RIU Plaza Berlin Review: Perfect Location, Tired Rooms

Table of Contents

• The Verdict: Location Wins, Rooms Lose
• Why We Chose RIU Plaza Berlin
• First Impressions vs Reality
• The Suite: Freestanding Bath Dreams, Maintenance Nightmares
• Location: Berlin's Gay Scene on Your Doorstep
• LGBTQ+ Welcome & Safety
• Is RIU Plaza Berlin Worth It?
• Quick Berlin Travel Guide
• FAQ

The Verdict: Location Wins, Rooms Lose

The receptionist smiled as she handed us key cards. "You're on the 14th floor. Great views." She wasn't wrong about the views.

We stayed at RIU Plaza Berlin for 3 nights in January 2025. Cost ran €150 per night (£128) for a suite including that Instagram-worthy freestanding bath we'd seen in photos.

Here's what matters: The location is genuinely brilliant. Five minutes walk from KaDeWe, 10-15 minutes from Schöneberg's gay bars, excellent U-Bahn connections. The suite felt spacious at 57 square metres. The staff were friendly and professional.

But the rooms look tired. Scuffed paintwork, marks on carpets, large chips in wooden floors. Everything felt worn rather than crisply maintained. Not dirty exactly, but definitely not the pristine room you'd expect from a 4-star property at this price.

Primary strength: Location between shopping (KaDeWe, Ku'damm) and Schöneberg's gay scene.

Primary weakness: Tired rooms with visible wear that need refreshing to justify the price.

We paid €150 per night in January. Looking back? We'd rather pay €120 for something smaller but better maintained, or stretch to €180 for somewhere genuinely polished.

Why We Chose RIU Plaza Berlin

We were heading to Germany for January sales and found a good rate at RIU Plaza. We've explored plenty of Berlin hotels but hadn't tried RIU despite its excellent location near Wittenbergplatz and KaDeWe.

The photos showed a sleek modern lobby and suites with freestanding baths. The location looked spot on for accessing both shopping and Schöneberg's gay bars. With no hotel status to leverage for upgrades elsewhere, we thought we'd give it a go.

What could go wrong? Well, as it turns out, quite a bit.

For more on Berlin, check out our Berlin Pride 2025 guide.

First Impressions vs Reality

Stepping into the lobby, we were genuinely impressed. The 17-storey building built in 2015 boasts modern luxury with floor-to-ceiling windows and oversized sculptures. Check-in was smooth, staff were friendly without being over the top, and the whole vibe felt more upscale than the price suggested.

The suite was genuinely spacious. Separate living area with sofa, desk, and massive TV. Bedroom with proper king-size bed. And that bathroom? The freestanding bath sat centre stage with separate rainfall shower tucked to the side.

Unfortunately, the room looked very tired. Scuffed paintwork, marks on carpet, lots of large chips in wooden floors. The whole suite desperately needed a refresh. Not dirty, but definitely not the crisp pristine room you'd expect from 4-star property in this price range.

The views from the 14th floor were brilliant though. Proper Berlin cityscape sprawling out below. With those floor-to-ceiling windows, the room felt light.

💡 TIP: Request a higher floor when booking. The city views make a massive difference and you're further from street noise around Wittenbergplatz.

The Suite: Freestanding Bath Dreams, Maintenance Nightmares

Our suite measured 57 square metres split into three spaces. Bedroom with king bed (comfortable enough, though nothing special), living area with workspace plus lounging options, and bathroom as its own statement piece.

What We Liked:

• Genuinely spacious by European city standards
• Freestanding bath was Instagram-worthy
• Separate shower with proper rainfall head
• Good quality toiletries, bathrobes, slippers provided
• Mini-fridge (empty, so you can stock it yourself)
• Tablet controls for lighting, temperature, curtains
• Floor-to-ceiling windows with masses of natural light

What Let It Down:

• Visible wear throughout (scuffed paintwork, carpet marks, floor chips)
• Inconsistent cleanliness (some corners hadn't seen dusters in weeks)
• Tired decor that felt 2015 rather than 2025
• The luxury factor disappeared once you looked closely

The bathroom itself was clean and presentable. That freestanding bath proved perfect for long soaks after traipsing around Berlin's January sales or recovering from cocktails. Decent lighting and storage.

⚠️ MISTAKE: Don't assume a suite means automatic luxury. At RIU it means space, but not necessarily the polish you'd get at similarly priced boutique hotels.

vs Radisson Collection Hotel Berlin: The Radisson Collection (Hotel Berlin Berlin) charges €110-140 per night (£94-119) for standard rooms. Rooms feel more updated despite being older property. Location equally good near Nollendorfplatz. We'd choose Radisson Collection for value.

The Details:

• Cost: €150-180 per night (£128-154) for suite
• When to go: January-February for lowest rates, avoid December Christmas markets
• How to book: Direct through RIU website or Booking.com
• Getting there: 25 minutes from Brandenburg Airport via U-Bahn (€3.80 single)
• Don't miss: Requesting higher floor for views
• Skip if: You want boutique charm or pristine condition

WORTH IT? Only if you find it under €130 per night. Otherwise better value exists elsewhere.

Location: Berlin's Gay Scene on Your Doorstep

Location-wise, RIU Plaza absolutely delivers. This is where the hotel earns its keep.

U-Bahn Access:
Wittenbergplatz station sits 5 minutes walk (U1, U2, U3 lines). Nollendorfplatz equally close, dropping you right in Schöneberg's gay quarter. From hotel you're 20 minutes to Checkpoint Charlie, 25 minutes to Alexanderplatz, same to Brandenburg Gate.

What's Nearby:

• KaDeWe department store (5 minutes walk, 350 metres)
• Kurfürstendamm shopping (10 minutes)
• Schöneberg gay bars and restaurants (10-15 minutes)
• Berlin Zoo (15 minutes)

Gay Bars Walking Distance:

• Hafen (Motzstraße): 10 minutes walk, classic cruisy Berlin gay bar
• Heile Welt (Motzstraße): 12 minutes walk, friendly neighbourhood bar, mixed crowd
• WOOF (Fuggerstraße): 15 minutes walk, bear bar with darkroom

Convenience:
Rewe supermarket at Wittenbergplatz (2 minutes). Multiple spätkaufs (late-night corner shops) for emergency snacks or drinks.

The hotel's location between City West (shopping and culture) and Schöneberg (gay scene) means you get best of both worlds. Stay here if you want upscale shopping by day and queer nightlife within walking distance.

vs Axel Hotel Berlin: Axel sits directly in Schöneberg's gay district, 2 minutes walk from Motzstraße bars. Rooms are smaller but more boutique. Pricing similar (€140-180 per night, £119-154). Choose Axel if you want to be in the thick of gay nightlife. Choose RIU if shopping matters equally.

LGBTQ+ Welcome & Safety

Is RIU Plaza Berlin Gay-Friendly?

Absolutely. Berlin itself is one of Europe's most LGBTQ+ welcoming cities, and RIU Plaza reflects that. Staff were professional and friendly to us as a couple. We never felt anything but welcome.

RIU Plaza isn't a specifically gay hotel like Axel or ArtHotel Connection. It's a mainstream 4-star that welcomes everyone. You won't find rainbow flags or specifically queer vibe, but you also won't encounter any issues whatsoever as a same-sex couple.

The hotel appears on pretty much every "gay-friendly hotels Berlin" list. Recent Booking.com reviews specifically mention it's "very well located for a gay trip, near gay neighbourhood."

Safety in Berlin for LGBTQ+ Travellers

Berlin is generally very safe for gay couples. Schöneberg has been the heart of the city's LGBTQ+ community since the 1920s. You'll see same-sex couples holding hands without second glances.

What You Should Know:

• Public displays of affection widely accepted, especially in Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, Mitte
• Germany legalized same-sex marriage in 2017
• Berlin had openly gay mayor (Klaus Wowereit) from 2001-2014
• Hate crimes occasionally occur, mainly outside city centre or late at night in less touristy areas
• Always stay aware of surroundings, especially after dark

Our Experience:
We felt completely safe throughout our stay. We walked back from Schöneberg bars to hotel late at night without issues. Berlin's public transport remains reliable and safe even in early hours.

⚠️ SAFETY TIP: Stick to well-lit, busy streets when walking at night. If heading to clubs in Friedrichshain (Berghain, LAB), take Uber or taxi rather than walking through quiet areas.

Emergency Contacts:

• Germany emergency: 112
• Berlin Police: +49 30 4664-0
• MANEO (gay anti-violence project): +49 30 216 33 36
• Schwulenberatung Berlin (LGBTQ+ support): schwulenberatungberlin.de

Is RIU Plaza Berlin Worth It?

Here's the honest verdict: RIU Plaza Berlin offers excellent location and decent facilities, but rooms desperately need updating. For €150 per night in January, we expected better maintenance and cleanliness standards.

Book RIU Plaza If:

• You prioritize location above everything else
• You've found a genuinely good deal (under €130 per night, £111)
• You want easy access to both shopping and gay nightlife
• You need business hotel conveniences (gym, conference rooms)

Look Elsewhere If:

• You care about room quality and modern decor
• You want genuinely polished touches for your money
• You prefer boutique hotels with character
• You're celebrating something special and want perfection

Would We Return?
Probably not. Berlin has too many excellent hotels we haven't tried yet, and this didn't wow us enough to justify repeat visits. If the price dropped significantly or they renovated the suites, we'd reconsider.

Better Alternatives:

Radisson Collection Hotel Berlin (formerly Hotel Berlin Berlin) charges €110-140 per night (£94-119) with more updated rooms in equally good location near Nollendorfplatz. Better value overall.

Axel Hotel Berlin delivers boutique charm with specifically gay-friendly vibe for €140-180 per night (£119-154). Smaller rooms but better condition and right in Schöneberg's heart.

Read our full Hotel Berlin Berlin review for detailed comparison.

Quick Berlin Travel Guide

Money & Costs

Currency: Euro (€)
Average Daily Budget (per couple):

• Mid-Range: €150-250 (£128-213) including hotel, restaurant meals, museums, bars
• Luxury: €350+ (£298+) for 4-5 star hotels and fine dining

Typical Prices:

• Beer at bar: €4-6 (£3.40-5.10)
• Coffee: €3-4 (£2.55-3.40)
• Restaurant meal: €15-25 per person (£13-21)
• Museum entry: €12-18 (£10-15)
• U-Bahn day pass: €9.50 (£8.10)

Getting Around

Berlin's BVG public transport is excellent. Buy day pass (€9.50 for zones AB, £8.10) or week pass (€42, £36) for U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses. Download BVG app for easy tickets.

Taxis and Uber readily available but add up quickly.

When to Visit

• Best: May-September for warm weather
• Pride: July (CSD Berlin usually last weekend)
• Christmas Markets: Late November-December
• Avoid: January-February (freezing and grey, though hotel prices drop 40%)

What to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes (20,000+ steps daily)
• Layers (weather unpredictable)
• Reusable water bottle (tap water safe)
• Dark clothes if planning Berghain or LAB (door policy is real)

Must-Try Experiences

1. Berghain/Panorama Bar - legendary techno club (if you can get in)
2. Tempelhofer Feld - former airport turned massive park
3. Markthalle Neun - Thursday street food market in Kreuzberg
4. East Side Gallery - longest remaining Berlin Wall stretch
5. Spätkauf hopping - Berlin's late-night corner shops are an institution

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RIU Plaza Berlin in the gay area?

Not quite. It's a 10-15 minute walk from Schöneberg's main gay bars around Motzstraße and Fuggerstraße. Close enough to walk home after drinks, but not right in the middle like Axel or ArtHotel Connection. Nollendorfplatz U-Bahn station (heart of gay district) is 5 minutes walk.

Does RIU Plaza Berlin have double beds for couples?

Yes. We had a king-size bed in our suite. Specify when booking that you want a double rather than twin beds to avoid confusion.

Is breakfast included at RIU Plaza Berlin?

Usually not. Breakfast is typically €18 per person and sold separately. Check your booking carefully as some packages do include it. TripAdvisor reviews consistently praise the buffet breakfast quality.

Is RIU Plaza Berlin worth the price?

Depends on the rate. Under €130 per night offers decent value for the location. Over €160 you can do better elsewhere. The rooms need updating which affects the value proposition. Excellent location near KaDeWe and Schöneberg gay scene is the main selling point.

Does RIU Plaza Berlin have parking?

Yes, but spaces are limited and subject to availability. It's also at a separate address from the main hotel which isn't immediately obvious when booking. Costs approximately €20 per day.

Is Berlin safe for gay couples?

Very safe, especially in central areas like Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Mitte. We felt completely comfortable walking around holding hands. Germany legalized same-sex marriage in 2017 and Berlin is famously liberal with strong LGBTQ+ rights.

How far is RIU Plaza Berlin from Brandenburg Gate?

About 4km. Technically walkable but better to take U-Bahn from Wittenbergplatz station (5 minutes walk from hotel). Journey takes 20-25 minutes by public transport.

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RIU Plaza Berlin sits in hotel limbo. Not bad enough to actively avoid, but not good enough to enthusiastically recommend. The location is genuinely brilliant, staff are friendly, and facilities tick most boxes. But those tired rooms and inconsistent maintenance knock it down several pegs.

For gay couples visiting Berlin, you've got better options. Axel Hotel gives you proper queer vibe with similar pricing. Radisson Collection Hotel Berlin delivers better value with more updated rooms.

That said, if you find RIU Plaza discounted under €130 per night, go for it. The location alone makes it workable. Just don't expect luxury and definitely request higher floors.

Berlin remains one of our favourite European cities—vibrant, accepting, endlessly interesting. The hotel you choose matters less than getting out there and experiencing everything this incredible city offers.

For more Berlin content, check out our Berlin Pride 2025 experience.

Travel with us, always with love and a little luxe 🌈✈️