From affordable mini-chains and boutique gems to five-star grande dames and big-name international brands, Berlin's hotel scene is as diverse as the city itself. And while there are plenty of newfangled luxury hotel towers, some of the city's most interesting properties are housed in repurposed buildings, including a stately 19th-century bank, a former lighting factory, and even a historic bathhouse.
I've stayed in dozens of Berlin hotels over my many years of living in and visiting the city, and I've learned it's key to choose one that's in line with your vacation goals and near where you expect to spend the most time.
If you're a first-time visitor, opt for a hotel in the central Mitte district, around Potsdamer Platz or Unter den Linden, putting you close to top tourist sites like Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, and Museum Island. Another option is staying in West Berlin's Charlottenburg, which is convenient to major attractions like the Charlottenburg Palace, the Berlin Zoo, and the shopping boulevard Kurfürstendamm.
For those wanting more authentic, local flavor, I recommend staying in an outlying neighborhood like Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain; both are packed with inexpensive local restaurants, buzzy bars and clubs, and lesser-known museums like the KINDL Centre for Contemporary Art.
If you're visiting in summer (which can be hot and muggy), keep in mind that a good number of hotels in Berlin do not have air-conditioning, because the property is landmarked or because in the past it was rarely needed.
Here are my nine favorite hotels that I think best capture the spirit and many different sides of the German capital, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly stay or a high-end retreat.