Leonardo Hotel Berlin

The dramatically sloping windows of the building's ground floor indicate that what's behind the hotel's unassuming black sign is more interesting than the rest of its red-brick facade. Trendy modernism strikes this lobby, with bold colors of red, black, and plum in statement pieces such as high-backed leather chairs and floral vine wallpaper. The overall look is pristine, yet cheerful and welcoming. A small lobby bar, Wilma's, is squeezed between two columns and has comfortable seating, though it's not much of a place to spend the evening. The large breakfast and rooms both have a red-and-light-green color scheme that's toned down with wood furniture and white walls. 

Located on a quiet main road in Charlottenburg, the heart of former West Berlin, the Leonardo Hotel Berlin is well-located for both business and leisure travelers. Although not as central to top sights as a stay in tourist-central Mitte, the hotel is highly connected to transit: A U2/U7 subway line is just outside the door, and the Charlottenburg S-Bahn (overground and commuter train) station is a 15-minute walk away. Business travelers will find themselves a direct subway journey away from Messe Berlin, the city's massive convention and conference center. Meanwhile, plenty of fine dining options exist nearby, though travelers shouldn't miss checking out the noodle houses of the city's nearby Chinatown (about a 12-minute subway journey). Grocery and other everyday shops are across the street. 

Seeing most of the city's top tourist attractions will require around a 30-minute ride on the subway, but the U2 can take visitors directly to most top attractions. The massive Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe), which is the largest department store in continental Europe, is a 10-minute subway journey away. The entrance to Tiergarten, Berlin's expansive central park, is a 15-minute subway ride from the hotel, and the zoo a mere six. Other tourist top spots are farther afield: Alexanderplatz is about a half-hour on the subway; Checkpoint Charlie is 25 minutes; and Museum Island about 35. 

Tegel Airport is the closest airport, at about a 20-minute bus or 15-minute taxi ride away, while Schonefeld Airport is an hour-long transit ride and 30-minute taxi ride from the hotel. 

Spacious rooms are well-maintained with a modern design and a color scheme featuring soft greens, plums, and pops of cherry reds. Double rooms are typical of Northern European hotels and consist of two single beds pushed together, each with separate bedding. Twin rooms are essentially the same, but one bed is pushed away from the headboard and the two are separated by a table. Triple rooms have one double bed and a twin-sized bed across the room, which are great for parents and one child. Rooms all have a tea and coffee tray with a kettle and a flat-screen TV, plus free Wi-Fi and a safe. There are no mini-fridges.

Bathrooms are compact and more toned down, with beige walls and brown backsplash above the sinks. Showers have good pressure but are on the small side. Oddly, many rooms (including the family-oriented triple room) have open showers that aren't closed off from the rest of the room. Guests should request a closed bathroom if seeking privacy. Hairdryers and Sea of Spa toiletries are provided. 

Built for efficiency, the hotel is lacking a few three-pearl facilities, most notably a gym and full restaurant. However, what it does offer is practical for most travelers and quite good in terms of quality. Although there are many cafes and bakeries just outside the door, the hotel's breakfast is excellent and surprisingly expansive. The lobby has a grab-and-go counter, along with Wilma's, the small bar. Free water, coffee, and fruit is available at reception, too. For business travelers, there's a large meeting room with seating for around 15, as well as a whiteboard and projector. Free Wi-Fi is available to guests throughout the property. Parking is located through the back in the courtyard. However, it's expensive and guests might be better parking on the street.