"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?Turn off bustling Friedrichstrasse and walk through a small courtyard, where you’ll spot a glass elevator emblazoned with AMO. One level down you’ll step into an underground lobby—the first of its kind in Berlin—a sprawling, thoroughly glam space outfitted in plush velvet seating, brass-accented glass tables, shelves of art tomes, and a groovy, gold-tiled gas fireplace. The breakfast area is behind heavy velvet curtains off of the lobby, and the bar is tucked around the corner. What's the backstory?The newest in the hip German mini-chain Amano Group, the AMO opened in June 2019 in a converted office building. The boutique brand bills itself as affordable luxury coupled with a cool bar scene, and AMO delivers on both fronts. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?Spread across five floors, the 93 rooms range from a cozy Economy (measuring around 150 square feet) to the 300-square-foot Superior. All are similarly decorated, with sleek dark-wood floors, deep blue velvet headboards and furnishings, and understated brass accents. Depending on the category, rooms have two twin beds or queens or kings; bathrooms, decorated with chic white subway tiles, are remarkably large and feature cavernous walk-in showers. Best are rooms on the top floor, which feature high ceilings and large skylights with shades that open and close at the touch of a button. Amenities are limited—there is no minibar or full room service—but an in-room tablet lets you order drinks and snacks, book a table in the hotel group’s restaurants, and explore area tourist attractions. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?Wi-Fi is free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Breakfast (not included) is a buffet with a hearty spread of meats and cheeses. As it’s underground, there’s very little natural light, but if the weather allows, enjoy it al fresco in the charming cobblestone courtyard. Lunch and dinner are next door at the lively Joseph. The Middle Eastern–inflected menu includes meat and veggie skewers, grilled merguez with hummus, and salmon in a falafel crust. The weekly lunch special, gently priced at 12 euro for two courses or 14.50 euro with dessert, is popular with locals. And the service?There's no queueing up in the lobby if you use mobile check-in; you can do away with key cards by downloading a digital smart key. The hotel can arrange for you to rent e-bikes and scooters. What type of travelers will you find here?Young, hip, mainly European guests looking for an affordable, stylish stay. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?Smack-dab in the heart of Mitte and surrounded by trendy bars, restaurants, cafes, and shopping, the hotel doesn’t get any better, location-wise. Any other hotel features worth noting?The crowning glory at AMO is its bar: a narrow, dimly lit, seductive space dominated by gleaming black marble. Cocktails are blended with house-made creations like sage and Szechuan pepper–infused cognac and distilled miso essence—even the tonic water is made in house. On Fridays and Saturdays, things get really energetic with live DJs. (Note: this is a smoking bar.) There is no spa or gym, but you can book a day pass to the fitness chain John Reed (a 20-minute walk) for a discounted rate (8.50 euro). Bottom line: Worth it? Why?Unless you're craving a large room with lots of bells and whistles, the AMO makes for an ideal stay. It offers a fantastic location, an excellent bar, and wallet-friendly prices." - Jennifer Ceaser
