HotelChatter

The Guardian reports that Hotel Ostel has portraits of communist leaders on the walls and authentic furnishings from the days of East Berlin. Most of the guest rooms in fact look like the old apartments of East Berlin. Some rooms are even modeled after the summer camps of the Free German Youth, the party youth organization, complete with bunk beds. Thankfully, the mattresses, linens, towels and plumbing are all modern.

The founders Daniel Helbig and Guido Sand wanted to be clear that they are not calling for a  return to a police-state but that they believe there is room for what many call Ostalgie, a fascination with life in the former East Germany.

Staying true to Ostalgie, the hotel opened on May Day, a traditional workers' holiday under Communism. It's also located near the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall.

We were initially scared to check this hotel's website out--you know, we're just not big fans of Communism. But we actually kinda like this place because it does feel authentic without getting creepy. The tone of the site (and hopefully the hotel) is peppy, fun and does not take its GDR fascination all that seriously. Plus, rooms are CHEAP starting at $50 for the 4-room apartment that sleeps 5 and $12 for the Youth camp rooms.

Related Stories:
· Berlin Hotel Recreates East Germany [Guardian UK]