I had never before travelled with a mobility scooter and was in two minds about taking it. But I did not regret the decision - it made the visit. Travelling by Ryanair from East Midlands to Schonefeld Berlin, I and my partner were treated like royalty by the airport staff. I had warned Ryanair in advance about the scooter. There was no extra charge. We didn’t have to wait in the normal queues. I was allowed to take my scooter to the plane in East Midlands but had to check it in on return from Schonefeld. Arriving at Schonefeld, we were met by two friendly gents with a minibus and by-passed the usual arrival procedures, and similarly on our return to East Midlands.
Berlin taxi drivers were easy going about putting my scooter in the boot for no extra charge.
Circus Hotel at Rosenthaler Platz in Mitte, in what was East Berlin, is one of the nicest hotels we have ever stayed in. I took my scooter in the lift to our room, so recharging the battery was straightforward (don’t forget the European plug adapter). The young staff were exceptionally charming, and eager to advise how to get about Berlin. Find a station with a lift - they are marked on the maps. Drive the scooter to the front of the train, wave to the engine driver who gets off the train - always with a smile - gets a ramp and you drive on (you can also do this on the U-bahn).
A 4 hour guided walk around many of the areas of historical interest organised by Brewers Walking Tours was the best way imaginable to see Berlin. A 4 hour walk? Of course, I did it on my scooter which was a perfect way for me to join this tour and our guide was very helpful about it.
Went with scooter on a trip to Wannsee on the S-bahn. Wannsee is a pretty lake with some tour boats and a few uninteresting cafes. Went to the house where my family moved to after the family money was lost in the depression and rampant inflation of the early 1930s. My Grandfather said he woke up one day and discovered he had married for love.
Had an extensive wander around Mitte - My partner walking and me on scooter. An interesting area with small shops, cafes etc. We were struck by occasional small brass plates in the pavements, outside buildings previously owned by jewish people, who had been deported to Auschwitz and murdered.
Also took the scooter by U-bahn to Kreuzberg - then a wander around for window shopping and people watching. Had a Turkish meal. Danced with some street musicians while sitting on the scooter. It’s the only way to travel!
circus-berlin.de, brewersberlintours.com

Germany, Berlin
google map: tinyurl.com/2wfkjga

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Converted from an old barge, the Badeschiff pool in Berlin floats on the river Spree. In the summer the open-air wooden decks heave with sun and fun seekers. In winter the pool and decks are covered with cocoon-like white canvas pods. You can chill on loungers, indulge in a sauna and dive into the cool blue in the nude if that takes your fancy.

badeschiff.de
tinyurl.com/2wl2vem

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This hotel is a real find, tucked away in the leafy suburb of Charlottenburg. It is 10 minutes walk from Savignyplatz station with its direct link to Schoenfeld airport. The room was large, very comfortable, clean and had a useful folder with loads of information about the hotel, the area and Berlin itself. The staff were courteous and friendly, the breakfast immense (it will keep you going til mid afternoon just in time for kaffe und kuchen!) and it was quiet. I think there is a suite of rooms which would be ideal for a family or a group of friends. I really recommend it.

Hotel Otto
Knesebecke Strasse 10
Charlottenburg
+49 30 54 71 00 80
www.hotelotto.com
near Zoo, Savignyplatz and Tiergarten stations and Kurfurstendamm for shopping

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Fantastic pasta bar near Potsdamer Platz. You pick any pasta and any sauce and then wait at the counter while the chef cooks it for you. They use fresh pasta so you only have to wait a few minutes. They have pots of fresh herbs at the tables that you can help yourself to. When you go in you are given a card, which you hand over to the chef who swipes it for you, then if you want to order drinks or desserts hand the card to the counter staff. When you leave, give the card in at the till and then you pay. This is the best pasta I've ever eaten and prices are really reasonable, from about 5 euros. I particularly recommend the rustica ravioli and pasta with lemon and mint. It's so good I went twice!

Potsdamer Platz 5, nearest U/S bahn Potsdamer Platz (walk up towards the Jewish memorial)

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