A&O Berlin Kolumbus

The hostel is located quite near Alee Center where there is a supermarket and restaurants. Thought quite far from the center, It can also be accessed by tram that goes straight to the central train station 40-50 min away. Other people in the reception were pretty nice specifically those in the night shift.

1) Inefficient system, poor customer service, and staff (receptionists and manager) lack basic courtesy and common sense in dealing with conflict they themselves or their system created: We booked a family room for 6 nights and the next morning after we checked in we were suddenly asked to check out without any prior notice and an alternative room cos they overbooked and our room was offered to another guests. Very inefficient system and disrespectful! The staff and manager could have resolved it internally first before even bothering us and considered to bump us off in favor of another guests who had not even arrived yet. I refused to leave our room as we were fully paid for 6 nights and we only spent one night when their system messed up. There was no basic courtesy at all and no proper apologies given, even if they were actually kind of forcing us to check out without any proper solution. 2) customer service not helpful at all: I wrote to a&o hostel feedback email and the customer service just said they cannot do anything about it (wow!) - good thing i wrote to booking.com and I somehow got the response I needed as they've been in touch with the hostel re the incident. 3) Room was not cleaned (they just refill the toiletries and take out garbage-- in our case we even had to ask). Everything was like a do-it yourself type (which should be ok if clearly stated online prior to stay) shared kitchen is too small without enough kitchen wares, etc. and not that clean too. 4) Check-in staff also not the usual welcoming receptionist you'd expect and lacked details. Staff are not aligned and coordinated with how things should be. THE WORST HOSTEL I EVER STAYED IN!