Hotel Angleterre

Modeled on Old-English design and decor, the Angleterre Hotel was once an architectural gem, with its Palaisgebaude facade dating back to 1891. However, subsequent renovations have allowed only glimmers of the Gilded Age to shine through: sweeping staircases, crystal chandeliers, and frescos near the entrance meet with high-gloss wood laminate surfaces and walls throughout, while the narrow hallways are uninspired dark-red carpeting and white walls. The hotel is overdue for a renovation that successfully marries modern touches with its historical treasures. The hotel's guests are a mixed clientele, with business travelers, couples, families, and singles all checking in here. 

Located on a larger street in Kreuzberg, Angleterre Hotel is located in the less-hipster area of one of Berlin's trendiest neighborhoods. Given the amount of tourist attractions in the area and ensuing density of tourists, it's not overflowing with character. However, for guests looking to explore Berlin on foot, it doesn't get much better. The property is south of Checkpoint Charlie and the Wall Museum (four-minute walk or less), just west of contemporary art museum Berlinische Galerie (11-minute walk), east of the essential Topographie des Terrors (10-minute walk), and north of the Jewish Museum (seven-minute walk). Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and the massive Tiergarten Park are also close by (about 15 minutes by public transit). Potsdamer Platz and the massive Mall of Berlin -- with an Aldi and a more upmarket grocery store inside -- are also within a 15-minute walking distance. 

Guests staying in the area will also be spoiled for choice when it comes to food and restaurants, especially fine dining, although they might do better to take the subway (located just outside the hotel's door) to less-touristy areas for dining that's a bit less fancy at better price points. Berlin Tegel Airport is 20 minutes away by car. 

Rooms don't tie in the historical aspect of the hotel as well as they might. Instead, they're rather generically (and datedly) done up, though the floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light. The design consists of either old-fashioned red carpet or more attractive parquet flooring, simple wood furniture, and neutral-tone or warm earth-tone linens. Standard rooms are tight on space and the most in need of renovation, however, framed globe and map prints are a pleasant touch. Suites are the best of the bunch, with ornate, restored ceilings and huge, gorgeous paintings.  

For guests traveling as a couple, it's worth noting that double beds are made up German-style, which means two single duvets (so each person gets their own) instead of a larger one to share. Rooms all have flat-screen TVs (though English channels are limited), minibars, and in-room safes; those with balconies are fitted with two chairs and a table. Bathrooms are adequately sized, with either shower/tub combos or showers. No toiletries are provided beyond an all-in-one soap pump in the shower. 

In keeping with the rest of the property, rooms need a good freshening up: The carpets are becoming worn, pillows are wearing thin, and some water rings are visible on desks. Tea- and coffee-making facilities, as well as irons, aren't automatically supplied in every room, but they're available upon request. Guests should also note that rooms are non-smoking on request. 

The property offers a continental breakfast buffet with a few hot dishes at the on-site Da Vinci restaurant; however, it's not included and a bit pricey. For lunch and dinner, the menu changes to offer up quality Italian cuisine at reasonable prices. The hotel's Die Bar draws on English tradition, featuring beers and whiskeys from the British Isles. The hotel also offers occasional murder mystery dinners in its event room (separate booking is required). Guests can use the on-site sauna for a fee, plus massages can be booked. The small but adequate gym is free for guests, as is Wi-Fi throughout the property. A business center with a printer is available and there are meeting and event spaces.