Berlin has long been home to some of the most affordable accommodations you'll find in Europe, but even more deals are likely to abound this year. According to a Gogobot study, the city received fewer visitors in 2015 compared to recent years, and savvy travelers know that more availability often translates into better prices. Almodóvar Hotel -- a tasteful, wellness-conscious property that's environmentally friendly to boot -- is just one example of the chic and budget-friendly digs on offer. Here’s our report.
What’s Hot: The hotel’s restaurant and wine bar, Bistro Bardot, features organic, vegetarian dishes and beverages with a Mediterranean bent. The kitchen puts a big effort into creating raw food cuisine as well as warm tapas, salads, and entrees. Expect the likes of fresh chickpea bread topped with a refreshing tomato relish for €5.5 (just over $6); turnip risotto with a mushroom and walnut sauce for €14 (about $15); and paella with vegetables, smoked tofu, and seaweed for €16. Even the green smoothies are organic, and vegans have lots to choose from here.
Best Feature: For travelers looking for great dining and nightlife, the hotel’s location couldn’t be more convenient. The property sits on a quiet street in the heart of Friedrichshain, a trendy East Berlin neighborhood filled with restaurants, bars and clubs, and boutique stores. Once home to the alternative movement, Friedrichshain is a particularly great area for a day of wandering, too -- you'll find fantastic street art everywhere, including the murals at the famed East Side Gallery.
The Rooms: The hotel's 60 airy rooms get plenty of natural light, boasting a minimalistic chic design with sustainable rosewood furnishing and pops of red for a little punch. Plenty of outlets are available by the beds as well as the desk -- perhaps due to the fact that the hotel opened its doors less than four years ago with the modern traveler in mind. The standard rooms are the cheapest, but spring for the courtyard rooms and you’ll have a balcony to enjoy. Most rooms accommodate up to two guests, including the four suites and penthouse suite with private sauna, while the two apartments can sleep up to four.
Who Will Love It: The hotel’s clean aesthetic and clean cuisine caters well to the design-oriented and health-minded crowds. For those who like to take time to unwind, there’s a small spa on the rooftop -- whose lounge doubles as a great napping spot for redeye travelers landing early in the day.
Who Might Not: Hardcore carnivores might not be satisfied with the hotel's vegetarian dishes (though there are plenty of other dining options within a quick walk from the hotel). And while the hotel is certainly tasteful and comfortable, it exudes a vibe that's more zen than trendy -- those looking for the sleekest digs may be better off in shinier neighborhoods like Mitte.
Nearby: Friedrichshain's own offerings aside, you’ll find canal strolls, food halls, and more dining and art in the neighboring areas of Kreuzberg and Neukolln. For exploring the rest of the city, there are numerous trains and buses within a five to 10 minutes' walk from the property.
Rates, Deals, Special Offers: This spring, standard double rooms start from €95 per night (roughly $105), while superior double rooms and courtyard double rooms start from just over €100. Rates include WiFi and spa access.
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Getting There: The hotel is roughly a half-hour drive from Tegel and Schonefeld airports.
