Movenpick Hotel Berlin

Housed in the former Siemens factory, the Movenpick Hotel Berlin, part of the Swiss Movenpick hotel group, pairs industrial elements from the building's 1914 structure with starkly modern decor. The arched entryway speaks to the hotel's architectural history, while the lobby pairs modern light-tile floors with light-gray walls and a rich, natural wood reception desk. Several small, carpeted sitting areas include gray couches and armchairs grouped around oblong wood coffee tables, creating an intimate ambience. The Lobby Bar, has a small purple-lit bar and a cozy lounge with mosaic carpeting, pendant lighting, and gray chairs clustered around wood tables. The hotel's Hof zwei restaurant, set in what was the factory's courtyard, has a colorful mosaic-tile floor and a retractable glass ceiling that's opened during good weather. With it's exceptional location, high-end vibe, and business amenities, the hotel draws a good share of couples and business travelers.

The Movenpick Hotel Berlin is situated along a pleasant street in the hip neighborhood of Kreuzberg, an eight-minute walk to Potsdamer Platz, one of Berlin's major public squares. This tourist-friendly area is within walking distance of the Topography of Terror (eight minutes), Checkpoint Charlie (12 minutes), Tiergarten park (15 minutes), and the Brandenburg Gate (20 minutes or five minutes via public transportation). The Berlin Anhalter Bahnhof S-Bahn Station is a two-minute walk from the hotel. Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) is 35 to 40 minutes away via public transportation, or about a 20-minute drive, while the smaller Schonefeld Airport Berlin is 45 to 50 minutes away by public transportation, or a 25- to 30-minute drive. The hotel will arrange airport transfers, which come with a fee. 

The 243 rooms at the Moevenpick Hotel Berlin are starkly modern. Blue or gray wall-to-wall carpeting meets white or yellow walls, while parquet-style wood furniture, cup-shaped upholstered chairs, and bright accents add a touch of quirk. All rooms have work desks, wardrobes, and individually controlled AC in addition to LED TVs, safes, minibars, and free Wi-Fi -- though guests have complained about a weak signal. Coffeemakers and kettles are available on request. Bathrooms tend to be large in all the room categories, with tiny beige floor-to-ceiling tiling. Some bathrooms have separate sink and toilet stalls, while upgraded rooms have separate tubs and showers. All include hairdryers and toiletries.

Room categories include standard Classic Rooms (which at 215 square feet can be small), Superior and Deluxe Rooms, and Junior and Tower Suites. Most rooms have views of the courtyard, but some face the city. Some of the higher-end rooms have sitting areas, and can include little extras like free drinks and slippers.

The hotel has a host of features geared toward business and leisure travelers alike. The Hof zwei restaurant, set in the original courtyard, serves a seasonal menu of modern fusion dishes inspired by Swiss and Mediterranean cuisine, and has its own pastry chef. Its movable roof is opened in good weather. Its adjoining bar and lounge is open from morning until late. A daily breakfast buffet includes a spread of croissants, Muesli, yogurt, fresh fruit, and boiled eggs, but it's not included in the room rate and guests complain that it's pricey. Room service is available, but the hours are limited.

The hotel's 12 stylish event rooms can hold up to 300 people for meetings, cocktail hours, or other events -- some have a courtyard setting. The restored Siemenssaal Room has parquet floors, dark-wood wainscoting, and an elegant coffered ceiling. Two computers and a printer are available for guests' use 24 hours a day in the business center. A small fitness center has cardio equipment, free weights, and exercise balls. While there's no on-site spa or pool, the hotel has a relationship with the nearby Liquidrom Spa, a four-minute walk from the hotel. Bike rentals are available through the hotel.

The hotel offers concierge services, and it can arrange for tickets, dry cleaning or laundry, luggage storage, or childcare. Airport transfers and parking are available for extra fees. As of early 2016, Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.