If you’re looking for a wheelchair accessible hotel in Berlin, there is no better choice than the Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz Hotel. With 60 accessible rooms and located in one of the city’s most popular tourist areas, the Scandic Hotel in Berlin checks all of the boxes.
Potsdamer Platz is one of the most accessible areas in Berlin, Germany, and it is filled with restaurants, shops and entertainment. It has an interesting history, too, given that the space was destroyed during World War II and cut off by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War. The majority of the development in Potsdamer Platz occurred after the reunification of Germany in 1990.
Reservation & Check-in
My reservation was made by a third-party. While reservations can be made online, it does not appear as though it is possible to guarantee or select a specific accessible guest room on the hotel’s website. As such, I recommend making your accessible room reservation via telephone at +46 (8) 517 517 80. This will allow you to confirm an accessible room type directly with the hotel. Use the website to verify room rates, making sure you get the best deal.
Accessibility is on display the moment guests arrive, with automatic doors activated by an easy-to-push button. My preferred room type was confirmed at check-in, and in just a few minutes I was on my way up to my room.
Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Room
My reservation had been for a room with a roll-in shower, and I was given just that in room number 8082, which was on the 8th floor. I tapped my key card to unlock the door, and it opened with little effort.
The guest floor hallways were carpeted, but there was not too much resistance. That said, I am a power wheelchair user, so my perspective is different from that of a manual wheelchair user.
The room featured two single beds, one of which was adjustable and controlled with an easy-to-use push-button controller. While the bedsit a bit high, there was plenty of space for a Hoyer lift to roll underneath the bed frame. In all, it was a very comfortable sleep experience.
On the wall opposite the foot of themed, there was a wheelchair accessible desk and wall-mounted television. The office chair rolled easily out of the way, thanks to the smooth floor.
A small closet next to the bed included a mini refrigerator and a safe to store valuables. These features were within reach from the seat of my wheelchair.
The room’s entryway was spacious, and the primary guest room door was easy to operate. This particular room also had a door to a connecting room, which could be great for those traveling with family members, caregivers or children.
Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom
The bathroom is the area where accessibility matters most to me, and the facilities in my room at the Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz were top notch.
The roll-in shower was spacious, featured grab bars, a secure shower seat, and a handheld shower spray unit with water controls that were within reach. The shampoo and body wash were dispensed from wall-mounted containers.
The sink was also nicely accessible, with plenty of space for my wheelchair to roll beneath the countertop. The faucet was easy to turn on and adjust. The large counter provided a large surface to lay out my toiletries and bathroom essentials.
Seeing the pictures, what do you think of this accessible bathroom? Let me know in the comments below!
Location & Transportation
The location of the Scandic Berlin hotel can’t be beat, as it is just a few blocks away from the accessible Potsdamer Platz S-Bahn and U-Bahn station. For more information, check out the guide to accessible public transport in Berlin.
Within a mile, tourists will find the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the beautiful Tiergarten Park. Shopping, restaurants and even a movie theater are all within walking distance.
Final Thoughts
My stay at the Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz hotel was fantastic. The accessibility of my room, coupled with the convenient location, made my exploration of Berlin hassle-free. If you are considering visiting Berlin, which is coincidentally my favorite city in Europe, booking accommodation at the Scandic Berlin hotel is worth considering.
