Berlin’s creativity doesn’t end with its myriad galleries, museums and art spaces. Here you can book a chic, contemporary hotel room in a treehouse, an indoor campsite, or a boat overlooking the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall — the options are as cool and kaleidoscopic as the city itself.
Here are 11 totally unique hotels in Berlin — handpicked by the people who know it best.
1. Hüttenpalast
Neukölln
Luxe indoor camping in stylish vintage vans: that’s how it is at Hüttenpalast Berlin. The hotel is located in the hip district of Neukölln and surrounded by cafés and bars, while the Landwehr Canal, just a few minutes away, invites you to take a sunny stroll. The Hüttenpalast itself also boasts a cosy café, a relaxed, green backyard and offers regional organic breakfast at a small additional cost. If you don’t feel like camping yourself but want to experience the extraordinary design, you can also stay in a ‘normal’ room.
Rooms from €70 (+5% city tax: €73.50)
2. Michelberger
Friedrichshain
The Michelberger Hotel is located directly opposite Warschauer Strasse train station — and is thus at the heart of Berlin’s club scene. Inside, however, the atmosphere is considerably more relaxed. One of the rooms has walls covered with books, in another a cosy wooden hut has been built around the bed: behind the design of the Michelberger is palpable love and flair. In the summer, guests can also enjoy a cooling drink in the beautiful courtyard, exchanging clubbing tale with other guests.
Rooms from €95
3. Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann
Grunewald
World-famous designers Karl Lagerfeld and Patrick Hellmann put together the interior design of Schlosshotel in Grunewald, which was built at the start of the 20th century as a villa for the noble von Pannwitz family. The five-star hotel masters the balance between historical grandeur and ultra-modern fashion and is thus luxurious on all levels. Lake Grunewald seduces guests to take extensive walks in the woods, and, by S-Bahn or car, you can easily reach the centre of Berlin in a short time.
Rooms from €199
4. nhow Berlin
Friedrichshain
A Mecca for musicians: at the nhow Berlin, located directly on the Spree, there are not only weekly concerts and club events, but guests themselves are encouraged to give free rein to their creativity. With professional recording studios and free keyboard and guitar room service, music can be played here day and night. The location — with a view of Oberbaumbrücke and nestled between Berlin’s hottest clubs — is certainly impressive. And the blue-pink design of the modern four-star hotel is sure to help visitors switch off from the drab everyday.
Rooms from €88
5. Ostel
Friedrichshain
Rewind to the 1970s: the Berlin Wall still stands and you live in the socialist east of the city. The Ostel at Ostbahnhof is an utterly immersive experience with its 100% GDR themed-interiors. The walls are adorned with retro flowery wallpaper, the furniture is entirely of East German design, and every room has its own original GDR radio. If, during the day, you’d rather convince yourself that the Wall has indeed fallen and the city is a reunified buzzing metropolis, you can walk to the East Side Gallery within a few minutes and view the longest remaining section of the Wall — also the world’s largest open-air gallery — still in existence. Those more in the mood for partying can reach the famous Berghain night club in just four minutes.
Rooms from €33
6. Eastern Comfort
Kreuzberg
You don’t stay overnight on a boat every day — especially in a big city like Berlin. The Eastern Comfort bobs gentle on the River Spree right between the party districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain — with a view of the impressive Oberbaumbrücke and right next to East Side Gallery, the largest remaining piece of the Berlin Wall. There are both inexpensive shared rooms and more comfortable single rooms. On deck, guests can enjoy drinks and snacks from the Floating Lounge as they watch the sun set over the water.
Rooms from €16
7. Arte Luise Kunsthotel
Mitte
Anyone who stays at the Arte Luise Kunsthotel lives in a gallery full of unique pieces. The 50 one-of-a-kind rooms were designed by 50 international artists, and each boasts an individual style and aesthetic. Most rooms have private bathrooms, and there’s a breakfast buffet and restaurant. The location — in Berlin’s government quarter with a view of the Bundestag, between the main train station and Friedrichstraße — offers various sightseeing opportunities, all within walking distance.
Rooms from €45
8. Urban Tree House
Zehlendorf
A stylishly-realised childhood dream: living in the treetops. In Zehlendorf, at a height of about 4 metres, you’ll find spacious, contemporary tree house studios. Complete with integrated bathroom and kitchen, visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go for exclusive walks through the adjacent forest, or slip into the sauna at the base of the tree — which is comfortably possible without climbing stairs. If, however, you’re craving some contrast between the city and nature, you can also walk from your canopy abode to multiple restaurants and beer gardens.
From €476 for two nights
9. Almodovar Berlin
Friedrichshain
The Almodovar goes further than many Berlin households: it’s certified 100% organic! Here, even the wall paint of the chic and cosy rooms is sustainable. The furniture is made of dark solid wood, there’s a roof-top spa and a vegetarian-vegan restaurant. Those in the mood to indulge can treat themselves to a glass of organic sparkling wine at the Sunday brunch, before the day begins in the neighbourhood of Friedrichshain with its hip cafés, bars and clubs.
Rooms from €99, almodovarhotel.de
10. Hotel Q!
Wilmersdorf
The Q! stands out from the Berlin hotel crowd with its futuristic design: the bed and bathtub elegantly blend into one another. At Fox Bar, the hotel’s in-house watering hole, select Thai dishes are served with cocktails created by the hotel itself, while the spa boasts its own sand room — inviting you to relax as if on the beach.
Rooms from €110
11. Provocateur
Wilmersdorf
Dimmed light, plush red velvet sofas and rainforest showers: the Provocateur Hotel is all about sensuality. Gourmets will certainly get their money’s worth in the hotel’s restaurant with its Franco-Chinese cuisine, while the nearby Ku’damm offers further culinary and shopping opportunities.
Rooms from €124
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