Germany’s capital, Berlin, means many things to many people. To some, it’s the tumultuous history for others; it’s the highly progressive, modern and young culture. For urban aficionados, it’s home to some of the most fascinating architecture in the world including the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building and the Mies van der Rohe-designed Neue Nationalgalerie. There are plenty of cheap hotels in Berlin catering to budget-minded vacationers, making it easier on the wallet to visit the plethora of venues that this grand city has to offer.
Go ahead…discover what Berlin means to you.
Best for Business Travellers
Hotel 103, at Schönhauser Allee 103, is über-modern in design, with stark features, clean lines, and the perfect dichotomy of woods and metals. It’s located in the famous “Prenzlauer Berg,” and is easily accessible via the S-bahn, U-bahn and the Tram. The “Mauerpark” and “Max-Schmeling Halle,” as well as the “Kulturbrauerei” are within walking distance.
Amenities include: 43 rooms and one apartment, private bathroom, shower/WC, meeting rooms, WiFI, pool table, bar, bicycle hire and modern decor. Breakfast is available for a small fee. When venturing out for the day, be sure to fill up before trekking around the city. A great place to do that on a budget is White Trash Fast Food, Schönhauser Allee 6-7. Which, despite its rather cheeky name is way beyond Spam and Wonder Bread. It’s campy, fun, a definite freak-show of flavours. Think California-style burritos, fish and chips, Caesar salad with scampi and BBQ ribs…all with a side of guitar!
Best for Couples
The oh-so-romantic Hotel de Ela, at Landshuter Str. 1, is just minutes from Tegel Airport and the Hauptbahnhof, a short walk away from KaDeWe, the largest department store in Europe. Shoppers will love that the Kurfurstendamm shopping street is only a four-minute subway ride away.
Housed in a 19th century classic building, Hotel de Ela provides a mix of modern and vintage with lots of space. Rooms include Wi-Fi, satellite TV, en-suite bathrooms, heating and daily room service. A daily continental breakfast includes rolls, coffee, juice, fruit, tea, yogurt, cheese and ham. Special dietary requirements are also accommodated.
Walk along the gorgeous tree-lined street and head on over to Potemkin Restaurant at Viktoria-Luise-Platz 5. This Russian diner is a hit with locals young and old, largely due to its American-diner style and the fact it serves Italian and French dishes on top of its Russian specials.
Best for Style
The Hotel Hoppegarten, Köpenickerstrasse 1 (Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten), is a complete contradiction in design…which completely works! 1920s industrial on the exterior, the interior is light, inviting, serene and stately in presentation.
A long-time favourite of business travellers for its proximity to the Bi/B5 (Frankfurter Chaussee) and Alexanderplatz, it is gaining ground with the leisure vacationer who wants access without being in a tourist trap.
For those who would rather get some fresh air and grab lunch near the hotel, try Sage Restaurant. At Köpenicker Str. 18-20, it’s close by, and a beautiful walk. Reminiscent of a Downtown Manhattan loft, it’s got exposed white brick and ceilings with visible pipe, mixed with luxurious crystal chandeliers, candelabras and pillows. The food is “European Classic” mixed with Italian cuisine. Examples are: Bruschetta, Caprese Pizza, Antipasti, Tete de Veau, and White Asparagus Gratinee.
Best for Quiet
Nu Hotel Berlin, at Gubener Str. 46/47, is near the Ostbahnhof, in the Berlin’s Friedrichshain district. The hotel is less than a 12-minute walk to the O² World Sporting Arena, as well. With light wood dominating the decor, gardens surrounding the hotel, and walls of windows, this is a light and inviting place to rest. There are 28 rooms, a bar, garden terrace, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, phone, hair dryer, mini bar, daily newspaper and breakfast buffet included.
Take advantage of the lovely neighbourhood and saunter out for a fun fondue dinner. Feuer und Flamme, at Am Comeniusplatz 1, Ecke Gubener Str., is just the place to dip and sip. It has vegetable, fish, meat, cheese and chocolate-based fondues to satisfy every taste.
Best for Luxury on a Budget
Sometimes, only a high-rise will do. With phenomenal views and big-city atmosphere, Berlin Park Inn by Radisson fits the bill.
Located at Alexanderplatz 7, Berlin Park Inn is in the absolute heart of the city. It offers contemporary and spacious rooms…and did we mention the views? When not admiring the vast overlay of Berlin, one can take advantage of the fully-equipped gym, bar or one of three restaurants on the premises.
Amenities include meeting rooms, a terrace, Wi-Fi, heated floors and rain shower in the bathroom, flat-screen TV, and elegant decor.
