East German retro hotel opens

If you've ever wanted to have a look at what the GDR was like- from a style perspective- then this place looks like it's for you. The Spiegel recently ran an article about a new hostel, the "Ostel", that has opened in Berlin Mitte that has stayed true to the fashion of the East. It's more a youth hostel than a hotel, which is also reflected in the prices that will be sure to attract backpackers. A night in the Pioneer room, while devoiding you of any privacy, will put you back €9, while the more luxurious single rooms are a whopping €38 (€59 for a double).

Their website gives you all the info you need and even includes an online Ostalgie shop.

My favorite fixture in the Ostel is the rather imposing portrait of Honi next to the reception desk.

Anyone tried this place? I'd definitely give it a go on my next trip to Berlin.

I'm still of the opinion that it could only be a truly authentic DDR hotel if the rooms are bugged, but I doubt they have plans to take Ostalgie quite that far. You can expect a lot from the Ostel- just don't expect to find any bananas for breakfast.

I reckon this is gonna become a cult hotel to stay at, the place for people to be seen.

Would be really cool if you had to change your money for Ost Marks when you arrive to pay your bill or drink in the bar.

Edit: Gotta love that stuff with " Held der Arbeit " on

Oooh, they even offer city tours in a Trabant! hahaha.

So has nobody ever stayed here before? The article said something about interest in the GDR having increased in recent years for Americans/Brits/etc. but I don't know if that's actually the case.

It'd be great for a photo shoot!

I saw a program about this on the news about a month ago. They actually still have left over GDR toilet paper (optional), which is "the most socialist toilet paper, as it actually turns your ass red too". It's been around awhile, they said. But looks pretty funny.
But I agree with you Jenny, think it's more the Germans that are suffering/enjoying Ostalgie not the Americans or Brits. I think a few of my fellow yanks would be shocked to know the Wall has fallen.

i would totally stay there for a night or so... but i think i'll pass on the GDR toliet paper!

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I wondered if anyone actually did visit the DDR Ostel in Berlin?

We're booked in to it for three nights at the end of May. Even if it is kitsch-awfully bad, it's got to be an experience, oder?

They've surely run out of the toilet paper by now anyway.

I stayed there the other night. Original booked for 2 nights, only paid for one when we arrived as we were short of an ATM.
The reception is nice, quality DDR style. People there are nice. It advertises for €9 per night on posters and leaflets, but this season it was €15-16 per night. Towels supplied.
The room we had was a 12 or so bed dorm, but it had to separate rooms kind of so it was 6 and 6. They really skimped out on this room (I didn't see any others) but the beds were poor, no DDR style design bar 3 old skool chairs. It was cramped, lockers weren't great (locks supplied FOC though). There were two Polish guys living there in the dorm (about 50-60) but they were very nice. The had a TV and a few portable cooking appliances and we ate with them the following morning. Nice guys though.

Its about 3 or 4 minutes walk from the station, there's a PLUS store 50m away.
Don't think I'd go back though. The setup wasn't great, cheaply renovated room, pretty dodgy. There was a bath/shower, sink & WC in the dorm though.

Go to Wombat if you're looking for a hostel. Only open since Feb, new building, quite new, decent services and utilities, and Cheap (€16-19)!

wonder if it is dusty, dingy, poor quality mattresses, horrid cheap food, plastic or laminate furniture and all the rooms are bugged for the authentic feel? Its a sub cultural asthetic they are selling, do not understand why the NS time is so taboo and the the following, brutal, psychological terroristic dictatorship of the DDR is so trendy?