between stays? Sounds good!
- Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. You can’t escape it! Which (kinda) makes sense.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? This is HUGE. They let you make your own decisions. That’s a sign of trust.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because, Let's Face It, Food is Life!)
Alright, food. This is where it gets interesting. Goodman’s has a decent restaurant selection. Restaurants, a La carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, Breakfast takeaway service, Bottle of water, Room service [24-hour], Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, etc. It’s a lot!
I have to say the breakfast buffet, was pretty good. Not gourmet, but decent quality and more than enough to get you going.
Services, Conveniences & The Little Extras
- Air conditioning: A godsend during a Berlin heatwave!
- Concierge: Always helpful with directions and recommendations.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning: Essential for us messy travelers.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless
- Food delivery: Perfect for those late-night cravings.
- Currency exchange: Super convenient.
- Luggage storage: Because you will shop 'til you drop in Berlin!
For the Kids (Because Being a Parent is Exhausting Enough!)
Goodman's tries hard to be family/child friendly. They even have a Babysitting service. Kids meal, too. It is nice to see a hotel go that extra mile.
Available in all rooms
- Additional toilet: Good for those who need to go at all times of the day.
- Air conditioning: Nice!
- Alarm clock: No problem
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom phone
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – LAN
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- On-demand movies
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Safety/security feature
- Satellite/cable channels
- Scale
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Visual alarm
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
Getting Around (Because, Seriously, You Need to Get Around!)
Goodman's is pretty well-located, close to public transport, which is essential for exploring Berlin. They offer Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
The Quirks & The Imperfections (Because Perfection is Boring!)
Okay, so let's be real. Goodman's isn't flawless. My room, although spotless, was a little… clinical. Like a very well-designed, but slightly sterile, hospital room. But that is something I can live with.
The Verdict & The All-Important Offer
So, is Goodman's Living Awaits worth the hype? Absolutely. It’s a solid choice for your Berlin adventure. The staff are friendly, the amenities are plentiful, and the accessibility options are genuinely appreciated.
The Offer: Your Berlin Adventure Awaits!
Book your stay at Goodman's Living Awaits and receive:
- A free upgrade to a room with a view! (Subject to availability)
- A complimentary bottle of local German wine upon arrival.
- 15% off a spa treatment of your choice.
- Free late check-out (based on availability).
- Get a free coupon for a taxi ride, which will help you get around Berlin like a local!
Click here and say “I’m ready to experience Berlin in comfort and style!” to unlock your amazing stay at Goodman's Living Awaits!
Remember to:
- Book early, because Goodman's is popular!
- **Mention the "Berlin Adventure Offer" when
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't gonna be your sanitized, perfectly-planned travelogue. This is… me in Berlin, at Goodman's Living Apartments (which, by the way, sounded fancier online than it actually is – seriously, the "living" part is more like…well, surviving).
Berlin Blitz: A Messy, Magnificent Mess
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Slog (Ugh)
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Tegel Airport (RIP Tegel, you beautiful, compact mess). The plane was delayed (shocking, I know), and I’m already battling a serious case of airplane-induced fog. I’m pretty sure I saw a pigeon on the tarmac give me the side-eye. Welcome to Berlin, I guess?
- 11:00 AM: Taxi into town. I swore I’d learn some German phrases before I came. Turns out, “Danke” and “Bier, bitte” only get you so far. The taxi driver just sighed a lot. Berliners seem to be experts in the side-eye too.
- 12:30 PM: Goodman's Living Apartments. "Living." Right. It's…functional. The key card got jammed in the door twice. Already questioning my life choices.
- 1:00 PM: Finally in. Luggage unpacked (read: chucked onto the floor). The tiny kitchenette is mocking me. Seriously, where am I supposed to live in this thing? Where are the comfy chairs? The sunlight? At least there’s a fridge. Gotta find some decent beer. This "Living" thing is going to be HARD.
- 2:00 PM: Walk to a local supermarket (REWE, I think it was). I'd heard about German efficiency – expecting a breeze. Found myself baffled by the sheer variety of sausages. So many sausages! Eventually gave up and grabbed some bread, cheese, and what looked like a suspiciously neon-green yogurt. Fuel. Needed fuel.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Trying to "recover" from that grocery expedition by sitting near a cafe. Found myself staring into the eyes of a man, which seemed to be the only way I received acknowledgement. I wanted to say hi, but feared I'd somehow break some Berlin rule.
- 6:00 PM: Beer. Finally. Found a tiny pub near the apartment. The beer was wonderful. Felt a faint flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this wouldn’t COMPLETELY suck.
- 7:00 PM: Wander. Get lost. The perfect Berlin start. Walked past the Brandenburg Gate. It’s… big. And imposing. Took a picture. Felt a pang of touristy guilt. Vowed to be more "authentic."
- 8:00 PM: Trying to read a guidebook. My attention span is fried. Ordered a late-night Döner Kebab. It's okay but I'm still really hungry.
- 9:00 PM: Crash. Bed. So tired. Thinking about my next day in Berlin. Praying for no more key card trauma!
Day 2: History, Hysteria, and the Best Currywurst Ever (Seriously)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Still alive! Success! But the tiny kitchenette continues to be a source of low-level dread. Made some instant coffee. Gagged slightly.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Museum time. Went to the Topography of Terror, which is basically a museum built on the site of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters. Brutal, sobering history. Felt so physically drained, but also intensely grateful to be there and learn. Realized I had a lot to learn. Stared blankly at a display relating how they killed people. Then I thought, "Where is the free museum wifi?!"
- 1:30 PM: Lunch: The aforementioned search for the BEST currywurst. (This is vital now.) Found a legendary stand near, well, somewhere. It was a small stand, which meant it must be good.
- Anecdote: The guy serving it barely looked at me. Just silently slid a plate of glistening sausage, spicy sauce, and fries across the counter. It. Was. Heaven. Pure, unadulterated, carb-filled heaven. Ate it standing up in the cold. Didn't care. Best meal of my life!
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Stumbled around Checkpoint Charlie. Total tourist trap. Didn't care. Took a picture with the actors/soldiers. Felt like a total idiot, and loved every second of it.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Trying the local experience. Going to a vinyl record store and trying to be cool. Eventually tried to talk to the shop owner. He immediately asked, "What you looking for?" I have no idea. Left, ashamed.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a traditional German kneipe (pub). Had a schnitzel the size of my head. Overwhelmed. Also incredibly happy.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the apartment. Maybe I'm okay. Still not entirely sold, but it's a start. Thinking about the currywurst. Longingly. Dreaming of sausage.
Day 3: The Wall, the Art, and the Realization I'm a Mess
- 9:00 AM: Coffee (slightly less awful than yesterday). Contemplating the meaning of life, still with my own tiny kitchen.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: East Side Gallery. The longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall, turned into an open-air art gallery. Powerful. Moving. Thought about how everyone in the group there was "so into" the art and that they were "probably cooler" than me. I just kept walking.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Pergamon Museum. Overwhelming. So much history! So many ancient artifacts! I got lost. Got frustrated. Sat down and stared at a colossal altar, wondering how anyone built it. Then got distracted by a group of schoolchildren. Felt old and insignificant.
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Shopping. Found the store 'Badesalz'. It looks like an art store, but is basically a store for souvenirs. Buying something made me feel slightly fulfilled.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: I went to a local beer garden. It was gorgeous, even on a chilly day. The beer was flowing, the people were great, and someone played live guitar. All the sudden, I felt a sense of peace.
- 6:00 PM: Trying to plan a dinner. But I'm tired. I'm lost. I'm hungry. I feel so alone.
- 6:30 PM: I walk alone to a local burger place. It was great. I started to cry.
- 7:00 PM: I go back to my apartment.
Day 4: Leaving, and the Subtle, Powerful Allure of Berlin
- 9:00 AM: Packing. Sighing. The kitchen is still trying to intimidate me. Wondering if I'll ever fully understand what it means to "live" in an apartment.
- 10:00 AM: One last walk around the neighborhood. Seeing the things I'm going to miss.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi. Back to Tegel. The pigeon is not there to greet me.
- 12:00 PM: Leaving.
- 1:00 PM: Sitting on the plane, already thinking about my next trip to Berlin. And the currywurst. Always the currywurst.
- Thoughts: My mind is still a mess. Berlin is still a mess. But somewhere in the mess, I found something. A hint of something real. Maybe I’ll figure out what “living” really means someday. But for now, I’m taking the plane!
Berlin's BEST Apartments? Goodman's Living Awaits! (Let's Be Honest)
Okay, Goodman's... Are They REALLY "Best"? Like, *actually*?
Alright, let's cut the bull. "Best" is subjective, right? But after slogging through Berlin apartment hunting – the Hunger Games of real estate, honestly – I've got a LOT to say. Goodman's? They're... *interesting*. Look, I moved to Berlin with visions of a sun-drenched Altbau, exposed brick, the whole shebang. Reality? I spent three weeks living in a dodgy hostel chain that smelled perpetually of stale beer and existential dread. Goodman's felt like a lifeline.
So, "best"? No, probably not. But "significantly better than sleeping on a friend's futon while dodging their cat and questionable cooking habits because you can't find anything even remotely habitable"? HELL YES. The best *for me*? Potentially. It's about manageability, people.
My first inspection? The *kitchen*… my god, the kitchen looked like it hadn’t been touched since the Wall fell. But the apartment was bright, it had REAL HOT water… and it was available. That’s how you pick in Berlin, friends. Desperation.
The Price. Let's Talk Numbers. Is it a Bank Breaker?
Alright, the juicy stuff. Let's be real, Berlin is becoming expensive. It's the damn avocado toast effect. Goodman's… look, they're not *cheap*. You’re not going to find a steal here. Think of it as a compromise; you pay a bit more for predictability and, crucially, not having to fight a horde of other desperate expats for the privilege.
I remember the landlord's face when I asked about the "Nebenkosten" - the ancillary costs. He just sighed, like he'd heard it a thousand times. And then, the *real* fun started… explaining what those covered. Honestly, I think half of it goes towards keeping the local pigeons well-fed and in crisp, *unquestionably* clean clothing. Just budget more than you think, okay? And learn German, it helps with the bill explanations. Trust me on that one.
What’s the Vibe? Are We Talking "Trendy Prenzlauer Berg" or "Gritty Neukölln"?
This is where it gets nuanced. The "vibe" depends *entirely* on the specific Goodman's building. They have properties all over, which is a blessing and a curse. You might luck out and find yourself in a gorgeous, renovated Altbau in a cool neighborhood. Or… you might end up in a less-than-glamorous block a bit further out, a place that feels more like a practical solution than your stylish Berlin dream.
My experience? My first Goodman's place was… let’s say, "functional." It was in a perfectly fine area, but the building itself had a distinct aroma of "used-to-be-a-cigarette-factory." The courtyard? Well, let's just say it wasn't winning any gardening awards. Okay? But the *neighbors*? They were AMAZING. A Polish baker who always shared his strudel, a retired opera singer who practiced religiously (bless him!), and a guy who could fix anything with a paperclip. THAT, friends, is the Berlin vibe, not some overpriced hipster haven.
Any Hidden Costs or Gotchas? Spill the Beans!
Okay, buckle up, because this is where things get…complicated. Berlin, bless its soul, has a LOT of rules. Goodman's, from my experience, is pretty good about being upfront, but ALWAYS read the contract THOROUGHLY. Seriously. Get a translator if you need one. Because you'll be signing a legally binding document, and you’ll regret it if you don’t understand what you’re agreeing to.
Things to watch out for: the "Kaution" (deposit) - always a big chunk of money. "Mieterhöhung" clauses (rent increases) - Berlin rents are going up, be aware. And be VERY, VERY careful about renovations. I once had a Goodman's management person knock ONCE and then start drilling. You can bet I was running out of my apartment in a state of absolute panic.
Oh, and internet. Don't assume it's included. It probably isn't. Consider it a whole new expense.
What's the Application Process REALLY Like? Fast? Slow? Soul-Crushing?
Honestly? It depends. The Berlin apartment hunt is a rollercoaster. The Goodman's application process… usually faster than some other landlords. They’re a business, after all, and they want to fill those apartments. But it's still not a walk in the park. Expect to provide a mountain of paperwork. Think "Bank statements, SCHUFA (credit report), proof of income." German bureaucracy at its finest.
My advice? Get EVERYTHING ready in advance. Have all your documents translated if necessary (and get them notarized, if asked; sigh). Be polite, be persistent, and don't get discouraged if you don't hear back immediately. I know someone who waited three *months* for approval. I went batty. Seriously, I was this close to just renting a tent in Tempelhof. The waiting is killer.
Okay, But Is Goodman's Right for *Me*?
Look, am I going to lie? Goodman's isn't perfect. I've had leaky faucets, grumpy neighbors, and a few moments of serious doubt about my life choices in their buildings. BUT… here’s the honest truth: if you're new to Berlin or just burnt out on the endless apartment search struggle, Goodman's *can* be a solid option. It's a shortcut.
If you're looking for a perfectly Instagrammable apartment with vintage furniture and a rooftop terrace… you might need to keep searching. If you want something *livable*, relatively easy, and that won't completely obliterate your sanity? Give Goodman's a shot. Just go in with your eyes open, a healthy dose of skepticism, and a sense of humor. You'll need it. Welcome to Berlin.
Oh, and buy earplugs. You'll need those too.
