Mitte / Hackescher Markt

Motel One Berlin-Hackescher Markt

★★★★★

Motel One is Germany's favourite budget design chain, and its hotel at Hackescher Markt is one of the best-located of its many Berlin addresses, at Dircksenstrasse 36, in the heart of Mitte, close to the S-Bahn station at Hackescher Markt and a short walk from Museum Island, the TV Tower and Alexanderplatz. The formula is simple and well done: one room type, The One, at about 16 square metres, with a queen or king bed, a large flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi and a granite bathroom with a rain shower, designed with the brand's signature turquoise accents, good beds and quality materials. What you save on space and extras, you can spend on the city. The heart of the hotel is the One Lounge, a stylish combined lobby, bar and breakfast room, where the design at Hackescher Markt draws on the neighbourhood, with Art Nouveau influences, contemporary tape artwork by the collective Tape That and upcycled pieces mixed with designer furniture. The lounge serves drinks and snacks from the afternoon into the evening, and the optional breakfast buffet is served on weekday mornings from 6am to 10am and on weekends and holidays from 7am to 11am. The location is the real selling point: Hackescher Markt is one of the most attractive and lively corners of Mitte, with the restored courtyards of the Hackesche Hoefe, the boutiques and galleries of the Spandauer Vorstadt, and countless cafes and restaurants, and it is close to Museum Island across the river. The S-Bahn at Hackescher Markt runs directly to the main station, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstrasse and Zoologischer Garten, making it a practical base for exploring the whole city. Rates are among the best value for central Berlin, though they rise at weekends and during trade fairs.

What to expect: rooms are compact but cleverly designed, quiet and comfortable, ideal for couples and solo travellers who spend most of their time out. Families of more than two will need two rooms, as there is no larger room type. There is no restaurant beyond the breakfast and the lounge, but you are surrounded by places to eat. Staff are efficient and friendly, and the lounge is a pleasant place for a drink after a long day of sightseeing.

The neighbourhood: walk out of the door into the Spandauer Vorstadt, the old quarter north of the river, with the Hackesche Hoefe, the Rosenthaler Strasse and the Sophienstrasse, the New Synagogue on Oranienburger Strasse and the galleries of Auguststrasse. Museum Island is about ten minutes on foot across the Spree, the DDR Museum and the cathedral a few minutes more, and the TV Tower and Alexanderplatz are a short walk east.

Who it suits: first-time visitors on a budget who want to be central, travellers who value design and a good bed over space and facilities, and anyone planning to spend their money on museums, food and nights out. Book directly or early for the best rates, as prices rise sharply during big events. If you need more space, a pool or a restaurant, choose one of the larger hotels in this guide instead.