Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [98]
Mandala Hotel (Map; 590 050 000; www.themandala.de; Potsdamer Strasse 3; ste €270-580, breakfast €21; ) How ‘suite’ it is to be staying at this discrete retreat, a place of casual sophistication and unfussy ambience. Six sizes of suites are available, each outfitted for maximum comfort and ideal working conditions in case you’re here to ink that deal. Perks: a Michelin-star restaurant, a snazzy hotel bar and a world-class day spa.
Return to beginning of chapter
Kreuzberg
baxpax Kreuzberg (Map; 6951 8322; www.baxpax.de; Skalitzer Strasse 104; dm €9-22, s €29-37, d €42-60, discounts Nov-Feb; ) Small, artsy and chilled-out, this sociable hostel in an old factory puts you smack-dab into Kreuzberg’s party zone. It has great security, fanciful murals and one of the most original beds in town: it’s inside a genuine Volkswagen bug! Cook up a storm in the kitchen, then meet fellow travellers on the terrace.
Hotel Johann (Map; 225 0740; www.hotel-johann-berlin.de; Johanniterstrasse 8; s €70-90, d €95-105; ) This 33-room hotel consistently tops the popularity charts thanks to its eager-to-please service and gorgeous rooms, some with scalloped ceilings, exposed brick walls and other historic touches. The small garden is perfect for summery breakfasts, while happening Bergmannstrasse and the Jewish Museum are just quick strolls away.
Hotel Riehmers Hofgarten (Map; 7809 8800; www.riehmers-hofgarten.de; Yorckstrasse 83; s €100, d €138-145; ) Near Viktoriapark, this charismatic boutique hotel is part of a protected 1891 building complex with a lush inner courtyard certain to delight romantics. Large double French doors lead to mostly spacious, high-ceilinged rooms that are modern but not stark. Gourmet restaurant.
Return to beginning of chapter
Friedrichshain
Ostel (Map; 2576 8660; www.ostel.eu; Wriezener Karree 5; dm €9, s/d without bathroom €33/54, with bathroom €40/61, breakfast €4.50; ) Ostel resuscitates GDR charm with original furnishings sourced from flea markets, grannies’ attics and eBay. With portraits of party apparatchiks peering down on you, you can stay in a Pioneer Room dorm, a ’70s holiday apartment, a prefab flat or the bugged Stasi Suite. Just like staying on the set of Good Bye, Lenin!
Eastern Comfort Hostelboat (Map; 6676 3806; www.eastern-comfort.com; Mühlenstrasse 73-77; dm €16-19, 2nd-class s/d/tr/q €50/58/69/76, 1st-class s/d €64/78, linen €5; ) Moored right by the East Side Gallery, this floating hostel puts you within staggering distance of top party venues. Cabins are carpeted and trimmed in wood, but pretty snug (except for ‘1st-class’); all but the dorms have their own shower and loo. Private rooms are also available in the Western Comfort boat across the river. Also Click here.
Hotel 26 (Map; 297 7780; www.hotel26-berlin.de; Grünberger Strasse 26; s/d from €70/90; ) This modern hotel decked out in cheery citrus colours may seem sparse and no-nonsense, but it has a lot going on that doesn’t immediately meet the eye, including an eco-conscious approach to hospitality. Rooms are nonsmoking and the breakfast is entirely organic.
* * *
HOLIDAY FLATS
For self-caterers, independent types, wallet-watchers, families and anyone in need of plenty of privacy, a short-term furnished-flat rental may well be the cat’s pyjamas. Plenty of options have been popping up lately, but these are our favourites:
Brilliant Apartments ( 8061 4796; www.brilliant-apartments.de; apt €80-120; ) The name is the game in these eight stylish and modern units with full kitchens that sleep up to six and are located on Oderberger Strasse and Rykestrasse, both hip drags in Prenzlauer Berg that put you close to everything.
Miniloft Berlin (Map; 847 1090; www.miniloft.de;