Raise a Smile

The Raise a Smile hostel is a little hint of Zambia in the centre of Eastern Berlin. The couple who run the place (one English one German) are great and have set up the hostel to raise money for their charity supporting kids in Zambia. They both have a lot of information about the area and ideas for things to do around town.
Each of the rooms are animal themed and have been recently redecorated and furnished and are kept nice and clean. The bunks are surprisingly comfy too!
The location is great, with a tram stop just over the road and with plenty of cool bars and restaurants nearby. However it is in a residential block so not really the place for big parties.
In the mornings breakfast is laid out with a selection of bread, spreads, waffles, cereals, teas, coffees, etc. and the kitchen is more like a good family kitchen rather than an industrial one typically found in hostels.
The social room is cosy too with mattresses and cushions arranged on the floor– I will admit to dozing off there a couple of times.
All in all a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in a very comfortable hostel supporting a good cause — excellent!