On our last trip to Europe we made a nice long stop in Germany’s coolest city, Berlin. In search of a quintessential ‘anything goes’ Berlin experience we settled into the super hip Michelberger Hotel in Friedrichshain. While our stay got off to a rocky start due to lack of sleep during the heatwave which saw scorching temperatures of 35°C++, even the hotels lack of air conditioning couldn’t keep the charm from showing through.
The hotel is laced with quirkiness at every turn; The Big Lebowski plays on repeat in all the hallways, and even has its own dedicated channel in every room, in case you miss a scene. They also have their own brand of coconut water called Fountain of Youth which you can find all over the city in some of the coolest spots.
Located across from the Warschauer Straße U-Bahn station, the hotel is right in the heart of the East side, a ten minute walk to the East Side Gallery where the longest stretch of the Berlin wall stands. No hotel room is alike in design at the Michelberger, all 119 rooms vary from loft to library to chalet and feature minimal touches of bright colours, wooden lamps on hanging coloured cords and flea market finds like vintage furniture, books, dishes, and vases. In the bathroom you’ll find Orla Kiely products, mirrors hung on ropes, rope towel racks, but nothing decadent since this hotel technically falls into the budget (read: hipster) category.
A popular choice for celebrities like Thom York and Michael Cera, who we spotted staying at the hotel with his band, the place is as hip as they come making it hub for creatives visiting the city and likewise for its residences.
It also boasts a pretty epic all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast everyday in their formal restaurant space which features an entirely local assortment of everything from granola and yogurt (we even spotted quark!), made your own waffles, charcuterie, fresh fruit, eggs, fresh bread, and even table service espresso.
While we wouldn’t recommend staying here on your first trip to the city (it can be quite an adjustment), especially if you tend to favour a traditional hotel experience (you know sleeping, blasting A/C, and mini bars), the Michelberger is a pretty incredible place.
Take a look at some photos below.
