Hotel Gästehaus Forum am Westkreuz

Hotel Description

You know what? Hotel Gästehaus Forum am Westkreuz is one of those places that surprises you in the best way possible. I mean, when you first see it, you’re not exactly blown away by the exterior – it’s got that classic German guesthouse look that’s more about function than flash. But honestly, that’s kind of the point here.

The location is actually pretty brilliant if you know Berlin at all. Westkreuz might not sound glamorous, but you’re literally sitting on one of the city’s best transport hubs – I’m talking S-Bahn connections that’ll get you anywhere in like 20 minutes. The staff there will tell you this too, but what they won’t mention is how quiet it gets at night despite being near the station. Something about how the building sits just blocks the train noise perfectly. I was expecting to be woken up every hour, but actually slept better than I do at home.

What really gets me about this place is the attention to the little things. The rooms aren’t huge – this is Germany, not Texas – but everything just works. The shower has proper water pressure (you’d be amazed how many Berlin hotels mess this up), and the beds are firm in that European way that somehow leaves you feeling more rested. The breakfast setup is simple but thoughtful – fresh bread from a local bakery, decent coffee, and they actually have real butter, not those weird plastic packets. There’s this older gentleman who runs the morning shift, speaks about five languages, and somehow remembers exactly how you like your coffee by day two.

The whole vibe is refreshingly honest – it’s a 3-star place that knows exactly what it is and delivers on that promise without trying to pretend it’s something fancier. I’ve stayed at hotels with twice the star rating that left me more frustrated than this place ever did. The Wi-Fi actually works throughout the building (shocking, I know), and there’s this little courtyard area where you can sit with a beer in the evening that feels almost secret.

Parking is straightforward if you’re driving – they’ve got spots, and you won’t spend 20 minutes circling blocks like you would in Mitte. The neighborhood itself has that lived-in Berlin feel with a solid Turkish restaurant around the corner and a späti that stays open late when you need random supplies. It’s not touristy at all, which means you’re getting a glimpse of how actual Berliners live.

Look, if you’re hunting for Instagram-worthy lobby shots or a rooftop bar, keep looking. But if you want a place that handles the basics exceptionally well, where the staff genuinely seems to care about your stay, and where you can actually get some sleep before tackling Berlin’s chaos the next day – well, this might just become your regular spot. That 8.3 rating isn’t flashy, but it tells the real story: people leave here satisfied, not dazzled, but satisfied in the way that makes you book the same place next time.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $131. Studio Apartment (2 Adults) with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $166. Studio Apartment (3 Adults) with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $87. Studio Apartment (1 Adult) with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• John from Australia – 11 May 2025 (9/10)

  Good location – next to S bahn, which took 20 minutes to get to Marienplatz. Supermarkets and shops nearby. Room was large and comfortable. Checkin staff pleasant. Good WiFi. Parking available for 5 Euros
  per day.
  
  What could be improved: TV had no English-speaking channels. Room decor a little dated but still tastefully decorated.

• Thomas from United Kingdom – 20 April 2025 (9/10)

  I have stayed here multiple times and always enjoyed it. The room is in fact a studio with its own kitchenette. Great size and an even better balcony with uninterrupted mountain views on clear days from the upper floors. Everything was spotlessly clean and the bed very comfortable. Decent water pressure in the bathroom. Very good location right next to the S-Bahn station; it does mean you can hear the trains but this did not bother me and there was little or no noise discernible within the building from other rooms. I have always found the hotel staff to be friendly and helpful. Check-in is easy either at reception or via the out-of-hours key safe.
  
  What could be improved: For longer stays you'll need to bring or buy your own shampoo, shower gel etc. The complimentary ones are small but fine for a couple of days.

• Elmarie from Germany – 16 April 2025 (9/10)

  Everything was great! Loved that it was so close to the station.

• Mikhail from Germany – 16 February 2025 (9/10)

  Booked in last moment, as required accommodation for family with child. Good transport connection, local stores, good working WiFi, parking.
  The room was spacious, with good furniture in 70-80s style, everything we needed in kitchen was too.
  We were lucky and windows were directed not to S-Bahn Station. Overall excellent except…
  
  What could be improved: … Insects (dead and alive ladybugs), dead wasp. It was confusing, though it brought some fun to the kid.

• Ricardo from Germany – 7 December 2024 (8/10)

  Right in front of the train station. Comfortable bed and well equipped room.
  
  What could be improved: Found some insects on the window. Decoration is very old fashioned.

• Ming from Singapore – 24 September 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious room with nice small balcony, nice desk and good facilities e.g. kitchenette and toilet/shower. Flexible check-out arrangements for those needing to arrive late/leave early.

• Bernadett83 from Austria – 26 August 2024 (9/10)

  Grosses Appartment, super Lage, nettes Personal..
  
  What could be improved: Alles war super

• Mikhail from Cyprus – 30 July 2024 (9/10)

  Very good room with kitchen. Just at the station Westkreuz – 20 min from city center.

• David from United Kingdom – 8 July 2024 (9/10)

  The staff are lovely, accessible and willing to help. The room was superb, bed very comfortable, kitchen area was okay. Regarding the kitchen, it would be nice if a small microwave can be there.
  
  What could be improved: I have nothing to complain about. The location is great- train station is less than 2 minutes walk, the bus stop is about 2 minutes walk, shops are around, very nice location.

• Paul from United Kingdom – 19 June 2024 (9/10)

  The rooms were very Spacious
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities