berlin spring

For many folk in the hotel community, Berlin has only 4 reference points: An airport (Tegel, home of the most officious security people in Europe. I don't count Schoenefeld as it's halfway to Dresden); an exhibition centre (Messe Berlin, home of ITB); a hotel (could be any - you only spend 3 hours a night there anyway) and a bar (Marlene's). Berlin has only one temperature: bloody freezing (ref ITB, March). This was certainly my experience until about a year ago. That's when Nexus held its first EMEA client forum in Berlin. In May. What a revelation! Stripped of its winter gloom, the German capital really comes to life - from the many bars along the newly developed riverfront to the wonderful Tiergarten the city is a really pleasant place to hang out. And freed from the restrictive social demands of the trade show, there's time to explore some of the more out-of-the-way locations. Last year we took an evening trip along the river, this year we were down in the bunkers below the city. And my insider tip for a good night out - Clarchen's Ballhaus. Take your Tango shoes...