Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz

Built in 1970, this hotel towers 37 stories above the busy Alexanderplatz, crawling with tourists. An entryway with floor-to-ceiling windows leads into the sprawling lobby where a long, curving front desk is covered by an overwhelming amount of multilingual signage. There's a seating area with boxy furniture and a swirly rug, while square hanging lamps, multiple gift shops, and a separate concierge stand are spread out through the airport-like space.

This hotel has a prime spot on Alexanderplatz square next to the Television Tower, surrounded by restaurants and attractions. Several S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations are within walking distance. Also nearby via car or public transport are Berlin Central Station, the Reichstag, and Brandenburg Gate. Berlin is Germany’s capital and largest city, best known for its lively nightlife (restaurants and bars stay open late), cafes, museums, palaces, street art, and numerous historic sights. Berlin Tegel Airport is a 25-minute drive northwest and Berlin Schönefeld Airport is about 30 minutes southeast.

There are a wide variety of options between the 1,012 rooms here, ranging from tiny singles to large Suites. The hotel is currently renovating 650 of those rooms until the end of August 2017. The smallest resemble the cramped units found on a cruise ship, with a highly compact design and free-standing glass stalls (one with a toilet, another with a walk-in shower) in place of a real bathroom. Corner Rooms and Superior Corner Rooms come with extra seating/work space and a coffeemaker while also including Wi-Fi and breakfast. The bathrooms, as quirky and minimal as many of them are, do have heated floors. There are also some unusual Colour Suites that have no windows for those who want to immerse themselves in dim, ambient lighting for sleeping in after late Berlin nights. All rooms have an earth-toned contemporary decor with an in-room safe.

The hotel's rooftop terrace caters to the extreme sport of base flying, with a winch rappel system rigged to hold participants 37 stories off the ground before plunging them in a controlled fall to the plaza below. For the fainter of heart, there’s a large full-service spa with a sauna, juice bar, and relaxation room. The modern fitness center was fully renovated in 2015. Spagos Restaurant, Bar & Lounge sits on the ground floor with indoor and outdoor patio seating. The eatery specializes in California influenced cuisine with an open show kitchen and hosts live music every night. Also on-site, Zille-Stube serves traditional German food and local Berlin dishes, while Humboldt's covers the breakfast buffet (only included in some rates) as well as weekend brunch. The hotel's event spaces include 11 flexible meeting rooms and an industrial space on the 37th floor capable of hosting up to 320 people, with 360-degree panoramic views of Berlin.