Amy Adejokun
Section editor
Concealed in a quiet street in the Prenzlauer Berg district, the Myer's Hotel is a tranquil and small hotel with only 50 rooms. It is a haven of serenity after a day spent walking through the bustling streets of the neighbouring district of Mitte. Elegance and refinement are the key concepts of the establishment, as seen in its classical style and its indoor garden. The main activity is relaxation, pure and simple...
Myer's - © EASYVOYAGE
Myer's - © EASYVOYAGE
It is only 10 minutes from the Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz subway station. The Myer's Hotel stands in the residential area of Prenzlauer Berg, an elegant but cold neighbourhood in former East Germany. Shops, trendy restaurants, and lively bars are still somewhat of a rarity around here, but it's only a matter of time before things change. As it is, the surrounding areas of Alexanderplatz, which is close by, seem to grow by the day, with only 15 minutes on foot to reach the famous square and its monuments, museums, and tourist sights (television broadcasting tower, former GDR museum, churches, etc.).
5 seems to be the Myer's lucky number: The hotel has 51 rooms that occupy 5 floors and come in 5 categories: classic, comfort, superior, premium, and suite... No two rooms are alike. Each one is unique in terms of space and layout, but all share this in common: high ceilings, warm colours, and refined woodwork. As far as the interior decorating is concerned, management has banked on a classic and elegant setting in both the new and more ancient sections of the hotel. However, the older parts are authentically elegant, whereas the newer rooms are at risk of seeming a little bit kitsch in the eyes of some customers: especially with regard to the curtains, the wallpaper, the armchair... As far as the amenities are concerned, not all the rooms show the same level of sophistication: only 16 have individual air conditioning, whereas the others must make do with a fan. Around 2/3 of the rooms have a mini bar, nearly 80% have a shower, and most don't have a safe. The only items that are found in all the units are the television and the phone. The newer rooms are more fully equipped, with a safe, a mini bar, a bathtub, and even heated floors in some cases.
In a long avenue lined with buildings you will find a porch. Under that porch, there is a small courtyard where time seems to have stopped. To the right, a flight of steps leads up to a recent and rather nondescript building. As soon as one steps in and discovers the entrance hall - entirely renovated - one immediately gets the notion that this hotel has a lot to show off, especially in terms of its authentic interior decor: parquet floor, carpet, antique furniture, paintings... All this stands out against the bright yellow walls, creating a stark and pleasant contrast! A desk serves as a reception counter but it has nothing in common with the large and charmless reception desks in the bigger hotels of the city. A little further on there is a magnificent veranda where a computer is available for guests to use for free, as well as a series of paintings by local artists. The hotel also has a large dining room where conferences are regularly held. There is nothing in the way of entertainment or sporting facilities, but management claimed that the installation of a sauna and Turkish baths was in the works for 2010. At the time there were also plans for a fitness centre.
Unfortunately, there is no actual restaurant in the Myer's... Even though there were plans in the works for one, at the time of our visit the hotel had only a small room (capacity of 30 guests) for breakfast with windows that open out on the garden. This room is also used to organize special events. Breakfast is served as a buffet of salty and sweet dishes (an American-style breakfast). Amazingly, instead of freshly pressed orange juice, the buffet includes sparkling wine instead! The hotel also houses a bar that unfortunately doesn't serve any snacks. However, there is a plethora of restaurants and fast food joints within a 10 minute walk of the hotel, especially around Alexanderplatz.
10 birthday candles in 2010 and not a wrinkle to show for it! As a proof of its quality and style, the Myers is a member of the very select "Precise Hotels Collections" group. It used to house some apartments and a boarding school, and in 2008, 11 new rooms were added.
massage, sauna, spa
This member of the Spanish hotel chain Sol Meliá is located near one of the main stations in Berlin, and occupies a listed historical building that housed a school at the end of the 19th century. The brick building is a very charming prospect, and in particular one of its rooms, which is adorned with columns and a vaulted ceiling and is regularly used for cocktail evenings and events organised for groups. Thanks to the fact they overlook the courtyard, the Innside Berlin's 133 guest rooms are spacious, bright and peaceful. Their colourful decor contrasts with the classic appearance of the original building. If you feel like doing a bit of exercise, the gym can be found on the first floor, along with the solarium.
Much like many of its sister establishments, the Radisson Blu, which opened in 2004, quickly identified the potential of this Berlin neighbourhood situated in former East Germany. The renown of the group and the original architectural style took care of the rest, turning it into one of the capital's most famous hotels. Unlike the cold and charmless design favoured by other hotel groups, this establishment has created a fun atmosphere, in particular thanks to its massive aquarium in the middle of the lobby. This hotel caters to all: couples, families, and lone travellers of all ages!
The aptly named Alexander Plaza is a boutique hotel with 94-guestrooms housed in a late 19th century building, just a stone's throw from Alexanderplatz. Renovated in 2005, the Alexander Plaza has managed to retain some original elements, while adapting to the requirements of today's hospitality business. The result is a hotel which is modern without showing off, unlike other contemporary hotels of Berlin, and warm to its guests...
You might be wondering how the Lux 11, which opened in 2005, got its name. The truth is, this very popular upmarket hotel in the country's capital is, in fact, located between numbers 9 and 13 on a discreet little street in the select Mitte district of the city. This once sad little corner of former East Germany has since been taken over by a large number of art galleries, boutiques, lively bars, and even celebrities. With its minimalist white and fuchsia pink geometric decor, the hotel will undoubtedly appeal to a young and trendy clientele.
Having opened in 1970, the Park Inn obviously had a hunch before anyone else of the potential of this district in former East Germany. However, in spite of several renovations, the Park Inn's various facilities are not all equal. In terms of decoration, for example, some of the rooms display a modern decor while some others have not aged well, such as the breakfast room. The size of the hotel (1,020 guest rooms) will scare more than one away, but it will definitely make bungee jumpers happy: The hotel organises maiden jumps from the 39th floor! Therefore, we recommend this hotel to people who are not afraid of heights or anyone not horrified by large establishments.
Ideally located to explore the most modern district of Germany's capital city, the Ritz-Carlton Berlin has established itself at the heart of Potsdamer Platz. An elegant first class hotel, it is just a stone's throw away from the city centre. Its hushed atmosphere is sure to please vacationing couples as well as business travellers.
This perfectly pleasant three-star establishment has plenty to offer, not least its good location in one of the trendier parts of Berlin, stylish surroundings and good value for money. The Amano is located close to Rosenthalerplatz, between the Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg districts of the city, and has been open since August 2009. The bright, all-grey entrance hall is welcoming and features original furniture and if you're a fan of photography you'll no doubt appreciate the work of the German artist adorning the walls. The hotel also boasts a special room equipped with two computers and free Wi-Fi access. Despite being a little on the small side, the guest rooms here are nevertheless perfectly practical and come with all the basic amenities you would need.
The Casa Camper boasts a prime location and is one of Berlin's more stylish, modern hotels. The remarkable decor here is both original and low-key, and great attention has been paid to every last detail, maintaining the harmony between the fine materials and industrial decorative elements found throughout the spacious surroundings. The guest rooms at the hotel have an impressive floor area of 30m², and if you have an iPod you'll be pleased to know that there are docking stations both in the guest rooms and in the hotel gym. If you're someone who likes to keep fit and watch what they eat you'll be delighted with the daily buffet breakfast, which consists of fresh fruit and vegetables, plus a selection of Japanese dishes. We would also recommend you check out the reading room on the top floor, if only for its impressive views across the city.
The original facade of this establishment, one of the German capital's finest, says a great deal about its illustrious past, and the Hôtel de Rome is in fact one of the few luxury hotels to have taken up residence in a period establishment. Having said that, it's still hard to imagine the wonders concealed behind its walls, a tasteful combination of old and contemporary, from the superb entrance hall to the wonderful spa housed in the building's former vault. This hotel comes highly recommended to all those who have the means to stay there, and if you haven't, at least try the restaurant!
The Adlon Kempinski is a historic luxury hotel in Berlin, also considered one of the world's most beautiful hotels. At the foot of the Brandenburg Gate, this highly luxurious hotel aspires to be the worthy successor of the illustrious hotel located on the same spot and destroyed during World War 2, but it does claim a modern facet to its service and decor. Managed by the Kempinski group, this hotel is hailed by all as a gem of architecture, with perfect technique and ambiance. These assets did not leave celebrities such as Greta Garbo and Charlie Chaplin or still, many politicians, who all stayed at this hotel, unmoved. Ideal for a little break or even just a little glimpse!
Most of the guests staying at this elegant hotel, which stands between the avenues of 'Unter den Linden' and 'Friedrichstraße', do not know about its history. The chunk of wall displayed near the front door is the first clue. Built in 1987, the Westin Grand Hotel replaced a shopping centre destroyed during the Great War. This establishment inherited its predecessor's refinement, as well as a few almost identically reconstructed former characteristics. The rest of the hotel teeters between a classical and a contemporary style. Everyone should be able to find what they are looking for here... as long as they can afford it of course!
Ideally located to explore the most modern district of Germany's capital city, the Ritz-Carlton Berlin has established itself at the heart of Potsdamer Platz. An elegant first class hotel, it is just a stone's throw away from the city centre. Its hushed atmosphere is sure to please vacationing couples as well as business travellers.
You might be wondering how the Lux 11, which opened in 2005, got its name. The truth is, this very popular upmarket hotel in the country's capital is, in fact, located between numbers 9 and 13 on a discreet little street in the select Mitte district of the city. This once sad little corner of former East Germany has since been taken over by a large number of art galleries, boutiques, lively bars, and even celebrities. With its minimalist white and fuchsia pink geometric decor, the hotel will undoubtedly appeal to a young and trendy clientele.
The Berlin Hilton is one of the city's luxury establishments, offering deluxe rooms with fantastic views over the square of Gendarmenmarkt and the Französischer Dom church. From the decoration of the 601 guest rooms to the furnishing in the communal areas, where a mixture of modern features and older items sets the scene, the interior decor has been closely thought out, right down to the smallest detail. In addition to the varied set of facilities, which include a swimming pool, a gym, a hair stylist and a beauty salon, the Hilton also boasts an à la carte restaurant that serves regional gourmet specialities. Breakfast, on the other hand, consists of a copious buffet of delicious dishes served every morning in a first-floor dining room.
It is considered by some as 'the only modern luxury hotel' of Berlin. Open since 1998, the Grand Hyatt is certainly part of the very close circle of highly luxurious hotels in the German capital city. As it stands close to the famous Potsdamer Platz, the hotel benefits from an ideal location close to the splendid Christmas market in winter and inevitably enjoys the proximity of shops and restaurants open all year round. Guests can also use the in-house spa, so the activities are endless, whether indoors or outdoors!
The Berlin Movenpick hotel is much like its home town. It's a surprisingly trendy establishment. It was built in 1914 by Herr Siemens, opposite his first factory, and still shows many industrial architectural elements of that era, associated with a modern interior and noble materials such as European wallnut wood. With items taken from the ancient next-door railway station decorating each floor, the industrial interior is complete. The establishment includes 243 fully-equipped rooms (the standard ones feature a bathtub designed by Philippe Starck), a business centre with two computers connected to the Internet, a gym and a sauna. The restaurant and its large bay window which opens up in the summer are worthy of mention.