RIU Plaza Berlin Review: Central Location, But Is It Worth the Price?

🔥 Sights, Flights & Boyfriends RATING: 3/5 👨‍🤝‍👨👨‍🤝‍👨👨‍🤝‍👨
In Five Words: Great Location, Needs TLC

Why We Chose RIU Plaza Berlin
Our Stay: First Impressions vs Reality
The Suite: Freestanding Bath Dreams, Maintenance Nightmares
Hotel Facilities: What's on Offer
The Location: Berlin's Gay Scene on Your Doorstep
LGBTQ+ Welcome & Safety
Is RIU Plaza Berlin Worth It?
Better Alternatives in Berlin
FAQ
Quick Berlin Travel Guide
Final Thoughts

Why We Chose RIU Plaza Berlin

We were heading to Germany for the January sales and explored options for hotels and found some seriously good deals with the RIU Plaza popping up with a good January rate. We have explored plenty of Berlin hotels over the years, but hadn't tried RIU yet which is surprising with the fantastic location. With no status to leverage for upgrades elsewhere, we thought we'd give it a go.

The location looked spot on. Near Wittenbergplatz, walking distance to KaDeWe (Europe's answer to Harrods), and a quick walk to Schöneberg's gay bars. The photos showed a sleek modern lobby and suites with freestanding baths. What could go wrong?

Well, as it turns out, quite a bit. But we're getting ahead of ourselves. This is what we learned from staying at the RIU Plaza Berlin, and whether we'd recommend it for gay couples visiting Germany's capital.

For more on exploring Berlin, check out our guide to Why We Loved Berlin Pride 2025.

Our Stay: First Impressions vs Reality

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

Our suite was on the 14th floor, genuinely excited about the room we'd booked. The moment the door opened, though, reality hit differently.

The Good Bit: Our suite was genuinely spacious. Separate living area with a sofa, desk, and massive TV. The bedroom had a proper king-size bed. And that bathroom? The freestanding bath sat centre stage, with a separate rainfall shower tucked to the side. Everything was controlled by a bedside tablet, which felt very 2025.

The Not-So-Good Bit: Unfortunately, the room looked very tired with scuffed paintwork, marks on the carpet, and lots of large chips in the wooden floors. The whole suite desperately needed a refresh. It wasn't dirty exactly, but it definitely wasn't the crisp, pristine room you'd expect from a 4-star property in this price range.

The views from the 14th floor were brilliant though. Proper Berlin cityscape sprawling out below, and 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 any street noise around Wittenbergplatz.

The Suite: Freestanding Bath Dreams, Maintenance Nightmares

Room Layout & Size

Our suite clocked in around 57 square metres, split into three distinct spaces. The bedroom held the king bed (comfortable enough, though nothing special), the living area had workspace plus lounging options, and the bathroom was its own statement piece.

What We Liked:

Genuinely spacious, especially by European city standards
That freestanding bath was Instagram-worthy
Separate shower with proper rainfall head
Good quality toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers provided
Mini-fridge (empty, so you can stock it yourself)
Tablet controls for everything
Floor-to-ceiling windows letting in masses of natural light

What Let It Down:

Visible wear and tear throughout
Inconsistent cleanliness (some corners clearly hadn't seen a duster in weeks)
Tired decor that felt more 2015 than 2025
The "luxury" factor disappeared once you looked closely

Bathroom: The Selling Point

Absolutely gorgeous. A freestanding bath perfect for a long soak after a day traipsing around Berlin's Christmas markets or recovering from one too many cocktails. The bathroom itself was clean and presentable with decent lighting and storage.

⚠️ MISTAKE TO AVOID: 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.

Hotel Facilities: What's on Offer

Dining Options (We Didn't Try Them)

RIU Plaza has a main restaurant serving buffet breakfast (€18) plus à la carte lunch and dinner with international dishes. There's also a lobby bar doing cocktails and bar snacks. We gave both a miss because, honestly, Berlin's restaurant scene is far too good to waste time eating hotel food.

That said, TripAdvisor reviews consistently praise the breakfast buffet, so if you're after convenience, it might be worth trying.

The Gym

Fully equipped and accessible 24/7. We spotted decent cardio machines, free weights, and strength equipment. Nothing revolutionary, but more than adequate if you want to squeeze in a workout.

Other Bits

Rooftop terrace (great views, though pretty bleak in January)
Concierge service (helpful when we asked for restaurant recommendations)
Laundry facilities
Free Wi-Fi throughout (worked fine)
Grab-and-go area in the lobby selling toiletries, snacks, and drinks

💰 COST REALITY: Our suite came in around €150 per night during January, which felt reasonable at booking. Looking back? We'd have rather paid €120 for something smaller but better maintained, or stretched to €180 for somewhere genuinely luxurious.

The Location: Berlin's Gay Scene on Your Doorstep

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

Getting Around

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

What's Nearby:

KaDeWe department store (5 minutes on foot)
Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard (10 minutes)
Schöneberg gay bars and restaurants (10-15 minutes)
Berlin Zoo (15 minutes)

Local Recommendations

Convenience Stores:
There's a Rewe supermarket at Wittenbergplatz (2 minutes away) and multiple spätkaufs (late-night corner shops) dotted around if you need emergency snacks or drinks.

Bars & Restaurants Nearby:

Hafen (Motzstraße): classic Berlin gay bar, cruisy vibe, 10-minute walk
Heile Welt (Motzstraße): friendly neighbourhood bar, mixed crowd, great for starting your night
Tom's Bar (closed in 2024, sadly)
WOOF (Fuggerstraße): bear bar with darkroom, popular with leather crowd
Restaurant Tim Raue (20 minutes by U-Bahn): if you fancy Michelin-starred Asian fusion

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

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. The hotel appears on pretty much every "gay-friendly hotels Berlin" list, and for good reason. Staff were professional and friendly to us as a couple, and we never felt anything but welcome.

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

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, and you'll see same-sex couples holding hands without a second glance.

What You Should Know:

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

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

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

Is RIU Plaza Berlin Worth It?

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

Book RIU Plaza If:

You prioritise location above everything else
You've found a genuinely good deal (under €130 per night)
You want easy access to both shopping and gay nightlife

Look Elsewhere If:

You care about room quality and modern décor
You want genuinely luxurious touches for your money
You have status with other hotel brands (Marriott, Hilton, IHG)
You're celebrating something special and want perfection
You prefer boutique hotels with character

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

Better Alternatives in Berlin

Based on our experiences staying in Berlin multiple times, here are hotels we'd recommend instead:

Park Plaza Wallstreet, Berlin (Now closed)

[Park Plaza Wallstreet Hotel Berlin Mitte] (https://sightsflightsandbfs.blog/blog/park-plaza-berlin) The Park Plaza Wall Street Hotel offers excellent value for money, with spacious, clean rooms, friendly staff, and great amenities including a gym, restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and excellent breakfast options. Its location near the U-Bahn makes it easy to reach key attractions such as Alexanderplatz and the Brandenburg Gate, allowing guests to explore both East and West Berlin with ease.

Best For: Couples, Families, Business People, and Travellers
Price Range: €80 to €120 per night (Off-peak)

Hotel Berlin Berlin, Berlin

[Hotel Berlin Berlin, Mitte] (https://sightsflightsandbfs.blog/blog/berlin_hotel_guide) Hotel Berlin, Berlin, part of the Radisson Collection, offers a modern and quirky stay in a prime location near Nollendorfplatz—just a short walk from Berlin’s popular gay bars and with direct U-Bahn access to major attractions such as Alexanderplatz and the Brandenburg Gate. Its central location and vibrant surrounding area make it an excellent alternative for travellers seeking comfort and convenience.

Best For: Couples, Families, and Travellers
Price Range: €70 to €110 per night (Off-peak) not including breakfast

FAQ

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 of the action like Axel or ArtHotel Connection.

Does RIU Plaza Berlin have double beds for couples?

Yes. We had a king-size bed in our suite. Just specify when booking that you want a double rather than twin beds.

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.

Can you walk to Brandenburg Gate from RIU Plaza Berlin?

Technically yes (about 4km), but it's a long walk. Better to take the U-Bahn from Wittenbergplatz. It's only 20-25 minutes by public transport.

Is RIU Plaza Berlin good value for money?

Depends on the rate. Under €130 per night? Decent value for the location. Over €160? You can do better elsewhere. The rooms need updating, which affects the value proposition.

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.

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 has strong LGBTQ+ rights and Berlin is famously liberal.

Quick Berlin Travel Guide

Money & Costs

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

Budget: €80-120 (hostel/cheap hotel, street food, limited activities)
Mid-Range: €150-250 (decent hotel, restaurant meals, museums, bars)
Luxury: €350+ (4-5 star hotel, fine dining, experiences)

Typical Prices:

Beer at a bar: €4-6
Coffee: €3-4
Restaurant meal (mid-range): €15-25 per person
Museum entry: €12-18
U-Bahn day pass: €9.50

Getting Around

Berlin's public transport (BVG) is excellent. Buy a day pass (€9.50 for zones AB) or week pass (€42) and use U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses freely. Download the BVG app for easy ticket purchases.

Taxis and Uber are readily available but add up quickly. Bikes are everywhere and Berlin is very cycle-friendly.

When to Visit

Best Time: May-September for warm weather and outdoor events
Pride Month: July (CSD Berlin usually last weekend of July)
Christmas Markets: Late November-December
Avoid: January-February (freezing and grey, though hotel prices drop significantly)

Berlin's clubbing scene operates year-round, rain or shine.

What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes (you'll do 20,000+ steps daily)
Layers (weather's unpredictable)
Sunscreen (summer sun is stronger than you think)
Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe)
Dark clothes if you're planning on Berghain or LAB (door policy is real)

Language & Culture

Most Berliners speak excellent English, especially in tourist areas and the gay scene. Learn basic German pleasantries (Danke, Bitte, Entschuldigung) and locals will appreciate it.

Berlin runs on cash more than you'd expect. Many smaller bars and restaurants don't take cards, so always carry euros.

Must-Try Experiences (Top 5)

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

Final Thoughts

The RIU Plaza Berlin sits in hotel limbo. It's not bad enough to actively avoid, but not good enough to enthusiastically recommend either. The location is genuinely brilliant, the staff are friendly, and the 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 a proper queer vibe with similar pricing. ArtHotel Connection delivers charm and character in an art nouveau building.

That said, if you find RIU Plaza discounted. Go for it. The location alone makes it workable. Just don't expect luxury, don't skip higher floors, and definitely don't judge Berlin's hotel scene by this one property.

Berlin remains one of our favourite cities in Europe - vibrant, accepting, endlessly fascinating. The hotel you choose matters less than getting out there and experiencing everything this incredible city offers. Whether that's dancing until sunrise at Berghain, drinking Club-Mate at 3am in Kreuzberg, or simply holding hands while wandering through Tiergarten.

Our rating: 3/5 👨‍🤝‍👨👨‍🤝‍👨👨‍🤝‍👨 - Good location, friendly service, but needs a serious refresh.

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

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

Alex & Joe
Sights, Flights & Boyfriends