It’s no secret that Berlin has been my main squeeze for a few years now. Aside from the relatively harsh Winters, I love everything about Berlin. But depending on who you ask, you may find it can be an intimidating place, especially if visiting alone and trying to figure out what the best hotels in Berlin are for a weekend in Berlin. I came to know Berlin as the city where people went to KitKat Club naked and that was way before the city turned me into a bit of a slightly crazy person — so I was kinda wondering WTF was gonna happen there.
Turns out, Berlin is just about anything you want it to be and nothing will happen that you haven’t consented to. For me, Berlin is a thriving vegan scene, wonderful yoga studios, fantastic saunas, and amazing photo spots. But when it comes to figuring out what are the best hotels in Berlin, you do have some homework to do.
Wondering where to stay in Berlin? I have opinions, friends, I do. I mean, I’ve been living in Berlin for five years now.
Best Hotels Berlin: Picking a neighborhood
Berlin is sprawling and the last thing you want is to spend your trip commuting in the Ubahn – trust me, you do not. So I’ve divided this guide into the three main neighbourhoods you may be interested in staying in, depending on what your interests are for your Berlin itinerary. I personally live in the Eastern District of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and I love it, but it can be rough around the edge and noisy to some. I think it’s vibrant and fun. To each their own, I guess!
Mitte & Prenzlauer Berg
Mitte literally means middle in German, so there isn’t really a better option to base yourself in. Except that Mitte is also where all the major fast fashion brands have their flagship stores, and it is quite commercial and touristy. Prenzlauer Berg is a lot more residential and calm, but rather boojee, if you’re into that kinda thing. Both Mitte and P’Berg have amazing restaurant and café options and are an easy commute to almost anywhere in town.
Best hotels in Berlin Mitte
The Circus Hotel
My most recent discovery is my top recommendation for Berlin for the bang you get for your buck. The Circus is owned and managed by a group of people who are passionate about their city and about making you discover the small, often eco-friendly gems that lie within. May it be the coffee and breakfast by small next-door companies, the heavenly toiletries, the free make-your-own guidebook designed by a local artist, the ultra-comfy Birkenstock mattresses, the eco-friendly climate-control, everything is thought-out to make you discover small slices of Berlin you didn’t know about. The inner garden and cocktail bar are the perfect places to start and end your days, and, should you decide to stay in and enjoy the beautiful rooms, the mini-bar is full of local snacks and drinks that won’t let you disappointed. The Circus is also super vegan-friendly and quite affordable for the level of perks you get. I almost forgot about the rooftop bar offering amazing views over the city and its honesty bar.
Check prices at The Circus Hotel
The Weinmeister Hotel
Within Mitte’s excellent accessibility, The Weinsmeister is one of the prime spots for where to stay in Berlin, maybe even one of the best hotels in Berlin. The Weinmeister is “Adults Only”, which is a tremendous perk if you ask me, and located around 600 meters from Alexanderplatz. There’s a rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi. The hotel is decorated in a typical Berlin manner, around the theme of clubbing, cinema, art, and graffiti. The Weinmeister offers bike rental and a business centre with free Wi-Fi. Staff at the 24-hour reception can provide tourist information. Museum Island is an 8-minute walk away. There are direct buses to Tegel Airport and direct S-Bahn trains to Schönefeld Airport.
Check prices at The Weinmeister Hotel
Hotel ZOE by AMANO
ZOE by AMANO is a designer boutique hotel Berlin can be proud of. Located a short walk from the cultural, shopping and entertainment district known as Hackescher Markt, the hotel has a lovely rooftop terrace which offers excellent views of the iconic TV tower. The rooms’ exposed concrete walls are again here very Berlin chic, with dark colour contrasts and warm lighting. A buffet is served every morning, and you can also chill in the elegant Gin Tonic bar located on the ground floor. ZOE by AMANO also offers bicycle rental. A fantastic Berlin accommodation option.
Check prices at Hotel ZOE by AMANO
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Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg
I’m a little biased here as this is my home, but if you’re after the nightlife, vegan restaurants, excellent thrift shopping, independent boutiques, sick flea markets, hangs by the canal, and some raw, pure, Berlin vibe, be very welcome, my friend, as Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are where to stay in Berlin to find all that and more.
Best hotels in Berlin Friedrichshain
Michelberger Hotel
Michelberger Hotel is located right on the vibrant Warschauer Straße, otherwise known as Berlin’s neighbourhood where “partay” is the name of the game. True to its location, this hotel promises its guests with a unique experience through modern and quirky architecture and some themed rooms. All the rooms have unique artistic decors so guests can very much bathe in the Friedrichshain’s artistic vibe. If you are not keen on partying, don’t worry – that’s not all there is to this neighbourhood, maybe just on Friday night. Treat yourself to a feast at the hotel’s restaurant that serves organic meals made with local ingredients. Another fab design hotel Berlin option, Michelberger Hotel is an unforgettable experience. Well, depending on how much you drank.
Check prices at Michelberger Hotel
Almodovar Hotel
Nested in a quieter corner of Friedrichshain is the wonderful vegan-friendly oasis that is Almodóvar Hotel. If you’re bored of cookie-cutter hotels, then Almodóvar is definitely a wonderful option where to stay in Berlin! The decor is cosy and warm with beautiful chunky wood furniture and nothing at all is sourced from animals. The rooms are huge and the bed is comfy with nice little touches such as a provided yoga mat, which made it extra special for me. The breakfast buffet at Bardot Bistro (one of the best vegetarian restaurants berlin could ever have) is absolutely delicious and in large part vegan and the wonderfully peaceful spa on the top floor is the perfect place to end a busy day exploring the city. A truly special place!
Check prices at Almodovar Hotel
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West of the city and Charlottenburg
This is admittedly not my gig, but upscale and polished City West is a lot more grown-up and home to the Rococo Schloss Charlottenburg, the Opera, and the famous Kurfürstendamm, where kilometres upon kilometres of endless shopping awaits. Some of the best Berlin hotels are right here in Charlottenburg. Not so much partying and grungy art stuff.
Best hotels in Berlin Charlottenburg
Provocateur Hotel
Just a 5-minute walk from Kurfürstendamm, the Provocateur Berlin offers accommodation with 1920s flair and some burlesque atmosphere that is extremely sexy, so definitely best for a romantic trip. All rooms at Provocateur include a minibar and a private bathroom with a rain shower, a flat-screen satellite TV, a tablet and a Bluetooth soundbox are also provided. A la carte breakfast with international specials is served each morning at the Provocateur Berlin. The Golden Phoenix restaurant offers French-Chinese cuisine and a selection of cocktails is available at the hotel award-winning bar. Konstanzer Straße Underground Station is a 2-minute walk away.
Check prices at Provocateur Hotel
Hotel-Pension Funk
Constructed in 1895, Hotel-Pension Funk is without a doubt one of the best hotels in Berlin in the quirky and fun category. Just like where it is located, this hotel is teeming with history. In fact, Asta Nielsen, the famous actress of the silent movie era was one of the prominent tenants of the hotel back in the day. Interestingly, much of its original fixtures are still intact for the guests to enjoy the yesteryears of classical decors. Every morning, guests can opt to have an in-house buffet breakfast or stroll around the neighbourhood’s wide selection of breakfast hotspots.
Check prices at Hotel Pension Funk
Sir Savigny Hotel
When searching for the best place to stay in Berlin, just look for a place where everything is a stone’s throw away from each other. Located at the heart of Charlottenburg, Sir Hotels gives its guests a chance to experience the place’s way of life through its well-decorated rooms. This hotel is a perfect match for the culturally-savvy traveller, as some of the well-known Berlin spots are just around the hotel. The historic Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Berlin Zoo are within walking distance.
Check prices at Sir Hotel
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This is a good guide to finding a rental in Berlin. They are in huge demand, all of the time, and prices rise to reflect that, all the time! I think it is possible to simplify and make the process of finding a flat in Berlin much easier. There are lots of new options in Berlin with co-living. They bring together private flats (studios to three beds) and some great community facilities as well (coworking offices, gyms, clubhouses, rooftops) and community events- think workshops, work out classes. Their properties are all fully furnished, and more importantly nicely furnished, their kitchens are even fully stocked with amenities. Move-in ready. They have flexible rental periods, from a few months to a few years, and they have housing in so many different areas of Berlin. It makes finding somewhere to live so easy.