A hub of style, fashion and culture you will have plenty to keep you amused on a mini-break to Berlin. The city is full of contrasts which make it the vibrant place it is today: glamour versus grit, modernity versus history, and chilled out vibes versus a party atmosphere. This city is both achingly cool and doesn’t really give a damn at the same time and it’s definitely one of our favourite destinations for an exciting city break. If you are staying in this cool city, make sure you choose a suitably cool boutique hotel. Here are some of our favourites.
Das Stue
Das Stue offers the perfect mix of luxury and sophistication. Period charm sits in harmony with modern interiors. The building was originally constructed in 1938 and once housed the Danish Embassy, the grand lobby with its restored staircase glides up to the hotels lounge, bar and restaurant. The 78 rooms are split between the original building and annex and are ultramodern with hardwood floors and glorious attention to detail – if you stay ask for a room with a freestanding bathtub, this really is the hotel to be at in the city.
25Hours Bikini Berlin
25hours Berlin is an ultramodern millennial paradise, a hit from the moment it opened in 2014. The hotel is right in the heart of the Berlin Zoo district in the Bikini Berlin which was a former 1590’s high rise, that has been completely reimagined as a culture and art quarter. Expect floor to ceiling windows in rooms, black tiled walk in showers, double sided mirrors and the occasional hammock to monkey about in (well we are near the zoo after all). Views looking out to the zoo’s elephant and ape enclosures in the Jungle rooms and Urban rooms look over the war-damaged spire of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the City West skyline. This is a seriously cool hotel that we just love.
Casa Camper
Located between Hackescher Markt and Alexanderplatz you are in the heart of the cities downtown district with shops and museums galore. Designed by Fernando Amat and Jordi Tio the team responsible for Casa Camper Barcelona, the hotel is modern, bold and bright with their trademark red is used throughout. The ethos of Casa Camper Berlin is “home away form home” so breakfast comes as standard, Wi-Fi is free as are refreshments during your stay. The Tentempié Lounge on the top floor offers panoramic views across the city. Tentempié is a 24 hour buffet where at any time of day you can find a drink, hot or cold snacks, fruit, a yogurt, a sandwich or a fresh salad to eat at tables or take up to your room.
The Sir F.K. Savigny Hotel Berlin
Sir Savigny part of the SIR hotels family and also a Design Hotel, breaths renewed creative life into the heart of old West Berlin. The hotel is named after a fictional owner and has the feel of a private residence, thanks to the work by designer Alex Meitlis. Luxury Boutique at just 44 rooms, the hotel is also close to Kurfürstendamm a main shopping district. Relax in the book- lined study or take a little ‘me-time’ in the residences kitchen – The Butcher you won’t be disappointed.
Moxy Berlin
A new hotel in Berlin, the Moxy by Marriot has the millennial mindset in its DNA. Located opposite Ostbahnhof Station it is perfect for access to major transport routes out of the city. The hotels communal areas are where the heart and soul of hotel lies and have been designed to offer a relaxing atmosphere the moment you walk in through the doors, so grab a book, a drink from the bar, kick back and relax.
Henri Hotel Berlin
In the heart of the former West Berlin on Meinekestraße is the compact Henri Hotel. The area is quite upmarket bohemian and the characteristic quirkiness of Henri Hotels works perfectly here. Interior designed Marc Ludolf von Schmarsow has transformed the 19th century building into a collage of Art Nouveau meets contemporary elegance meets Wes Anderson. The charming hotel has been allowed to retain many of the building’s original quirks and details, like the parquet floors, which gives it an almost old-school atmosphere. The rooms are a lesson in sophisticated retro featuring antique furnishings alongside modern bed frames and vibrant walls. The breakfast offering at Henri Hotel Berlin is adorable – a lovely spread of breads, jams, cheeses, cold meats, plus bacon and eggs. Whilst the hotel doesn’t offer lunch or dinner, the surrounding area is full of great restaurants bars jostling for attention so this doesn’t really matter.
Hotel Zoe
Design is at the heart of Hotel Zoe. This beautifully formed hotel of 88 rooms is sophisticated, contemporary and a little bit sexy. The décor of the hotel is a signature combination of rich fabrics, dark and light contrasts, earthy tones, interspersed with luxe touches of gold, marble and velvet. Lighting throughout the hotel is purposefully subdued to create an intimate, tranquil vibe and almost all the furnishings in the public areas are seductively dark in colour. Whilst the smaller rooms are definitely on the smaller side of things (with not much more room than for a bed and a small desk), they are still elegantly furnished with leather headboards and high quality furniture. Whilst the hotel doesn’t boast its own restaurant, it does feature a sleek street-facing Gin & Tonic bar which looks classy enough for Gatsby himself.