From London to Tokyo to Buenos Aires, the thrill of visiting a capital city for the first time is a delight. Known for its architecture and historical significance, Berlin is now a poster child for change, acceptance, and, most importantly, artistic diversity and cultural integration. And the best boutique hotels in Berlin encapsulate the city’s progressive attitude while proudly blending the past with the present.

The best boutique hotels in Berlin, Germany

1. The Circus Hotel

The Circus Hotel Courtyard
The Circus Hotel

Inside a 19th-century building in Berlin-Mitte, The Circus Hotel offers a restful, modern respite for travellers eager to explore the many fascinations of the German capital.

The rooms here aren’t overly elaborate but manage to create a hint of drama thanks to oversized art, colourful wallpaper, or in some cases, unexpected minimalism. Still, you can bank on receiving a boutique welcome as the hotel offers 24-hour reception, a la carte breakfast, bike rental, an honesty bar on the rooftop, and yoga sessions.

The Circus Hotel is also home to three epicurean venues. Their lounge, with a library and courtyard, is ideal for breakfast, whereas the bar, Lost My Voice, is the place to socialise over drinks. But if you want something more substantial during the day, head to Condos for locally sourced, delicious baked goods.

Find out more about The Circus Hotel

2. Wilmina

Taking a prime spot on the famous Kantstraße in Berlin Charlottenburg, known for its prominent architecture, restaurants, and cultural vibe, Wilmina is a modern-day chic accommodation with an interesting past. Hiding inside a red-brick residence, once a courthouse and women’s prison, it provides a unique experience for guests wishing to be in the city’s heart and yet escape into one of its serene corners when desired.

As conceived by Grüntuch Ernst Architects, the entire complex in which the hotel stands is a bustling ecosystem comprising an art event space, Louis restaurant and bar under the tutelage of chef Sophia Rudolph, apartments, a cafe, and a sports club. Within the hotel, one can relish a rooftop terrace, a library, a courtyard garden, and a billiard room.

The ambience throughout these spaces elicits calmness, reflected in the light-coloured decor of the rooms. The use of whites and toned-down interiors helps accentuate the outside surroundings marked by the greens of nature and the red of the brick facade. Finally, making Wilmina one of the best boutique hotels in Berlin are the room amenities that include comfortable beds, desks, high-speed WiFi, mood lighting, and en-suites with rain showers.

Find out more about Wilmina

3. Telegraphenamt

Telegraphenamt exterior of hotels
Telegraphenamt

A stunning piece of early-century architecture, the Telegraphenamt boutique hotel in Berlin occupies the iconic Haupttelegraphenamt postal building, built between 1910 and 1916 in new-baroque style with Art Deco elements. The Monbijou Park property not only enjoys a central location in the capital, next to Museum Island, but also welcomes guests to relax in a luxe residence meticulously developed by DREIMETA architects.

Echoing the artistic, designer, and cultural zeitgeist of today’s Berlin, the hotel saunters in the elegance of its interiors. The thoughtfully curated 97 rooms, suites, and maisonettes alternate the stylish with the grunge through plush furnishing, bare-brick accent walls, parquet flooring, moody lighting and colour tones, as well as designer furniture pieces that give the spaces a novel identity.

In-room features at the Telegraphenamt include Smart TVs, rain showers, workspaces, and Bluetooth speakers. At the same time, the hotel impresses the gastronomically curious through Root, the in-house restaurant serving local ingredients transformed into classic international preparations.

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4. Linnen

Linnen interior of guestroom
Linnen

True to its moniker, the moment one enters Linnen, they are inundated by a sense of fresh comfort and cosiness. Located inside a 19th-century Gründerzeit building in Prenzlauer Berg, the “Inn” comprises six rooms, a three-bedroom apartment, and a studio perfect for a couple visiting the capital.

Linnen triumphs among Berlin’s most original boutique hotels due to the originality displayed in its individually crafted abodes. Room 2, for instance, oozes industrial charm through wooden flooring, metal box side tables, a vintage Pierre Cardin sofa, a bathtub, and a unique ceiling design. In contrast, Room 4 mimics a treehouse with extensive use of recycled wood, deep blue-coloured walls, and basic furnishings to create a snug space.

While there is no shortage of creature comforts in the rooms or the apartments, from free WiFi to hand-held showers, the hotel goes out of its way to remain as ecologically conscious as possible. This includes not having a 24-hour reception or housekeeping unless requested. Linnen does, though, come with a cafe on the ground floor, which doubles as the check-in area and is where you’ll find a flurry of culinary activity throughout the day.

Find out more about Linnen

5. Sir Savigny

Sir Savigny library
Sir Savigny

The best boutique hotels in Berlin all have one thing in common, a passion for breaking the mould and displaying, with elan, the city’s trendy temperament. Therefore, it is no surprise that Sir Savigny’s character-filled rooms and spaces highlight any stay in this Charlottenburg-situated residence.

Enter any of the 44 rooms, and a cacophony of design delights the eye with its stylish swagger. Art by Katharina Musick, bespoke furniture, Edison bulb bedside lights, a curated minibar and book collection, Nespresso machines, rain showers, and Marshall speakers are but a few amenities that enrich these cocoons.

The hotel’s Library and Lounge are equally design-centric and causal enough to mingle with fellow residents. And for all carnivorous cravings, the hotel’s decade-old The Butcher, with its industrial decor, presents guests with some of the best meaty delights in the city.

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6. Provocateur Hotel

Provocateur Hotel red guestroom
Provocateur Hotel

If the name wasn’t already an obvious hint, know that Provocateur is arguably the most visually tantalising boutique hotel in Berlin, ripe for a debauchery-filled getaway.

Dark reds, blues, and black colour tones create a seductive ambience in rooms that feature velvet fabrics, wooden flooring, and intimate lighting, allowing guests to enjoy the eccentric extravagance of 1920s Paris. At the same time, amenities, from rain showers and sound systems to coffee machines, air conditioning, and Smart TVs, modernise the spaces per current needs.

As fun as Provocateur’s room can be, its bar is unavoidable, serving bespoke concoctions in a lush atmosphere brimming with music and dance. Gourmands, though, will love Chef The Duc Ngo’s French-Chinese recipes plated at the on-site restaurant. Want more? Opt for the hotel’s three-act burlesque dinner and show for a truly glamorous evening.

Find out more about Provocateur Hotel

7. Hotel The Yard

Hotel The Yard garden outside
Hotel The Yard

Situated in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, The Yard juxtaposes the dynamic attitude of the neighbourhood with its muted simplicity.

Architect Peter Külby’s about Milan-inspired, seven-story, 55-room establishment creates a delicate balance between wood and soft furnishings. The resulting interiors are inviting and particularly relaxing after a day out in the city.

The minimalistic design isn’t, however, devoid of contemporary conveniences. Double-glazed windows, en-suites with rain showers, parquet flooring, complimentary WiFi, and capsule coffee machines help cosy the rooms for a dream-filled night.

But if you are after a more physical respite, the hotel’s bistro will satisfy any hunger pangs, while the spa with an indoor pool, Finnish sauna, and steam room helps rejuvenate the body.

Find out more about Hotel The Yard

8. Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann

8. Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann wellness centre
8. Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann

A sojourn at Schlosshotel in the Grunwald neighbourhood admittedly places you a short distance away from the busy centre. But then, it provides an unmatched opportunity to relish palatial living within city limits. Over a hundred years old, the residence wallows in classically French architecture, offering discerning guests the best luxurious accommodations and spa treatments.

Designed by Patrick Hellmann, the carpeted rooms showcase a classical touch in their interiors. They come adorned with beautiful chandeliers, a plethora of artefacts from across the globe, lush furnishings, curated art pieces, and conveniences like free WiFi, HDTV, air conditioning, and bathrooms with tubs and walk-in showers.

However, you’ll notice that regal indulgence takes on a more lavish renaissance disposition inside the hotel’s main dining areas. The restaurant, bar, and champagne lounge all feature elaborate floor-to-ceiling wood panelling with delicate carvings, plush furniture, ornate light fixtures, and a moody vibe that’s not afraid to push the limits ever so often.

Find out more about Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann

9. Orania.Berlin

Nestled inside a restored 1913 building, once famous for hosting the iconic Cafe Oranienpalast, Orania.Berlin now welcomes guests to dwell in one of its 41 well-appointed abodes.

Conceptualised by Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, the hotel showcases a worldly character brought about by handmade Iranian Luribaff carpets, Indian-made Andrew Martin linen fabrics, and European design aesthetics such as Becker switches from Italy and reflecting spots by Baulmann, Germany.

As such, designer extravagance is a keystone aspect of the property, managed by the husband-and-wife team of Michelin-star-winning chef Phillip Vogel and Jenny Vogel.

However, it is the sheer versatility of Orania.Berlin, which makes it one of the best boutique hotels in Berlin. Among its remarkable facilities are the in-house Asian-meets-European serving restaurant, a trendy bar, and a salon with an open fireplace and library that regularly hosts live music performances.

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10. SO/ Berlin Das Stue

SO Berlin Das Stue interior
SO/ Berlin Das Stue

The brilliance of So/ Berlin Das Stue lies in the underrated artsy ornateness that consumes the hotel. Featuring furniture by Patricia Urquiola, portraits by Christian Thomas, and sculptures by Quentin Garel and Benedetto Mori, So/Berlin is no less than an art gallery packed with eye-catching elements.

Moreover, amalgamating the original architecture with a modern design ethos further gives the residence a truly distinct personality. One, where bohemian colour schemes, brooding wood panelling, atmospheric lighting, and a hint of playfulness accentuate the classical aura around every room, nook, and corner.

Whether facing the Tiergarten or the Zoo, the guestrooms and suites increase the elegance factor by offering luxuries like extra-long beds, rain showers, walk-in wardrobes, Nespresso machines, 4K entertainment, and plush furnishings.

The hotel’s in-house restaurant and bar are epicurean hotspots, places to enjoy contemporary Mediterranean fare or a relaxing drink come evening. However, don’t miss out on noticing the staff uniforms during your stay. Designed by Viktor & Rolf, they pay a colourful homage to the next-door Berlin Zoo.

Learn more about SO/ Berlin Das Stue

11. Gorki Apartments

Gorki Apartments room interior
Gorki Apartments

Centrally located Gorki Apartments merges quintessential Berlin architecture with the comfort of residential living. At the same time, they provide creature comforts that travellers of now have come to expect. Basking in the opulence of its Wilhelminian-style exterior, the abode impresses with its chic, high-ceiling, spacious interiors brimming with eclectic yet functional elements.

A collaboration between architect Kim Wang and interior designer Sandra Pauquet, the abodes exude subtle quirkiness that captures the city’s vibrant zeitgeist. Design, thus, plays a central role, from pattern-adorned accent walls and green tiled bathrooms with rain showers and freestanding bathtubs to open kitchenettes, fireplaces, dining tables, and terraces.

As for our favourite bit? The stand-out in-room decor, like the framed bare-brick wall replacing an otherwise traditional space for a painting. Boutique features aplenty, a stay at any of the six dog-friendly apartments includes bicycles for free, e-scooters, and fridge service.

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12. 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

Bikini Berlin interior guestroom
25hours Bikini Berlin

Bikini is probably the cheekiest boutique hotel in Berlin, and it’s very well aware of this. After all, their tagline states, “open for monkey business.” Part of which is because the hotel is right next to the Zoo. Still, a sense of fun and frolic oozes from every direction, be it their über-cool hammock lounge, zoo-facing ninth-floor sauna, or the all-day kiosk selling books and artisanal items.

The rooms at Bikini Berlin are surprisingly calmer in disposition. Delicately placed colourful elements do not overpower the space; the city, zoo, or park scenes outside the floor-to-ceiling windows remain the focus. Technology and comfort, too, take precedence. All the rooms feature free WiFi, Bluetooth speakers, rain showers, iMac workstations, a free minibar, and Schindelhauer bikes for rent.

The life of the hotel, though, is the 10th-floor Neni restaurant and Monkey Bar. The former plates a delectable menu of Persian, Turkish, Spanish, German, Arabic, and Austrian delicacies. In contrast, the latter is where you can enjoy soulful live music and watch top-class mixologists work their magic.

Learn more about 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

13. Hotel Zoo Berlin

Hotel Zoo Berlin rooftop bar
Hotel Zoo Berlin

Walk into Hotel Zoo Berlin in Kurfürstendamm, and it’s a task not to be awestruck by the lobby’s grandeur. An enormous chandelier, bare-brick accent wall, floor-to-ceiling wooden show doors, George Smith sofas, Thomas Dixon wingback chair, and the social fireplace pay homage to the hotel’s century-old legacy and the poshness of the neighbourhood.

Designer Dayna Lee’s design aesthetics follow through to the 141 rooms, each as sumptuous as the next. Admittedly, there are modern elements intertwined into the otherwise vintage abodes. The suites come with open baths, freestanding tubs, underfloor heating, and fireplaces. In comparison, the rooms overlook the interior courtyard and have wooden flooring, large windows, desks, and comfortable seating.

Evenings here are best spent at the quaintly amorous Grace Bar. And when it’s summertime, head over to the rooftop for a snack, a drink, and remarkable city panoramas.

Find out more about Hotel Zoo Berlin

14. Max Brown Ku’Damm

Max Brown Ku’Damm guestroom
Max Brown Ku’Damm

Located on one end of Charlottenburg, Max Brown Ku’Damm takes much inspiration from its baroque neighbourhood. Simultaneously, it gives its spaces a somewhat hipster vibe through neon signs, pops of bright colours, and large wall prints. The result is one of Berlin’s best boutique hotels with a rather interesting culinary angle.

But first, the rooms. Divided into six categories, the gorgeous accommodations boast of having “possibly the world’s comfiest beds” and some genuinely novel additions. Each room has a mini basketball hoop, a Crosley turntable, Zenology bathroom amenities, and a nice mix of distinct design components.

On the gastronomic side, Max Brown is particularly proud of its Benedict Bakery. And rightfully so, since it is an excellent source of freshly baked bread and that perfect cup of coffee to get you going.

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15. Hotel Mani by Amano

Hotel Mani by Amano interior of guestroom
Hotel Mani by Amano

Without going overboard, Hotel Mani by Amano embraces a rockstar-chic design ethos, creating an accommodation that is as hip as it is elegant. Situated alongside Torstraße in the neighbourhood of Mitte, the hotel’s all-black facade sets the mood for an exclusive stay submerged in contemporary indulgences. 

The decor and furniture are leather and chrome, along with trendy and sleek photos on the walls. Rooms available are in two categories: standard single or double. Either way, they feature a desk, soundproof windows, Nespresso machines, TVs, en-suites, a suitepad, and free WiFi.

Adding a touch of epicurean glamour to your stay here is the in-house award-winning Israeli restaurant Mani. Plan your visit on a Saturday, and you can partake in Isramani. This weekly event includes music, dance, unique dishes, viral-worthy floral decorations, and the chance to mingle with guests and locals. Should you want to do something more romantic, the hotel has an intimate rooftop bar, Amano, ideal for a starlit tête-à-tête.

Learn more about Hotel Mani by Amano

16. HENRI Hotel

HENRI Hotel interior of guestromm
HENRI Hotel

HENRI Hotel capitalises on the 19th-century grace of its building while making the most of its idyllic location next to the oh-so-dapper Kurfürstendamm Street, famous for boutiques and cafes. Moreover, its heavy nod towards Belle Epoque architecture and mix of vintage meets designer interiors, fashioned by Marc-Ludolf von Schmarsow, adds more panache to the building’s character.

The 72 rooms around the hotel are surprisingly spacious and showcase an individual identity through embellishments like original stucco high ceilings, hand-knotted carpets, and curated antiques. TVs, coffee and tea makers, desks, and WiFi bring in an element of today. Our favourite, the salon with a balcony, evokes a romantic feel with its four-poster bed, bathtub, and cute terrace featuring seating for two.

HENRI’s charm lies in the details. Brass keys replace the now standard keycards for rooms, the staff dress in clothes designed by Oliver Kresse, and the three salons that act as common areas transform the hotel into a dream-like escape where that feeling of the good old times takes up permanent residence.

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