Edgy, creative, and hedonistic, Berlin’s hotels reflect its hip vibe – from intimate boutiques to modern design hotels, it’s home to some of the world’s most unique stays. These are the places that made my jaw-drop…
1. 25 Hours Hotel Bikini
This playful, Insta-worthy stay felt more like a tropical retreat than a hotel, with its urban jungle theme, floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy hammocks, vibrant murals, natural wood accents, and lush greenery everywhere. My ‘Large Jungle’ room had natural wood decor, an oversized double bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a super-cute hammock — my favorite feature!
I soaked up 360° city views from the rooftop restaurant, grabbed fresh bread from the wood-fire bakery, sipped drinks at the buzzy bar, and explored ‘Bikini Island,’ a lively third-floor space with a DJ corner and an Airstream van serving street food. Complimentary mini car and bike rentals were a fun touch too.
Its Charlottenburg location was ideal — I was just steps from Kurfürstendamm shopping street with easy public transport to explore the city.
Dining in their onsite Neni Restaurant which was located on the 10th floor – I loved the incredible city views, the menu inspired from flavours all over the world, the Instagrammable design and my exotic dishes of curry mango hummus and Baba Ghanoush which came with a unique sourdough crumble!
2. nhow Hotel
My Instagram gallery shot of RAW-Gelände in Friedrichshain in Berlin – it was a cool and creative place just a short walk from nhow Hotel!
Dubbed Europe’s premier music and lifestyle hotel, this bold space featured a futuristic design by Karim Rashid with vibrant colors, avant-garde furnishings, and a full music theme. I loved its upbeat, immersive vibe — from the striking décor to the music-filled lobby that set the tone for my stay.
My standard double room had the same funky design with splashes of pink and blue, a colorful bathroom, and a Nespresso machine. My favorite feature was the music-themed room service — I could have guitars, keyboards, or Bluetooth speakers delivered at no extra cost!
I checked out the two recording studios, worked out in the gym with its twin saunas, and dined on creative international cuisine at Fabrics Restaurant. Nights ended at the lively Envy Bar with live DJs and impromptu rooftop gigs.
To book, check prices or availability for nhow Hotel
My favourite highlights…
I loved their commitment to the music theme! When I got chatting with the staff, I found out many of them were music college graduates – making the vibe feel even more authentic!
3. Michelberger
My photograph of Berlin’s street art in Friedrichshain — taken just around the corner from where I staying in the Michelberger Hotel!
This is hugely creative and unique spot! Housed in a converted factory, I loved the eye-catching industrial-chic design, filled with quirky elements that I thought perfectly captured the city’s artsy, rebellious spirit! Despite its bold style, the vibe was relaxed and welcoming, with retro furniture, vintage finds, and secondhand books tucked everywhere I looked!
My Insta-worthy guest room (Luxury Standard Room) came with an individual design with an extra wide four poster bed, a large soaking tub and a wall adorned with books!
I also made full use out of the onsite organic restaurant, the zen-like central courtyard, the lively bar (which had live music and DJs most nights), a cosy barrel-style sauna and a small fitness room.
I loved the causal onsite restaurant with had high ceilings, trendy styling and a creative menu using locally sourced ingredients. I loved my dish of pumpkin polenta gnocchi which came with an interesting mushroom ketchup and a luscious side of potato, miso and chives.
4. Lulu Guldsmeden
This beautiful boutique hotel truly embodies the Danish concept of ‘Hygge!’ Set in a historic 1850s building, the interiors featured a contemporary design that combined Scandi minimalism with Balinese influences. High ceilings, abundant wood accents, lush greenery, and a cozy, romantic vibe make it an inviting and serene retreat.
My cosy guest room was a Scanid-chic design haven with a very charming colonial-style four-poster bed, a swing (loved this!), a gorgeous bathroom which came complete with a large rainfall shower and eco-friendly toiletries.
Breakfast was an organic buffet, and I also dined in their onsite Mediterranean-Lebanese fusion cuisine restaurant and sipped on organic drinks in their bar. It’s location on Potsdamer Straße, was handily nestled between the lively neighbourhoods of Tiergarten and Schöneberg.
I loved starting my day with their 100% organic buffet breakfast and fair-trade coffee each morning. The homemade organic blueberry jam was a standout – perfectly balanced and not too sweet – and I was especially delighted by the unique and flavourful tomato jam, which added an unexpected twist!
5. Gorki Apartments
This is an incredibly Insta-worthy self-catering city stay! I found the design of these upscale apartments astonishing, blending contemporary elegance with vintage charm through striking tiled floors, custom-made furniture, and plenty of creative touches. It felt sophisticated yet warm and welcoming.
My soundproofed, hypoallergenic (Studio Apartment (2A)) featured a sumptuous king-sized bed, beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings, a fully equipped kitchen complete with a Nespresso machine, and a large flat-screen TV – everything I needed for a comfortable but actually very extraordinary stay!
I also really enjoyed its central location in the lively Mitte district where I could also easily walk to Alexanderplatz Square and the Berlin Wall Memorial.
I loved the buzzy Mitte District Location where I was only steps away from awesome cafes, bars and restaurants. My favourites hangouts there were The Rabbit Café which was a plant shop and cafe rolled into one (their garlic mushroom toast was divine!) and the cozy organic restaurant Katz Orange which was housed in a former brewery!
6. Moxy Ostbahnhof
My picture of the metal sculptures at Urban Spree — it was just a 6 minute walk from my Moxy Ostbahnhof stay!
This was a trendy place with a very youthful and sociable vibe! I gazed in awe at its funky interiors which mixed a sleek, industrial-chic design with playful, modern touches (such as writing walls where we could leave uplifting messages!), open social spaces, unique artwork and colourful modular furniture.
My guest room (a Moxy Sleeper) featured its signature contemporary design, Queen-sized bed, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, USB ports, free high-speed Wi-Fi and I adored the smart design touches like motion-activated LED lights.
I also made full use out of the sociable 24/7 bar, the lively lounge area with games and co-working spaces, handy grab-and-go snacks, and well-equipped fitness centre.
I loved the personal touches! At check-in, they offered me a choice of a glass of prosecco or a soft drink, which made me feel warmly welcomed right from the start!
7. Hotel Amano
My photograph of the Alte Nationalgalerie, a few minutes’ walk from where I was staying in the Hotel Amano in Berlin’s Mitte district!
This was a sleek and chic large design hotel! I was a big fan of how it blended modern elegance with urban flair with custom lighting, hardwood herringbone floors and a striking monochrome colour scheme framed by plush dark drapes. To me it felt cool and sophisticated but still welcoming.
My hypoallergenic room (a standard double) was equally as stylish with a minimalistic design and hardwood parquet floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, soundproofing and air con.
I discovered the ground-floor bistro served Israeli-influenced French cuisine, the sixth-floor award-winning ‘Apartment Bar’ had creative cocktails and clear views of the Reichstag, and the rooftop terrace bar attracted partygoers. It also had bicycle rentals, a peaceful courtyard garden, a trendy central Mitte district location and affordable mid-range prices.
To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Amano
My highlights…
Going for drinks at their fabulous rooftop bar which had a stylish design and awesome city views. I dared to try a ‘Spicy P’ cocktail, featuring a mix of chili-infused mezcal, mango purée, and a chili-lime rim – it definitely packed a kick!
8. Weinmeister Hotel
My shot of Berlin’s TV Tower rising over Unter den Linden — I easily reached it from The Weinmeister Hotel and I could even spot the tower from the rooftop hot tub!
This is a very funky boutique hotel! I was a big fan of its sleek, modern design, with expansive windows, unique art installations, and luxury amenities. It felt like an urban retreat, attracting creative, style-conscious travellers who appreciate both comfort and aesthetics!
My guest room, a Standard Queen, had tasteful boutique styling with a spacious designer bed, beautiful hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, handcrafted lamps, and a black-walled shower featuring a luxurious rainfall shower head. I also took full advantage of the modern on-site wellness spa, the chic lounge bar, and the serene rooftop area, complete with stylish furniture and a communal hot tub (which was my favourite hangout area)!
Soaking in the rooftop hot tub and taking in the sweeping views of Berlin’s skyline was unforgettable – I could even spot the iconic Fernsehturm TV Tower along with glimpses of the Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg districts!
9. The Circus Hotel
My photograph of Käthe Kollwitz’s “Mother with Her Dead Son” sculpture inside Neue Wache Memorial — it was just a short walk from my stay at The Circus Hotel in Berlin’s Mitte district!
This was a very charming and stylish boutique hotel! I really liked its bright, creative contemporary interiors which came with custom furnishings, eco-friendly materials, and welcoming communal spaces. I was also won over by its community-oriented and upbeat vibe, sustainable policies and central Mitte District location.
My hypoallergenic guest room, a medium-sized space with individually designed, quirky decor, featured climate control, satellite TV, Bluetooth Bose speakers, and a spacious double bed for a comfortable stay.
I also discovered a cozy garden courtyard, a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views, a buffet breakfast, a trendy bar with cocktails crafted by the talented ‘Lost My Voice’ bar team, as well as bike rentals and family-friendly games—everything to make the stay fun and memorable!
Hiring a Babboe electric cargo bike from reception was such a win – the spacious cargo box, foldable bench, and rain cover made it perfect for comfortably exploring the city, no matter the weather!
10. Hotel Q
I thought this was a very trendy and edgy design hotel! I was wowed by its very unique, sleek and minimalist boutique interiors (designed by GRAFT architects) and stylish and calming atmosphere.
My Insta-worthy allergy-free double guest room featured flowing lines, striking monochrome decor, an unusual built-in bed and an open bathroom complete with a soaking tub.
I also really enjoyed the modern onsite spa which came with a Japanese washing area, sauna, and massage services, the chic Fox! Bar which served up hand-crafted cocktails, the onsite restaurant which had a delicious Thai-focused menu, the delicious breakfast buffet, the pretty courtyard ‘Fox Garden’ and its central location in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district which was within walking distance of the famous Kurfürstendamm shopping street.
I loved the attention to detail that made it such an immersive experience – the lobby was filled with the latest music tunes, the sleek white corridors were artfully lined with red shag carpets, and the stylish staff knew all the best clubs and bars to check out!
11. Provocateur
I thought this glamorous and seductive boutique hotel was a great choice for couples! Its intimate interiors were striking and atmospheric and blended 1920s Parisian glamour with superb modern touches. The dark, moody spaces, red velvet furnishings, vintage-inspired decor, and subtle Art Deco design features exuded an alluring, sensual vibe that felt both sophisticated and inviting.
My romantic room, a classic double, featured the same opulent design with a plush bed, a rain shower, a Smart TV, Bluetooth sound system, minibar, air conditioning, and my favourite detail – a unique ‘Provocateur Mode’ that instantly created a seductive ambiance!
I dined on fusion French-Chinese cuisine in their on-site Golden Phoenix restaurant, sipped cocktails in the chic Phoenix Bar, and explored the charming Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district which was just a short walk from the famous Kurfürstendamm shopping street.
To book, check prices or availability for Provocateur
My personal highlights…
Trying the cocktails in the award-winning, dramatically decorated bar – I opted for the ‘Silver Lining,’ a potent mix of San Cosme Mezcal, Thai basil, elderflower, and fresh herbs – it had quite a kick to it!
12. Sir Savigny Hotel
This small, artistic boutique hotel was set in a beautiful 1893 building and blends contemporary design with old-world decadence — think leather furnishings, curated artwork, and unique custom touches. I was smitten with its warm, sophisticated atmosphere that felt both stylish and inviting.
My spacious, soundproofed Junior Suite had a luxurious bed, courtyard-view windows, a freestanding bathtub, custom furniture, vintage rugs, curated art, a rain shower, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, a Nespresso machine, and a well-stocked minibar — even a selection of books for cozy reading.
I relaxed on the terrace and in the garden, used the hotel’s bike rentals, enjoyed the daily buffet breakfast, and explored the Charlottenburg district with its nearby literary venues, galleries, and bookstores
Sitting in their cozy onsite library and choosing a book from titles from all over the world – I eventually settled on Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse. Afterwards I sat at the communal table and attempted to play a round of chess with a fellow guest!
13. The Social Hub Alexanderplatz
My photograph of the U.S. Embassy near Brandenburg Gate — it was just a 10-minute S-Bahn ride from my stay at The Social Hub Alexanderplatz!
This innovative spot blends a 4-star hotel, student housing, and co-working spaces in Berlin’s trendy Mitte district. I loved its fun, sociable vibe that attracted an interesting mix of travelers, students, and locals.
The interiors were youthful and contemporary with playful colors, retro-style furniture, and funky signage. My standard queen room matched the energy with quirky design touches, soundproofing, high-end bedding, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and an en-suite bathroom with eco-friendly toiletries.
I relaxed on the sun terrace, joined yoga classes, worked out in the fitness center, hung out in the lively lounge and game room, and grabbed drinks and dinner at the stylish restaurant and bar.
I loved the varied breakfast menu which offered a varied selection of superior-quality dishes. Feeling health-conscious, I went for the oat porridge, which was perfectly creamy and topped with luscious forest berries, oat milk, and a sprinkle of dried fruits – it was a great start to my day of sightseeing!
14. Hotel Ackselhaus
My photograph of a fruity cocktail at Zu mir oder zu dir, a lively Berlin bar which was just a 10-minute walk from Hotel Ackselhaus in Prenzlauer Berg.
I thought this beautifully eclectic boutique hotel was just so unique! Set in a stunningly restored 19th-century building, it featured charming, Instagram-worthy interiors with individually themed rooms inspired by romantic destinations like Africa and Rome.
My guest room, a standard double, was exceptionally spacious and felt more like an apartment, but with a truly wow-inducing design! I felt like I was stepping onto an elaborate film set, with a rich blend of exotic, colonial, and nautical styles. It also featured an extra-large, sumptuous bed, thoughtfully curated artwork, and even a cosy separate living area.
I was completely charmed by the picturesque Mediterranean-style garden (complete with a pretty fountain), as well as the chic on-site café where I enjoyed breakfast each morning. Its central location in the vibrant Prenzlauer Berg district was also another great feature.
I loved the trendy Prenzlauer Berg district location which was filled with charming cafes, unique boutiques, and fine cultural attractions. I especially loved the vegan cappuccinos in the cute Kaffee Marlene and the creative cocktails and fun bingo nights at the Höschen bar!
15. SO Das Stue
My photograph of the Reichstag Building – it was just a 12-minute walk from my SO Das Stue hotel!
This was a modern and luxurious boutique hotel – housed in a neoclassical 1930s building, I really admired how this sophisticated 5-star hotel beautifully combined historic architecture with chic, contemporary design. Original parquet floors, elegant French doors, restored wooden inlays, and modern furniture created a romantic, timeless retreat in the leafy and peaceful Tiergarten district.
My upscale guest room, a SO Stue Room with a King Bed, featured an extra-large designer bed, a coffee machine, dark hardwood floors, and large windows overlooking the leafy Tiergarten Park. The superb boutique design, complete with a rain shower, added to the luxurious feel.
I also really enjoyed making use out of the hotel’s spacious modern spa, indoor swimming pool, sauna, and fitness centre (which also offered personal training sessions!), as well as the trendy on-site restaurant and bar and the pet-friendly policies (with my dog Rosa)!
To book, check prices or availability for SO Das Stue
My personal highlights…
Indulging in a personalised massage at chic onsite spa was a real treat – they used products from the holistic, plant-based brand Susanne Kaufmann (which is known for its high-quality naturally active ingredients) which left my skin feeling completely rejuvenated!
Becky Moore - Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six-month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh-faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi-nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in the warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds, and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex-Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
Hotel Reviewing Experience - published hotel review in the 52 Sleeps Book organised by Laterooms.com and Lonely Planet. Asked by over 12 tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Germany Tourist Board,Canada Tourist Board, Eviivo, France.fr, Visitoostende.be,Live Riga and Queensland Tourist Board. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos.
I’ve also been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, LA Weekly, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, Daily Express, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and Metro. Winner of Travel Blog of the Year. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
Awesome list – we are going to Berlin in June. Thanks for the tips. And if you are ever in Havana come have the best Cuban Mojito at the Havana House on us!
Thanks for that list. I live in Berlin but often have people asking for recommendations for unique hotels. It will be great to just point them to this post!
I had no idea there were so many funky hotels here btw.
I live in Berlin, but before I moved here I stayed in Ostel. It has great decor and an interesting feel, plus budget prices. For a more central option, I’d go for Motel One from your list above. Sure, it’s not quite as interesting as some of the others, but it’s very central and you could walk to most places of interest, no problem.
Are those caskets I am seeing at the Propeller Island City Lodge Hotel? If so, are guests able to stay in them? That is crazy, but so absurd that I would really love having an opportunity to stay there. I find strange things to be really interesting, and to have the opportunity to go to Germany; then stay in a casket, would just make for a really interesting story and vacation altogether. Very cool stuff here!
I love the look of all these hotels to be honest but if I had to choose one to stay in I would probably choose Hotel Bikini – it looks like a lot of fun and that lobby looks incredible!
This is an awesome list of hotels, it’s really hard to choose just one but it’s a toss up between the Honigmond Garden Hotel, Arte Luise Kunsthotel and the quirky looking Ostel – fabulous!
Wow, you’ve picked out some spectacular design hotels here – next time I go to Berlin I’ll be picking one of these for sure 🙂
Awesome list – we are going to Berlin in June. Thanks for the tips. And if you are ever in Havana come have the best Cuban Mojito at the Havana House on us!
Decent inns without a doubt! Every one looks so special and uncommon now I simply need to travel to Berlin!
Nice hotels indeed! Each one looks so unique and unusual now I just need to take a trip to Berlin!
Great collection. I would love to stay on all of those. 🙂
Thanks for your comment Marc! 🙂
Very cool list of Berlin, I’d love to stay at them all but my favourite would be Hotel Q – looks very sleek!
Thanks for that list. I live in Berlin but often have people asking for recommendations for unique hotels. It will be great to just point them to this post!
I had no idea there were so many funky hotels here btw.
Pleased to be of help, we’re huge Berlin fans! Lucky you getting to live in such a great city! 🙂
I live in Berlin, but before I moved here I stayed in Ostel. It has great decor and an interesting feel, plus budget prices. For a more central option, I’d go for Motel One from your list above. Sure, it’s not quite as interesting as some of the others, but it’s very central and you could walk to most places of interest, no problem.
Great list shared by you and it is difficult to choose one of them all the luxury hotel.
Are those caskets I am seeing at the Propeller Island City Lodge Hotel? If so, are guests able to stay in them? That is crazy, but so absurd that I would really love having an opportunity to stay there. I find strange things to be really interesting, and to have the opportunity to go to Germany; then stay in a casket, would just make for a really interesting story and vacation altogether. Very cool stuff here!
Thanks for this great list of cool design hotels in Berlin! love the lights at Ku Damm 101 I would stay here if I had the choice 🙂
Thanks Michela! The Ku Damm hotel is fab!
I love the look of all these hotels to be honest but if I had to choose one to stay in I would probably choose Hotel Bikini – it looks like a lot of fun and that lobby looks incredible!
This is an awesome list of hotels, it’s really hard to choose just one but it’s a toss up between the Honigmond Garden Hotel, Arte Luise Kunsthotel and the quirky looking Ostel – fabulous!