Berlin’s rich history, vibrant arts scene and haute hospitality offerings make it a no brainer when it comes to booking a weekend mini break …
Château Royal Berlin, Central Mitte
Located in Central Mitte, this hotel strikes the perfect balance between arty and practical and is a great location to base yourself in. Mere steps from the Brandenburg Gate, the Château Royal Berlin features one-of-a-kind guest rooms decorated by local and international creatives. The spacious 93 rooms follow a uniform design theme, with warm wood stains, herringbone floors and rattan headboards. There is also the fabulous Restaurant Château Royal which focuses on eclectic Mediterranean cuisine, and a spa. Close to the Château Royal visitors can explore the fabulous museums of Museum Island, while the hotel is the perfect spot for opera lovers with the renowned Staatsoper just a stone’s throw away. @chateauroyalberlin
Telegraphenamt, Monjioustrasse 11
Located in Monijoustrasse 11, this hotel is a very hip spot to hang out in. Telegraphenamt captures the atmosphere and soul of Berlin’s identity and highlights the many layers the city has to offer, form art to culture and nightlife. The hotel, with 97 unique rooms, maisonettes and suites, is situated in a historic neo-Baroque building which has been renovated, becoming a mecca in the city for stylish travellers. Don’t miss Root restaurant with its glass-covered ceiling – the perfect spot for pre-dinner cocktails and people-watching. www.telegraphenamt.com
Max Brown Ku’Damm, Charlottenburg
This colourful hotel is in the elegant Charlottenburg district, close to some of the city’s best boutiques and the upmarket Kurfurstendamm boulevard (the historic KaDeWe department store is worth a visit). Inside the hotel you’ll find copper pipes, mid-century furniture and a particularly good restaurant, Benedict, where breakfast, from North African to traditional German specialities, is on the menu all day. Do take in the Collectors Room, a space for private art collectors to exhibit, principally Thomas Olbricht, whose collection is one of the largest in Europe. www.maxbrownhotels.com
For a taste of hipster Berlin, head to the Kreuzberg district in the west of the city, full of bars, coffee houses and great restaurants. Foodies will also enjoy the Markthalle Neun, a large covered market brimming with all sorts of tempting dishes and drinks. www.markthalleneun.de
Sir Savigny, Charlottenburg
With only 44 rooms this hotel is designed to be a bijou oasis amid the buzz of Berlin. The hotel is named after the Savignyplatz, a pretty garden square in Charlottenburg, which is a favourite haunt of writers and artists. For David Bowie fans, a must-visit is Schwarzes Cafe where he and Iggy Pop were regulars. Rooms span from Sir Petit to Sir Suite and feature gorgeous books, vintage rugs, mid-century furniture and works by artists including Katharina Musick. www.sirhotels.com
If the hotel taps into Berlin’s artistic soul, then follow its lead and make a beeline for the Museum of Photography which is also home to the Helmut Newton Foundation, where most of his work is on permanent display. www.smb.museum
SO Berlin Das Stue, Drakestrasse
The former Royal Danish Embassy was remodelled as this stylish hotel where interiors by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola dazzle, as does its Susanne Kaufmann spa. There are 78 rooms, split between the original building and a newer annex. Polished hardwood floors, Diptyque toiletries and gorgeous fabrics are features; some rooms have balconies and views of the nearby park. For gourmets, the Michelin-star Cinco restaurant is a highlight, but there is also a tapas-style menu on offer at the Casual Restaurant, where breakfast is also served. Das Stue is in the Embassy quarter, next to the historic Berlin zoo, and within walking distance to the Tiergarten park, which is lovely for a picnic on a nice day. The pretty Landwehr Canal, which cuts through the city from west to east, is a short stroll away as is the Charlottenburg district with its bistros and boutiques and palace of course. www.so-berlin-das-stue.com
Orania, Orianenplatz
Orania boutique hotel is located along Oranienplatz, and is set in an Art Nouveau building which dates back to 1913. The 41 rooms have enormous windows and gorgeous views over the city. The hotel is located on the buzzier side of Berlin – so would be a good choice for those looking to take part in all the nightlife the city has to offer. www.orania.berlin
The Hoxton, Charlottenburg
Located in Charlottenburg in leafy West Berlin, this hotel sits in a pretty neighbourhood filled with contemporary art. It features 234 rooms, a beautiful lobby bar to visit for an evening drink, a spacious outdoor terrace, as well as three restaurants on-site: The Tearoom for breakfast, House of Tandoori and The Wintergarden. The rooms feature funky scalloped headboards, peachy tones and patterned pillows, full of soft curves and geometrics, plus bouclé chairs. www.thehoxton.com