Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte

Built in 2014, Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte is one of the city's newest design hotels. Designed by Eike Becker Architects, the avant-garde, 10-story exterior has a glass-and-metal facade, which resembles a stack of windowed cubes with recessed balconies; the highest four stories taper into a tiered pyramid. The minimalist and streamlined interiors are by renowned designer Philippe Starck's Yoo design company. The red shiny floors and cubed shelving units showcasing contemporary sculptures are the first things guests see when entering the lobby. Other design accents, like the high-backed tufted sofas and armchairs, wire-frame floor lamps, and shimmery gold-laced chandeliers hanging over the reception counter make for a splashy look. Hallways are decked out in a pale gray, with large vintage photographs of Berlin streets in bright colors adorning the walls. Clientele is a mix of business travelers and tourists, including couples and families.

Located in the popular Mitte district of the former East Berlin (walking distance to Checkpoint Charlie) and close to the River Spree, Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte is within walking distance of Friedrichstrasse U-Bahn and S-Bahn station. The neighborhood is known for its many trendy restaurants, shops, and cafes. 

• Five-minute walk to Friedrichstrasse U-Bahn and S-Bahn station 
• 14-minute walk to Brandenburg Gate 
• 15-minute walk to Reichstag Building
• Seven minutes to Berlin Central Train Station by public transportation
• Eight minutes to Alexanderplatz by public transportation
• 10 minutes to Berlin TV Tower by public transportation
• 11 minutes to Potsdamer Platz by public transportation
• 12 minutes to Checkpoint Charlie Museum by public transportation
• 13 minutes to Berlin Wall Memorial by public transportation
• 13 minutes to Museum Island by public transportation
• 25 minutes to Kurfuerstendamm shopping street by public transportation
• 35 minutes to Berlin Tegel Airport by public transportation

Decorated in plush earth tones, the guest rooms evoke a sense of calm, with sand-colored accent walls, white lacquered furniture, tan curtains, and carpeting lined in wide taupe and brown stripes. Swivel chairs upholstered in cognac velour give a rich, retro touch. Open wardrobes are cleverly tucked into shelving units. Decorations are kept to a minimum, but wall-mounted, faceted lamps cast a sunburst pattern on the walls, and slender vases with white lilies adds a delicate touch. 

In contrast to the natural tones of the guest rooms, bathrooms are decked out in deep coral walls and brown tiles. White vessel sinks are set on gray granite sink tops, and the roomy walk-in showers are fitted with rainfall showerheads. Sea of Spa toiletries, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers are provided. All rooms are air-conditioned, and include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, kettles, mini-fridges (but no minibars), safes, and free drinking water.

Measuring 193 square feet, standard Comfort Rooms can be cramped, especially for two people, but Superior and Executive Rooms are roomier, measuring 236 and 290 square feet, respectively. These rooms have terraces or balconies with views over the city's rooftops. The 925-square-foot Presidential Suite includes a separate living area, kitchenette with full-size fridge, stove-top, sink, Nespresso machine, cutlery, plates, and cookware. In addition to standard amenities, this suite adds a soaking tub, a sound system, trouser press, and a balcony furnished with lounge chairs.

Past guests have pointed out a few notable sticking points: inconveniently placed electrical plugs, curtains that easily detach from their rods, and some stains on the carpeting. Also, rooms are tight on storage, and the open wardrobes are narrow.

Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte misses a few of the features that are usually expected in an upscale hotel, such as a full-service restaurant. But breakfast is offered buffet-style in a spacious dining area; it includes hot and cold dishes, as well as fresh fruit, juice, tea, and coffee, but it's not included in the rates. The adjacent “Circus” lounge bar has a retro look with neon lighting, hanging lamps, and stylish sofas. A wellness area includes a sauna, and a tiny fitness center with only four machines: a treadmill, elliptical trainer, a stationary bike, and a bench press. There are two meeting rooms with a cozy attached business lounge furnished with lime-green modern sofas and colorful armchairs, a refreshment area, and attached balcony. The business center has four computers connected to printers. Other services include luggage storage, laundry and ironing, and room service. Wi-Fi is free throughout.