Berlin, where a complex history meets a thriving contemporary art and design scene, is an exciting destination for culturally minded travelers. Whether booking a room in a former factory turned creative sanctuary or a refined boutique residence, the best design hotels in Berlin reflect the city’s layered past and bold, forward-thinking spirit. This curated selection spans a range of styles and price points, offering thoughtful hospitality and inspiring interiors for travelers at any budget.

Wilmina

Wilmina is a boutique hotel in Berlin’s Charlottenburg district, set within a former 19th-century women’s prison and courthouse. Originally built in 1896, the complex has been carefully transformed by Grüntuch Ernst Architects, who preserved features such as exposed brick walls and vaulted ceilings while introducing light-filled spaces and refined contemporary design. The result is a peaceful urban sanctuary that balances historical depth with understated modern comfort.

The hotel offers 44 individually designed rooms and suites, ranging from cozy accommodations to spacious penthouses with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces. Each room features luxurious COCO-MAT beds made from natural materials, ensuring a restful stay. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a rooftop terrace, a library with a fireplace lounge, a spa with a sauna, and a fitness center. The on-site restaurant, Lovis, led by chef Sophia Rudolph, serves contemporary German cuisine in a setting that opens to a lush garden courtyard.

Located on Kantstraße, Wilmina provides easy access to Berlin’s cultural and historical landmarks. The surrounding Charlottenburg neighborhood is known for its blend of classic architecture and modern attractions, offering a variety of boutiques, theaters, and fine dining options. The hotel’s gardens and courtyards offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s vibrant energy.

25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin is located in the iconic Bikinihaus in the heart of Berlin’s City West district—a mid-century modernist building from the 1950s, nicknamed for its open-sided second floor that gave it the appearance of a two-piece “bikini.” Originally designed by architects Paul Schwebes and Hans Schoszberger, the structure has become a local landmark. The hotel was transformed by designer Werner Aisslinger, who embraced an “Urban Jungle” concept—blending raw industrial elements with lush greenery to mirror the hotel’s unique setting between the bustling city and the adjacent Berlin Zoo.

The hotel features 149 individually styled rooms, divided into Urban and Jungle categories. Urban rooms offer panoramic views of Berlin’s skyline with exposed concrete, steel fixtures, and minimalist design. Jungle rooms overlook the Berlin Zoo and are outfitted with hammocks, warm wood tones, and nature-inspired elements for a calming retreat. The rooftop restaurant NENI Berlin serves a fusion of Mediterranean, Persian, and Austrian cuisine, while the lively Monkey Bar is known for its creative cocktails and sweeping views across the city.

Located on Budapester Straße, 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin sits at the crossroads of urban energy and green escape. The hotel is adjacent to the Berlin Zoo and Tiergarten, and steps away from the concept shopping mall Bikini Berlin. With easy access to cultural landmarks, boutique shops, and public transport, the neighborhood offers an ideal base for exploring both the classic and contemporary sides of Berlin.

Telegraphenamt

Hotel Telegraphenamt is a boutique hotel in Berlin’s Mitte district, housed in the city’s former main telegraph office, designed by architects Wilhelm Walter and Max Lehmann and completed in 1916. In 2022, the building was transformed by the award-winning architecture and design firm DREIMETA, which preserved original elements such as historic columns, vaulted ceilings, and exposed brick walls while introducing refined contemporary interiors.

The hotel features 97 uniquely designed rooms, maisonettes, and suites ranging from 21 to 140 square meters. Guests can enjoy seasonal, globally inspired cuisine at ROOT, the hotel’s signature restaurant situated under an impressive glass dome. A wellness center with a sauna and hammam provides a calm retreat from the city’s energy. Adding to the hotel’s vibrant atmosphere is Dieselhaus, a modern brewery-style restaurant located within the same complex. Dieselhaus offers a blend of Bavarian beer culture and Berlin flair, serving traditional German dishes like Schweinebraten and Käsespätzle, complemented by beers from the historic Hofbräuhaus Traunstein.

Located next to Monbijou Park, Telegraphenamt places guests within walking distance of Berlin’s key cultural landmarks, including Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, and Hackescher Markt. The surrounding neighborhood is known for its creative energy, with an eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants lining nearby Oranienburger Straße.

Michelberger Hotel

Michelberger Hotel is a creative boutique hotel located in Berlin’s Friedrichshain district, set in a former 1903 factory building. Original industrial features—including tall ceilings, large factory windows, and exposed brick walls—have been retained and integrated into the hotel’s unique design. The interiors were shaped by a collaboration between designers Werner Aisslinger, Jonathan Tuckey Design, and Sigurd Larsen, combining vintage furniture, custom wallpapers, and playful contemporary details.

The hotel offers 132 uniquely designed rooms, ranging from compact “Cosy” options for solo travelers or couples to expansive “Hideouts” featuring mezzanine sleeping areas, kitchenettes, and private saunas. Each room emphasizes comfort, with high-quality mattresses and organic linens. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s restaurant, which focuses on organic, locally sourced cuisine, a relaxed café-bar serving drinks and snacks, and a lively courtyard that regularly hosts music and social events.

Situated on Warschauer Straße, Michelberger Hotel is just steps from the East Side Gallery and the Spree River. The Friedrichshain neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife, creative energy, and independent spirit, with plenty of bars, clubs, galleries, and cafés nearby. Its excellent public transport connections also make it an ideal base for exploring Berlin’s broader cultural landscape.

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For our comprehensive cultural guide to Berlin, please refer to the designated link provided.