Welp, Hilton has somehow taken over the best boutique hotel in the city
just like it did in Dublin. Sadly that means the Haven hotel is not really up to NPS standards. Alas.
On the other hand, Rotterdam is well worth a visit. Take a water taxi or seven.
Even if you let a Hilton know exactly when you will be arriving early, they will still NEVER be prepared.
Our room had a view…a long long view.
But even a suite here has such a bad layout that you can’t really nest. I mean, who puts a hot tub directly in the room? Or a sauna just across from the shower?
The sauna was actually fun to use.
And the bed was very comfortable.
But the “suite” was not.
Anyway, we were in Rotterdam, so that was a thing. Lots of amazing food: Zeezout was excellent, River Bar was delicious but not as welcoming. We also scoped out a bunch of little street places with mixed results.
The water is a main attraction.
We had a boat tour of the harbor since it was mandatory. It is a great way to experience the architecture.
The felix is definitely worth a visit.
Sunset at the NY hotel is worth a cocktail visit.
Rotterdam has a door to nowhere.
This is an ice cream cone. LOL.
Four showerheads for the Haven. Not our demographic. We will stay elsewhere when we return to Rotterdam.
Back to Berlin: The Circus Hotel
July 14, 2023
Definitely get an apartment in Berlin at the Circus Hotel. Just make sure it’s not apartment two (unless you like going up and down precarious stairs). We are told apartment four in the main building is the room to request.
Apartment two aside, the circus hotel has lots to offer, including great breakfast, a top notch bar, outstanding staff, and the best lost-and-found monkey in Europe. We enjoyed the location.
Once again no AC. Berlin was cooler than Brussels (in both ways), but it still could use some HVAC tech.
The shower was just fine, though the bathroom was down some stairs and was pretty tiny.
It rained. But we ventured right out into it. Berlin with Lisa and Noelie is fun no matter the weather.
The holocaust memorial is a good place to visit in the rain.
I had not seen the Brandenburg gate since 1985. Things have changed in Berlin.
The Wall museum is well worth checking out.
But then you need a rooftop bar without a corporate event! And yet it is apparently too early to drink?! Who knew.
Problem solved! Open your own rooftop bar and serve Tanqueray and Tonics whenever you want. The collusion from the circus staff was greatly appreciated.
And what is a party without sun umbrellas?
This is the 100th luftbaloon (it didn’t make the cut).
Of course our actual reason to visit Berlin is to visit Jaqueline! new life. new town. new beginnings.
It’s startup city.
An actual dark and stormy with Angostura procured after a delicious dinner.
About that monkey…
We started the next day with a river tour. Highly recommended, especially if you bring Markus along to translate.
The architecture is stunning and gorgeous.
But it’s too hot! So time for a beer with the boyz.
St George
Or make that a truly awful cocktail at Wilde Matilde what a place.
What?!
I will never forget the clickty-clack of the skeleton teeth.
Marx and Engels. Or maybe not.
Dinner for ten (!!) at VOLK was slow. Delicious. AND SLOW. Not a fan of French-style service though the food was great.
And then it was off to the Oderberger Pool for a midnight swim. Who knew we were supposed to be there at 10?! LOL. This was awesome. A romantic and delightful thing to do as a couple.
This rainbow unicorn is a tricky thing.
Another beautiful breakfast at the Circus Hotel.
We found of a copy of the Alchemist (not in London) and so had a celebratory CR#2.
We looked into terror and fascism for as long as we could stand. The idiots in the US don’t think this can happen again. They are fools.
Time for a quick roses break to level set.
Jacqueline on the street.
And a prize visit to Beavis, an outstanding bar. Fortunately the lightning storm spared us all.
All the way from Virginia, some 601 now lives in Berlin.
Have breakfast at the house of small wonder. Amazeballs.
A visit to the Boros Foundation (set up way in advance) was superb. No pictures because these people have no idea how social media works.
Guess whose apartment this is?
Hearts.
Quick cocktail before dinner at Betty F.
And it was time to fly.
A fantastic visit, and no doubt the first of many to come.
Four showerheads for the Circus Hotel. Fewer stairs and you would have a thing!
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